The Great Leap Forward

The Great Leap Forward...that's what they called it when Chairman Mao pushed the Chinese populace to export more food (to the point of which the general public was starving) and melt down steel for export (which had peasants thowing everything metal...including necessary items such as cooking pots and tools into the fires) so that China could import factory and military technology to modernize their country. The plan was a fiasco ending with countless dying of starvation and many of Mao's own camrades turning on him. Too much too fast at too large a sacrafice. However, when traveling through China today...high speed trains darting through city after city of high rises past world monuments in the shadows of modern marvels, you have to wonder if this is the China Mao had envisioned. And in the process of leaping, has China missed out on something along the way? We crossed China by train this summer to find out.

We started our trip in Shanghai - a thriving metropolis with sky scrapers in quirky shapes (one with a spire engulfed by a giant ball, The Pearl Tower and one with a giant open square in the middle, The Bottle Opener) lit up in every shade of neon imagineable. Kid-friendly activities range from an aquarium with "the world's largest underwater acrylic tunnel" to a massive science museum with Disney-esque displays on rainforests and robots. Expansive concrete squares and walkways were surrounded by designer shops with neon signs and upscale eateries, but there was something missing - Chinese history and culture. There are parts of Shanghai that nod to the past...the French Quarter, the Bund, the Yu Gardens area, but most are tourist attractions, not living history.

None-the-less the kids loved strolling down the paths and feeding coi fish in the Yu Gardens and bargaining for Mao merchandise (a watch with Mao's hand waving as the second hand or a general's hat from the Red Army) by the gates. The dumplings at the stalls nearby were outstanding (Nathan - our ten-year-old's new favorite food) but the line to get them was just as outstanding...they're very popular and there are A LOT of people in China! The people of Shanghai are very modern...in Western dress, with mobile phones, eating at Western fast food chains and moving at break-neck paces...unfortunately no one has schooled them on Western manners as lines are non-existent (people just tend to surge forward in a swarm-like fashion) and spitting is rampant (although signs are posted everywhere warning against the practice as it spreads germs), but it's all part of the fun of foreign travel, right? After Shanghai, we decided to head up the Yangtze River to the interior of China to see if this modernization had spread into the countryside. We purchased China train tickets through ACP Rail before we left and they delivered them to our accommodations in Shanghai.

On the overnight train from Shanghai to Chongqing, we got a bit more of the non-line formation as the crowd pushed forward on the train platform as if Justin Bieber had just walked by. We held back a little and found that we could board the train just as easily after the rush as over and we had assigned cabins anyway, so what was the point of pushing? The kids loved the train journey! Although not many people spoke English (only one or two people and very limited at that), Westerners were a bit of a novelty...more than one person during our weeks of overnight trains asked why we didn't fly. In addition to getting to see the countryside whiz by the window

and meeting locals, immersing in the culture, another benefit to overnight trains is that the price includes a night of accommodation....and the kids thought the bunk beds were pretty cool. Everytime the kids walked through a compartment the whole crowd would turn and stare and that's when the pictures started as well...about once or twice per compartment, someone would ask us to sit and take a picture with them. The kids thought it was great...just like being famous. They also liked the bunk beds in the train compartment (we traveled on soft sleepers which were private compartments with four beds and air conditioning). We didn't pack much to eat thinking we could eat on the train, but the options were very limited. We did hit the fruit cart for bananas a few times and had Ramen noodles.

In Chongqing, we boarded a ship for a three-night journey with Sanctuary Retreats down the Yangtze River through the infamous Three River Gorges. As many of you know, one of the world's largest dams, the Yangtze River Dam, was constructed in this past decade in an effort to control flooding at produce hydro-electricity, an effort which caused the relocation of millions of Chinese people and flooded over many historic buildings and sacred places. With the change of scenery and relocation of towns, we wanted to see how this leap forward had affected the countryside. In the first stop on our cruise, the cruise director had arranged for our group to visit both a traditional home and a new home for people who were relocated. The traditional home was obviously more rustic - dirt floors, simple furnishings, limited electricity - life as always. While the modern apartment into which families were relocated had air conditioning, glass windows and tile floors, but the inhabitant said the biggest draw back was that she was separated from her neighbors - a leap away from traditional community - and she missed that. At the end of the journey, a wide slab of concrete juts a mile and a half across the Yangtze with much controversy. The Yangtze River Dam is the largest construction project in China since the Great Wall (Mao would be proud as it was he who originally suggested a large dam here during the "Great Leap Forward").

The dam has been the source of much heated discussion due to its relocation of almost 2 million locals and the environmental impact of displacing that much water. Although the soaring limestone cliffs are less soaring now (the water was raised by almost a football field) they are still spectacular and a journey through the gorges is well worth doing.

Our ship docked in Yichang where we boarded an overnight train to the political heart of China, Beijing. The center of Beijing is the vast cement slab of Tiananmen Square which is guarded over by a massive portrait of Chairman Mao (hanging from the entrance to the Forbidden City - the last home of the emperors of China and one of the few ancient sites that was not plowed over during the Communist take-over).

Tiananmen Square was originally built for the people, but today, due to riot control, security is tight, there is no filming and it is closed at night. The square is surrounded on two sides by Communist/government buildings. The third side is lined with Western fast food chains (Mao is probably rolling over in his masolaeum, which is in the center of the square) and the fourth is the Forbidden City.

The soaring red doors, colorful murals and curled up corners of the buildings in the Forbidden City is quite a contrast to the gray cement rectangles of the Communist era buildings nearby...a leap right over any local architectural tradition. The kids enjoy wandering through the narrow alleys of the Forbidden City.

They meet kids snacking on chicken feet (a common snack food here in China)

and are asked to have their picture taken over and over again. They are starting to get the idea of why famous people become reclusive. But it's short-lived so they're happy to oblige. We learn about the emperors and empresses that live here and what life was like in the royal court.

If there is a feather in the hat of Chinese progress, it's their hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games. About 45 minutes out of the center of Beijing, we visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube - landmarks from the games. The kids are delighted to find the Water Cube, where Michael Phellps set so many records, has been repurposed into Asia's largest indoor water park. So they hop in, sliding down two story slides, hopping around the wave pool and joining the locals as they "splash attack" various other patrons.

The other highlight to our trip to Beijing is a visit to the other great construction project in China...the Great Wall. The wall runs over 5,000 miles from northeastern China following near the Mongolian border. We had been approached in Tiananmen Square by an English speaking driver to hire a private car for four of us, which turned out to be cheaper than taking an organized tour. Badaling is the closest wall access to Beijing, but it's very crowded, so we head to Mutianyu about 50 miles from town. After weaving through trinket sellers, where Seamus enjoyed tasting amazing dried fruits, we found a chairlift to the top of the wall. The chairlift looks like something from a 1950s film set in Switzerland with rickety chairs with narrow seats, but the views are incredible and the kids thought it was lots of fun. I'm glad we decided to take the chairlift too because once you are at the top there is plenty of hiking along the wall and the kids would have been too worn out by the intial hike to do too much exploring. The kids had lots of fun imagining they were Chinese soldiers and the huns were attacking as they ran up steps to the watchtowers that connect the walls, peering out narrow, stone windows through the forest where the wall bumped and dipped along the form of the mountain terrain winding off into the distance. After a couple hours appreciating the wall, it was time to head down, but instead of hiking we took the luge.

You read it right...they have a long metal slide with go karts that wind down the mountain side back to the base. Cheesey tourist attraction...yes, but not something you can pass up with two little boys. It ended up being a neat way to get down...gliding quietly through the forest.

If Beijing is the political capital of China then Shanghai is the capitalist and financial capital, but how does Hong Kong fit into this modern country? Our last stop in China showed us that not much has changed in this British enclave...at least on the surface. You still have to go through immigration to and from China, they still use different money...you get the idea. The one thing that I noticed was different from last time we were there, which was just around the time of the British hand over, is less British pubs. We stayed at Park Hotel Hong Kong in Tsimshatsui - an area lined with mostly Chinese restaurants and great shops selling everything from fashion clothes to Chinese trinkets. The kids enjoyed a surprise trip to Hong Kong Disneyland while we were there. The park is set up very similar to the original, although it is smaller with a few rides missing. But they enjoyed the Jungle Cruise ("It's even better than the original with fire and water geysers!" says Seamus) and of course, "it's a small world", where the no-lines culture hit a feverish pace as visitors pushed to board the little boats standing back to belly, filling in every bit of space. At night we enjoyed gelato at the top of Victoria Peak overlooking the city lights.

With the massive construction (cranes on almost every building it seems) and cities popping out of what used to be farmland, and two more dams in the works, even bigger than the Yangtze River Dam, it seems China is still taking a huge leap forward. Where it will end up, especially in this world's economy, is yet to be determined. But if you want to see ancient China with its winding hutongs and rice fields, and travel through a foreign country where few speak English and squid on a stick is a popular snack (even in Disneyland) then you best go fast as they may soon leap right beyond the cultural divide.

Travel With Kids on Hulu.com

Around the World in Six Fabulous Bits of Nature

With all of last month's earth celebrations, I took time to reflect on all the natural highlights this globe has to offer. From lush green rainforests to fish-filled tropical reefs to grassy savannahs dotted with herds of elephants and giraffes, our globe has a bountiful feast of natural features. It used to be that global exploration was for the well-to-do only, but in this modern day of budget travel, it’s easier than ever to explore these natural wonders on your own. One of the best ways to do it is on a trip around the world, which is easily accomplished by piecing a series of one-way tickets together using a consolidator like Airtreks or by purchasing a single airline’s, or airline group’s, around-the-world-fare. This travel experience is possible on a budget by staying in locally-owned small hotels and taking local ground transport. In some areas you can get by on just a few dollars a day, including fantastic food!

I was lucky enough to take my own trip around the world….I won’t say how many years back. After graduating college and working for a few years, I traded in my briefcase for a backpack and took an eight-month sabbatical, which included visiting five continents. I would love to repeat that trip with my kids so they can get a sampling of all the natural paradise the globe has to offer. Here are a few of the natural wonders I discovered along the way.


Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, Thailand

Tucked in the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s south western coast, Ko Phi Phi’s tall limestone crags, white sand beaches and turquoise waters are the stuff of postcards, and movies…most specifically, The Beach – a tale of backpackers attempting to create the ideal island civilization. Deep caves punctuate the cliffs around Ko Phi Phi, which are ripe for exploring by kayak and rock climbing. Shallow bays are lined with powder white sand beaches where floating market boats sell fresh fruits and supplies. And beneath the water, tropical fish swarm coral heads in a massive underwater society.

My favourite part about Ko Phi Phi is that you could walk just minutes through the jungle to reach three different incredible white sand beaches. I spent my days sitting on the flour-like beaches, nibbling on pineapples bought from local vendors and climbing through the rocky caves backing the beaches.

Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

The island of Sumatra in Indonesia hosts a lush jungle habitat unbroken for miles on end. This park, named after its highest peak, Gunung Leuser, which reaches over 10,000 feet in elevation, encompasses a diverse area of mountains, lakes, jungle and coastline. It is also home to the Bukit Lawang Animal Sanctuary, which cares for the Sumatran Orangutan, a critically endangered ape whose numbers are limited to about 7,000 animals left in the wild. These orangutans are endangered because their habitat is disappearing – an area equal to six football fields every minute of every day according to the Sumatran Orangutan Society. Visitors to Sumatra have the opportunity to see orangutans, elephants, gibbons and more.

This is where I met Abu, a two-year old orangutan who had been rescued from captivity, where he had lived since birth. He was being taught to survive in the wild by trainers at the sanctuary. I walked through the verdant jungles with the trainers as they taught Abu to climb trees. To my surprise as we walked along the path, Abu reached up to hold my hand and on the way back into the sanctuary, he opened the gate for me. After so much human interaction, Abu will never be able to live completely on his own, but the scientists at Bukit Lawang hope to release him into their semi-wild program to breed. His amazingly human hands and expressions made me wonder how much we really do have in common with apes.

Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

It’s said the Himalayas are the gateway to the heavens, and with six peaks in the Annapurna Conservation Area alone, reaching over 23,000 feet in elevation, it’s easy to see why. The rolling green hills around Pokhara, the base town of the region, are backed by soaring white capped peaks piercing the blue skies. The area is renowned for its trekking…the most famous of which is the Annapurna Circuit. The entire circuit climbs steep mountain passes, cuts through terraced fields and deep valleys, passes by Hindu and Buddhist holy sites and takes about two to three weeks to complete.

I took the Royal Trek made famous by Prince Charles, who hiked it in 1981. I figured if a prince could do it, then so could I. So I strapped on my hiking boots, hired a guide, and headed up the hills through tiny villages where children came running from school houses to greet us. The views of the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Macchupucchre, the "Fishtail Mountain", were incredible their white jagged edges cutting through skies so blue they would make Prince Charles envious. The trek ended by cutting through verdant fields of rice, terraced into the hillside for miles in every direction.

The Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Middle East

Very different, these two seas of the Middle East: one teeming with unique marine life and one…well…dead. The Dead Sea, also called the Salt Sea because of its high salt content, is a great blue dot in the vast brown of the Israeli desert. Because of the high salinity, almost 34% (about the same as the ocean), you are very buoyant. The water is warm, almost too warm, and feels a bit slimy, but the area around the sea is famous for its biblical historical sites. The Red Sea, which also has its share of biblical history, is a living ecosystem with over 1,200 species of fish. It has coral reefs and atolls and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

I went on a night dive in the Red Sea. The warm waters swayed around me like a comforting blanket protecting me from the darkness beyond. Fish swarmed my light as spiny lobsters twitched their antennae warning me to keep my distance. The colors and variety in this desert surrounded sea are spectacular.

Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya & Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Located in the Great Rift Valley, with a protected area of almost 400 sq. miles of Savannah grasslands dotted with acacia trees, Masai Mara Game Reserve hosts a multitude of animals: zebras, giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions and cheetahs to name a few. The much larger Serengeti National Park, which covers about 7,500 sq. miles is immediately adjacent.

I visited Masai Mara and the Serengeti during the wildebeest migration in summer when the rain dries up and thousands of wildebeest move towards Lake Victoria to the west. The wildebeest trailed off in lines into the dusty plains like ants inching along a giant dirt pile. Along with the migration, come the predators – following their prey to greener pastures - and a whole slew of other animals. There were leopards and lions, huge herds of elephants and giraffes, zebras striking their pattern against tall grass and rhinos blocking the road.


The Amazon Rainforest

Often called the lungs of the earth, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest forest on the globe covering over three million square miles. It spans the borders of nine countries and hosts trees reaching over 200 feet tall, which house entire ecosystems in their branches. The Amazon has the highest biodiversity of anywhere on the planet with over 400,000 species of plants alone. This is one nature-thrill we have taken the kids and they loved it. Zipping up and down the river in canoes looking for capyberas, monkeys and alligators and trotting through the forest at night searching for bugs...a boy's dream come true!

According to the National Academy of Sciences, a typical four square miles in the Amazon contains over 100 mammal species, 400 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, 50 species of amphibians, and 150 different kinds of butterflies; and I believe it. When I visited the Amazon in Peru, the lush green foliage dripped with insects – caterpillars dangling from thin threads, spiders burrowing holes, butterflies flitting past, ants marching along the forest ground. Along the river banks there were mammals such as capybaras – huge rats – and in the trees spider monkeys swung and screeched.

The earth is filled with natural wonders and beautiful landscapes hosting a huge array of wildlife. With Earth Day ever present on the horizon, this is the perfect time to make a commitment to see it all. And, even if you can’t make it around the globe this year, remember there are plenty of national parks and wonders to explore right here in Arizona.

Resources:
Airtreks
Star Alliance Round the World Fare
Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park
Sumatran Orangutan Society
Annapurna Conservation Area
Masai Mara Game Reserve
Serengeti National Park
Amazon Rainforest


Carrie Simmons is the producer of Travel With Kids, a family travel documentary series airing on television around the world and has traveled to five continents in search of adventure. For more information on the series, visit TravelWithKids.tv

Article originally published in Green Living Arizona magazine.

Travel With Kids DVDs

Hello readers. We just returned from an amazing Travel With Kids production trip to Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora. Head over to our facebook/travelwithkids to become fan ("like") and check out the photos.

Don't forget, All DVDs are available at Amazon.com. Our new Scotland with Kids was recently released.

Dude, Where's My Bag?

As any parent knows, when you are traveling with kids, you are traveling with lots of luggage. In the chaos of leaving airports and boarding trains, I am constantly counting to make sure we have everything. I perish the thought of arriving somewhere without one of the bags, or strollers or baby backpacks. But, it happens.

When our youngest, Nathan, was a baby we took a six-week trip to Spain, Morocco and Ireland. After surviving our first overseas flight with infant in tow, we thought we were doing pretty well. One early morning layover in Belgium, and we arrived in Madrid, where we were immediately taking the train south to Sevilla. As we deplaned, Nathan still sound asleep in my arms, and bags hanging from every limb, we picked up our stroller and headed to baggage claim. As each piece of luggage (we had a lot as this was our first trip with baby) came off the carousel, I made a mental note…1, 2….and then the conveyor belt stopped. A million questions flooded my brain. What happened to bags #3 and #4? What was in bags #3 and #4? How were we going to get bags #3 and #4 when we were taking a train four hours away?

After speaking with representatives at the airport baggage desk, we found that they could forward our baggage to our hotel in Sevilla; however, it would take a couple of days. A couple of days without efficient baby supplies? Without adequate changes of clothes? Have they never seen a baby blow-out? I need those extra clothes!! I have to admit, I was not the coolest cucumber and I was not a happy Momma! What a way to start our first family trip! But, luckily for us, and the airline clerk, we had travel insurance. And it was baggage delay to the rescue!

When we got to Sevilla, we called the insurance company and they confirmed that we had baggage delay reimbursement of $200 per insured person who was affected, which means I had $400 to buy alternate clothing and baby supplies. In the end, I was able to get Nathan and me some new clothes, which became after-the-fact souvenirs from the trip, and purchased diapers, baby food and other supplies I needed until the luggage arrived two-days later. And, yes they do sell diapers and baby food in other countries that are just as good, sometimes even better, than the ones from home. The trip turned out to be a wonderful first-step to traveling with kids and I have amazing memories of touring the pedestrian streets and churches of Sevilla, playing on a camel-strewn beach in Morocco and roaming sheep-filled hills in Ireland. And I even still own one of the replacement shirts I bought in Sevilla. It reminds me how I did not panic...at all…when our bags were delayed.

To find out more about Baggage Delay coverage and travel insurance in general, visit
CSA Travel Protection

Mexico: Safe, Sunny and So Much Fun!

Our most recent trip to Mexico was last month during the filming of Travel With Kids Baja Mexico. When we first proposed filming there, we got a lot of questions about whether we felt safe visiting Mexico and our unequivocal answer is Yes! The Los Cabos area is incredibly tourist friendly and with sunshine and beaches is a great family destination.


We stayed at Dreams Los Cabos Resort in the Corridor...the strip of beachfront between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the peninsula. On this trip we did something a little different for us, we booked an all-inclusive trip with Apple Vacations. While we don't usually book package tours, we decided to give it a try and it definitely has its benefits. We were picked up at the airport by an Apple representative, so we didn't have to figure out what transport to take to the hotel or negotiate prices. Simplifying the process is always nice, especially with kids and lots of bags (I swear we pack light, but it just seems to multiply in the suitcase!). As we wound our way through the swarms of timeshare salespeople at the airport, we were relieved to be able to say, "No thanks, we already have our ride and activities booked."

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort and Spa is a great place to stay for families. Even though it is an all inclusive resort, which is a great way to go with kids...when they want ice cream or to play mini-golf, you don't have to reach for the wallet, you can just say yes...the food was incredible. No same-old, same-old buffets here. There is a seafood restaurant, a steakhouse, an Asian restaurant (the kids loved the sit-on-the-floor table) and an Italian restaurant. If you are in a hurry, or prefer the buffet set up, they have that too. As for entertainment, the kids always had something to do.
A beachfront infinity edge swimming pool with water slide and swim-up bar (which serves excellent smoothies) is the center of the resort. Nearby, there is monster size chess, mini-golf, croquet, beach volleyball and, our boys favorite, Euro Bungee, a trampoline that you are strapped to with elastic bands and are slingshot 20 or so feet into the air.
For those parents that are thinking "this all sounds great, but I was looking for some downtime myself", not to worry. Dreams Resort offers Explorer's Club for Kids with activities like iguana hunts and campouts with marshmallows on the beach, which allows parents to enjoy some relaxation at the pool, at the spa, at the beach or playing golf. At night there was beach parties with live bands and large screen movies on the beach. And, if you are here at the right time of the year, you can participate in a turtle release...letting baby sea turtles crawl into the ocean after they hatch. What a memory for kids and a lesson in conservation!

With all the amazing activities on property, it's a wonder we found anytime to explore the Cabo area, but there is so much to see and do, we had to check it out. We booked all our activities through Apple, and their activities company, Amstar so they provided transportation to and from the hotel as well. We were in Cabo during whale watching season (about December to March), and on the first day we actually saw whales as we sat in the pool at the resort. The boys were eager for a closer look, so we went out with Cabo Adventures on a photo safari. The naturalist guide gave us lots of detailed information on the whales that frequent the waters near Cabo (Gray whales, blue whales and humpback whales are the most common) and the captain got us within shouting distance of the whales (humpbacks in our case). We could actually hear their spray as they surface, their black bodies rolling along the ocean. Back at Cabo Adventures, we get a feel for one of the areas most popular sea creatures, dolphins.
At Cabo Dolphins, we can get in the water with the dolphins, feed them, pet them, kiss them and even ride them. The center is dolphin focused though...each dolphin is limited to less than two hours a day with guests on a voluntary basis. If the dolphin does not seem interested, they are not forced to play.

With dolphins and whales on the brain, we decide we'd like a closer look at more wild animals. With its location at the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas has an amazingly diverse line-up of underwater life. We head out to the El Arco area (the famous arch of Cabo) to explore under the surface with Sunshine Dive and Charter.
The boys were raring to go, and the dive instructors, Lars and Jonathan, are great with kids. They made sure we were comfortable with the gear, then took us down into the shallow waters where we saw huge schools of fish, giant parrot fish, Christmas tree worms and sting rays. The kids were amazed by the incredible underwater scenery! And they liked watching the sea lions on the rocks nearby.

Back in town, we decide to set out on our own for a little exploration. We peruse little markets(negotiating of course...the kids have become great little bargain hunters) filled with wood carvings, weavings, jewelry and other hand-made items along with t-shirts and other tourist paraphernalia. Everyone is very nice, and although we try to use our Spanish, most of the vendors speak English as well.

In addition to the ocean, the desert in Baja is a big draw. This is the terrain of the famous off-road race, the Baja 1000. So, we decided to check it out at Wild Canyon Adventures where we rode Tomcars with Green Zebra Adventures through the desert and out to the beach. We got an overview of the desert on Wild Canyon's zip lines...they have eight lines one of which soars almost 300 feet in the air for the length of almost nine football fields! For a more natural look at the desert and beaches around Cabo, we also set out on horseback at Rancho Carisuva. The ride was lots of fun and as we trotted down the beach we saw whales breaching tying the whole environment together!

The trip was lots of fun for the whole family and we felt entirely safe the whole time. Would I wander around a border town in Mexico by myself? No. But, do I think Mexico is still a safe place to travel? Yes. The tourist areas of Mexico have been largely unaffected by the recent wave of drug-related violence and after visiting a couple of tourist hot spots, I am happy to report that I felt as safe as I ever have visiting the sunny shores of this exotic, culture rich country.

With its sunshine, beaches and exciting, kid-friendly activities, Cabo San Lucas turned out to be a great family vacation spot. For more information on the Los Cabos area (Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and the beachfront in between), visit Apple Vacation's Los Cabos page. For more information on the Travel With Kids television series, visit www.TravelWithKids.tv

Maya History Meets Oh-my-ahh! Scenery

Follow the coast south of Cancun, and you come to a spot where the rich history of the Mayan people clashes with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean making for a colorful and memorable vacation for the whole family. Off-the-beaten path, the Riviera Maya feels adventurous (think Indiana Jones), but spares no comfort to the wandering tourist. We ventured down this coast while filming Travel With Kids Mexico: The Yucatan. I have fond memories of climbing pyramids like those at Coba and Tulum and enjoying the amazing wildlife both on shore (the kids loved the huge green iguanas sunbathing on the pyramid rocks) and in the water (we snorkeled with colorful fish and watched sea turtles laying their eggs).

Cancun offers fun-tastic, action-packed vacations, but if you want to get away from the crowds, and really feel like you are exploring the area, head a bit further south. About two hours south of Cancun is Tulum. Home to one of the most photographed Mayan pyramids (due to its location on a cliff hanging over the Caribbean Sea), Tulum hosts the perfect combination of history, culture and family-friendly activities.

What To Do:

Mayan Pyramids: The huge ancient cities of the Mayan people make
this Caribbean Coast unique. Hike through the forest where an opening leads to vast green fields dotted with soaring stone pyramids. Our favorite was Coba. It’s about an hour from Tulum and is still being excavated, so the jungle is right there, a living part of the display. It has a much more adventure-y feel with vines covering pyramid stones and yet to be excavated mounds lurking in the shadows. It’s a huge pyramid complex, so locals on three wheel rickshaws can make transport around the grounds easier on the whole family. Other popular pyramids along this coast include Tulum and Chichen Itza (about an hour and a half inland from Cancun).

Snorkeling:
The Mayan Riviera hosts several marine parks like Xel-ha and Xcaret. These parks have lots of colorful tropical fish and other marine animals in sheltered and enclosed lagoons, making snorkeling easy for kids as well as animal life abundant. We went to Xel-ha where the kids enjoyed climbing rope bridges, swinging from vines and cliff jumping. Of course, you can also join a snorkel tour or just go snorkeling right off many of the beaches here and see breathtaking underwater scenery.
One unique snorkeling trip the kids still talk about is with Hidden Worlds. Hidden Worlds takes guests on a tour of one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Don snorkel gear, climb stories below ground to explore beautiful caves where you can float just feet below amazing stalactite formations.

Shopping:About 40 minutes north of Tulum, Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue offers excellent shopping. Wander the pedestrian-only streets through
vibrant boutique shops where vendors sell everything from inexpensive souvenirs to top-rate jewelry and fashion. We gave the kids a few pesos and they enjoyed negotiating prices and getting to know the locals. They also loved posing for pictures with parrots and iguanas along the street. You can also take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel (less than an hour; leaves every couple hours, $14 adults/$9 kids) for full day of shopping, or check out the sea from a hundred feet below aboard Atlantis Submarine.

Where To Stay:
The coast near Tulum is lined with beach bungalows, but for an exceptional family vacation, try Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa. The spacious rooms and suites are set up with families in mind and pamper guests with incredible views of the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean or the lush jungles of the Yucatan. The resort is just five minutes from the Mayan pyramids and offers a splendid line up of on-site activities including sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, tennis and more. The Explorer’s Club for Kids has lots of fun activities for the kid in everyone including rock wall, big-screen movies on the beach and sandcastle building contests.

How To Get There:There are lots of flights from the U.S. to Cancun, but keep in mind Tulum is two hours south of there. While you can do it on your own, it is easier, especially with kids, to have transfers pre-set. Apple Vacations’ Apple Advantage program offers assistance with your entire vacation from start to end. They arrange airfare, hotel, activities and all transfers in-between. Plus, they have an English speaking representative to help you out along your way.

To find out what we did on our trip to the Mayan Riviera, watch Travel With Kids Mexico: The Yucatan. or visit Travel With Kids for more information.

Doctor, Doctor

Getting sick on vacation is no fun, but it does happen. No matter how much you prepare––eating right, getting plenty of sleep, staying away from other sick people––there’s nothing you can do to entirely prevent sickness. When it does strike, especially when it’s a child, it can be scary and costly. When Nathan was just four, he was running a high fever in the heart of rural Mexico. Lucky for us, a caring pharmacist directed us to a thermometer and fever reduction medicine and we were back in the business of exploring the Yucatan within 24 hours. Remember, no matter where you are, the locals get sick too and they have doctors and pharmacies to help.


Depending on where you are, the cost of recovery can be pricey. We were in New York City filming Travel With Kids New York when Seamus got an ear infection. I knew from his pain and sleep pattern that it was an ear infection, so I hoped to visit a walk-in clinic and get a prescription for an antibiotic. Unfortunately, New York was in a transition period and all of the urgent care facilities had closed down. The hotel concierge said the only urgent care places they knew of had shut their doors. We visited a couple of pharmacies and got the same message: a quick cure was a no go. Even the taxi drivers agreed, and as everyone knows they are at the heart of information in a big city. We would have to visit the emergency room. After shelling out over $1,000 and sitting in waiting rooms for the good part of a day, we found out … Seamus had an ear infection.

There was one way we could have better prepared for that, and saved some money along the way: with a service I just recently learned about called On Demand Medical Care, included with many travel insurance policies from CSA Travel Protection. Through their partnership with the “Consult A Doctor” program, I would have been able to talk to a local physician directly who could provide advice, treatment and a prescription, if appropriate. No more worrying about finding a doctor or waiting all day in the emergency room for something that isn’t that serious. That is definitely worth the cost of insurance!!

We always recommend travel insurance and this product, On Demand Medical Care from CSA Travel Protection will definitely be in the mix next time we plan a trip. For more information on the service, visit www.csatravelprotection.com

Magical Reno Nevada

Magical Reno...I use the word magical because Reno has the ability to transform itself from one thing to another, and just when you think you have it pegged, it changes again. Always enticing you to explore more of "The Biggest Little City in the World". We started off our production trip to Reno thinking bowling, lots of arcades and fun family activities and maybe a few outdoor experiences. But it ended up as much more than that...a true something-for-everyone, loads of fun family destination!

Day 1: We started off Reno just how we thought we would. We hit the arcade, played some laser tag, then went to Coconut Bowl and did some glow bowling and glow in the dark miniature golf followed by some go kart racing and indoor rock climbing at Rock Sport. Enough family fun in our first three hours to last a whole vacation. The kids, of course, LOVED it! And we all enjoyed some great family fun time. But I was left wondering what Reno was like on the outside? Were arcades all there was to this family vacation? Day 2 would answer that question.


Day 2: We began the day with an early morning at The Great Reno Balloon Race (Reno's event calendar is filled with fun family-friendly events: Reno Events ) where we got to go up on a tethered hot-air balloon. The views over Reno were amazing. I never realized how green it is along the Truckee River and the tall, rugged mountains that form lake Tahoe are incredible! After the balloon, we headed to a couple of cool Reno museums: Wilbur D. May Center and The National Automobile Museum, where the kids were revved up to dress up in period costumes and pretend to drive a Model T. But the river was calling us, so in the afternoon, we rented a bike and a boat with Sierra Adventures. After riding bikes down the Truckee River Path to Reno Whitewater Park, we boarded a raft and learned to ride the waves...forward paddle! Paddling through an urban setting was surreal, with tall buildings and urban parks lining the shores...a really unique experience. The small rapids in Reno Whitewater Park provided the perfect combination of adrenaline pumping excitement and safety-conscious fun. If you are looking for a more natural setting, the Upper Truckee cuts through the Sierra Nevada and provides more challenging rapids and beautiful scenery.

Day 3: Northern Nevada is famous for its wild mustangs, but this morning we decided to befriend a couple of their tamer cousins with a horseback ride with Verdi Trails West. The horses were super friendly...Nathan even commented "These are the best trained horses I've ever ridden." The boys had fun trying to pass each other and we all enjoyed the scenery through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. After lunch, we headed to Virginia City for a different type of race...camel races. After exploring Virginia City's Old West history at the old school house, a cowboy gun show, riding the V & T Railroad (where we actually got to sit in the engine) and then joining the town parade, we headed down to the race track to watch camels and ostriches. Jockeyed by a brave group of volunteer jockeys, the camels speed around a dirt track. Kids get in on the action herding chickens and emu around the track. Nathan and Seamus loved petting the camels, and they even got to ride them during an intermission, but they're not quite ready for racing them yet. It's amazing how fast those camels get going...it's a wonder any of the riders can hold on!

Our days were packed with fun outdoor activities, but what about the evenings? There's plenty for families then too. One afternoon, we set sail on Lake Tahoe for a two hour tour of the crystal clear waters and pine-tree lined shores of America's second deepest lake. The scenery is amazing...there's a reason they say "Keep Tahoe Blue". The blue waters fade into the distant shore where blue-green pine trees stand guard in front of purple-blue mountains. Another evening, the magic came alive under the Big Tent...at Circus Circus Reno. The kids had a ball playing carnival games and everyone enjoyed the circus acts like Chinese acrobats and JR's Best Friends, a dog show. The kids even got to participate in the dog show and JR turned a little dog into Seamus! Magic and pets...I don't know a better combo for kids!

Day 4: Just as I thought I'd gotten a read on what Reno is like, it changed on me again. On our last day, we visited Animal Ark, an animal rescue zoo. The animals at the zoo range from local birds and mammals like mountain lions and black bears to exotic species like tigers. The park has a conservation focus and taught us lots about all the different animals and their environments.

We felt the magic of Reno in so many ways, Old West shoot outs in Virginia City, outdoor fun along the Truckee River and horseback riding through the foothills, plus the magic of stage and lights at Circus Circus and the glittering waters of Lake Tahoe. For more information or to feel the family magic in Reno, visit Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

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The Narrow Passage

OK when they say narrow boat, they mean narrow! We arrived at the Llangollen Canal and boarded our hotel/transport for the next couple of nights, which is a boat about 50 feet long by about 9 feet wide. Manuevering a boat that is 5times as long at it is wide along a canal, which is only about 10 feet wide in some places, took some getting used to, but once we got the hang of it, it was loads of fun!

The canal was originally used to haul cargo, and later drinking water, from the River Dee to a resevoir, but today it mostly transports visitors through the majesctic countryside of Wales. The canal passes under bridges, through tunnels and locks, past sheep filled fields, along one very high aqueduct, under one very old draw bridge and past one very pungent chocolate factory (unfortunately closed to the public). Along the way there are plenty of pubs at which to dock or the boats have on-board kitchens to make your own meals. The kids loved feeding ducks, riding on the roof of the boat and operating the locks and drawbridge.

Just past the Maestermyn Marine (where we rented the boat) docks, we reached our first lock. The lock is almost precisely equal to the size of the boat. It has two gates. We tie up along the canal and the kids race with the lock crank to the gates. The technology is simple, but genius. Open gate, drive boat in, close gate. Open panels in front gate to let water in from above, boat raises. When water level is even with the raised part of the canal, open forward gates and drive out. The kids were workaholics with the hand cranks, they even helped other boats in and out of the locks.

After we made it past the second lock, we passed through two tunnels, one of which had to have been 1/4 mile long. The tunnel opening was not much bigger than the boats and there were no lights inside. It brings a whole new reality to the phrase "light at the end of the tunnel". We turned our front light on so that boats coming the other way knew that there was a boat in the tunnel (only one boat could fit at a time) and the kids sat on the roof (ducked over) making howling ghost sounds and giving us status reports. (They had a much better view than we did as the steering was done from the back of the boat).

We ended our day traversing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Built in 1805 to carry the canal over the River Dee, the aqueduct is about 1000 feet long and soars over 100 feet above the river valley below. Oh, and did I mention it's only about 12 feet wide? To one side is a narrow walking path and on the other side only about 6 inches of iron separates you from the precarious drop to the river bed below! My fear of heights was well tested on the drive over the aqueduct, but the views were incredible...the dark river cutting past lush trees backed by rolling green fields dotted with fluffy white sheep. You could see our shadow following along on the grssy fields below.

After spending the night docked in a town just past the aqueduct where we watched a World Cup game and stayed up late chatting with the owner of the pub who was dressed up as Ginger Spice (she had just come from performing at a charity event), we headed back up the canal and, with much reluctance, said our final goodbyes to Wales.

The trip to Wales was a remarkable and unexpected journey that will stay with us for a great time. Learning history, both natural (in caves, fossils and coastlines) and man-made (in the mines, Roman ruins and castles) and discovering the new Wales, which is green in every way (eco travel to the max!) and filled with adventure (mountain climbing, coasteering, ropes courses, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and more!) and warm, welcoming people. To all we met along the way, a big "Diolch" for all of your help, insight, laughs and passion. We look forward to our return someday. And for all who followed our journey on-line, thanks for tuning in! Watch for the epsiodes to air around the world, including PBS this coming year in the U.S. and stay updated on Wales and other destinations by visiting us online at

Black Diamond (or Big Foot) Ahead

With a name like Snowdonia, you would think that this area in North Wales is known only for winterland bliss; however Snowdonia delivers summertime excitement as well. And not just on the black diamond level, although you can find that extreme entertainment as well.

Upon our arrival at Graig Wen, where we are tucked away in a glorious yurt. Some of you may be asking, what's a yurt. Imagine the luxurious large round tents that Ghengis Khan and company stayed in and you'll get the idea...ours comes complete with oriental rugs, plenty of fur, plus a gas burning stove and wood burning stove for heat. The area around our yurt, and all through Snowdonia, is lush...huge stands of pine forest surrounded by tangles of oak and ash cut with walking paths. I half expect Big Foot to pop out of the bushes.

At the yurt, Heath from Firefox stops by to give us a crash course in outdoor survival, skills necessary to the major hikes and climbs that are so popular in this area. The boys love learning to start a fire...what boy wouldn't?...and learning to put a "basher"...a small shelter. After we bid Heath goodbye, we embark on our own hike, but I think the large flock of sheep are more in need of survival skills than we are as the boys attempt to heard them.

We can't come to SNOWdonia and not try skiing, and the slopes are calling, the dry slopes that is. At Plas y Brenin, they offer courses in kayaking, mountain climbing and skiing. So the boys pop on the Rossis and head down a grassy slope covered in a white netting and sprayed with water. Skiing without freezing, the cold wimp in me approves!

We end the trip just outside Snowdonia in the medieval town of Conwy where we stay within the still intact town walls just down the street from a towering castle! History comes alive as the kids solve the mystery of the Children's Trail through the castle, which includes a ramble along ramparts and a climb up to a soaring tower...hundreds of feet high!

Snowdonia's adventure land has been lots of family fun, but tomorrow we're off for a different sort of adventure...a journey down the Llangollen Canal. If you see us floating by, be sure to say Hello!

A Knight in Eco-Friendly, Very Green Armor

Wales is known for it's legends... most notoriously that of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, but are there real knights stl living in Wales? Today we're exploring legends from a by gone era and the heroes of Wales today.

Nearby Bantwen cottage, we stumbled upon Merlin's hill...a place where Merlin was supposedly captured and at night residents claim to hear him moaning to this day. The kids get caught up in the mythical legends of Wales...stories that include wizards (Merlin is the most famous of them), giants, dragons and more. Just north of Pembrokesire, near Machynlleth, we voyage below ground to explore King Arthur's Labyrinth, a boat journey and walk through abandonded slate mines with still life scenes, light and audio displays, and a medieval guide to tell the Just Just down the road from Bantwen cottage, we discover the place Merlin was captured, Merlin's Hill, the final resting place of Wales' most famous wizard. Locals say you can still hear him moan at night. It really makes the stories come alive for the boys, who, of course, want to buy wizard wands in the gift shop and try the magic out for themselves.

Just down the road from King Arthur's Labyrinth we discover green Wales at the Centre for Alternative Technology. The interactive exhibits at this outdoor museum inform visitors about energy usage, conservation choices, and alternative methods of doing things in an easy to understand and translate to your own life sort of way. For example it tells you how much water a bath uses vs a shower, and how much energy it takes to put a computer to sleep instead of turning it off...real life facts that can be incorporated easily into everyday life. The kids like all the hands-on exhibits and the ride up to the museum on a water-weight, pulley system tram.

Another area of Wales known for it's green-ness is Pembrokeshire. The coastal path that winds over 100 miles down the dramatic coastline here is popular for weeks long hiking breaks and St. David's, Britain's smallest city, is about to be it's first carbon neutral city as well. Our hotel here is in a restored barn, but very luxurious, and is very Eco-friendly. The Asheston House has solar warmed water and wind powered electrcity but plenty of creature comforts too with fluffy beds, a full kitchen and amazing views of the Welsh countryside.

One of the main promoters of St. David's greenitude is Pembokeshire's own enviro-knight...protector of the environment, Andy Middleton. He rides his bike to work, when he does drive it's in a car powered by leftover cooking fat, and he's currently working on a turbine project that creates energy from the tidal shifts. So, you may be thinking this guy's an eccentric, but he looks just like anyone else walking down the street. He also runs a coasteering company, a sport which he founded in the 1990's because of his love of exploring his childhood coast. It basically combines kayaking, mountain climbing and surfing skills. So we suit up, in full wetsuits to protect us from the cold waters and sharp rocks, and scramble down and over cliffs, swim through bays, and exore sea caves before kayaking back to base.

Wales in Wonderland

I don't know whether we've just fallen down a Welsh rabbit hole, but the countryside here in Wales is as intriguing and mythical as any Lewis Carrol story. Just after The Big Pit we went below ground again at Dan-yr-ogof Caves where we saw soaring rock formations, six foot pillars and ribbons, straw formations and more. There are three caves, one of which was hosting a wedding, but what really brought home the history of the location for the kids were the dinosaurs...at least fifty almost life-sized statues of dinosaurs fill the jungly surrounds of the park. The kids loved exploring and posing for super scared pictures with them!

After the caves, we drove through fields and fields of rolling green hills bordered with stone walls and dotted with sheep. It looks much like Ireland...though we never saw an actvity center like Llangorse Actvity Centre when we were there. The center hosts huge obstacle and ropes courses and the kids enjoyed riding horses, zip lining and mountain climbing through an indoor wonderland, but took a miss on the Dingle Scramble, which would entail soldier crawling through very chilly mountain water.

Our accommodation in Brecon Beacons consisted of a beautiful restored farmhouse, Brynich Farm Holiday Cottages, still run by the man who grow up on the farm followed by a stay in a traditional thatched roof hut. With a vaulted twiggy ceiling and tiny doorways Bantwen Cottage felt very much like the White Rabbit's house...though with cable for the World Cup and Wifi to stay in touch with the outside world.

Next, we're off to explore the west coast of Wales with very green, in the environmental sense and the landscape, St. David's, and the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast. Stay tuned...

Wales Old and New

So, we reached Wales none too worse for the wear. Our flight was a bit delayed, so we had to run...full speed...to catch our connection. But, we made it. We flew on American Airlines' new 777, which had movies and games in each seat back, so the kids were well entertained. The transfer from the airport was simple...Heathrow Express train in from the airport in London and hop a train to Cardiff. No problems there and as always the kids loved watching the fields, sheep and castles drift past the window.

Cardiff is a wonderful city. Vast modern pedestrian areas lined with shops and sidewalk cafes are dotted with tiny 19th century arcades and ancient churches. A real mix of old and new. The kids had a ball exploring Cardiff Castle, pretending to be knights scaling the castle keep, and going on the castle's treasure hunt for animals in each room. A short drive outside Cardiff took us to Welsh Hawking Center, where the kids had a chance to pet a three week old owl and fly hawks. Seeing a hawk, almost as big as they are, land on their leather clad arm in the green fields of an old farm, while a young, modern chap relayed the history of hawking was just brilliant. Again, very much a mix of old and new. Nearby, we hit the beach...not like the ones they are used to at home. This one was filled with small stones instead of sand and is famous for its fossils. It seems every other rock had a clam or small animal imprint on it. Jeremy's pockets were loaded down with souvenirs.

Next day, we learned more about the fossils at the National Museum, which has extensive exhibits on Welsh geography. Nathan loved the dinosaur room with its sound effects and mechanical displays, while Seamus was agape at the jewel room...next trip he's looking for geodes instead of fossils!

The Roman ruins in Caerleon let the kids use their gladiator souvenirs (bought at Cardiff Castle, which also has a history as a Roman fort)as they ran through the tunnels previously used by gladiators and lions and had sword fights on the auditorium floor.

The Big Pit was a big hit! After kitting up with a hard hat and light, we traveled almost 300 ft. underground to check out the old coal mine that is such a big part of Welsh history. The kids were suprised to learn about kids their age that worked the mines back in the 19th century (with no DS or television to boot!) and were excited to mine their own bits of coal...more souvenirs for Jeremy's pockets (his jacket must weigh a good 10 lbs now!). The Big Pit mining museum was very impressive as well...with interactive displays using light and surround sound that enthralled the kids!

Today, we're off to explore the natural side of Wales with a climb through the National Showcaves and a hike around Brecon Beacons National Park. Stay tuned for more from beautiful Wales.

Travel With Kids Wales

Great news...Travel With Kids is now airing on television in 30 countries and still growing. This summer Travel With Kids hits the road again with a production trip to Wales. And now, with the advent of incredible technology, you won't have to wait for the T.V. or DVD versions to experience all the rich history and culture and fun family-friendly activities of this country. The Roberts family will be providing updates from the road right here on our blog and on our Facebook page and Twitter. So, be sure you are signed up to receive pictures and updates from the road. Here's a sampling from the Wales itinerary:

- Live the legend of King Arthur with a journey through King Arthur's Labyrinth and a hike to unlock the mystery of Merlin's Hill. Plus, watch as the Roberts boys learn to fly a falcon.

- Take to the hills. Discover one favorite Welsh pastime, hill walking. Oh and there's biking, horseback riding, coasteering, climbing...

- Learn how Wales is keeping green (and not just in the hills) at the Center for Alternative Technology and in Britain's first carbon-zero town, St. David's.

- Take in the beauty of the landscape above the ground on-board scenic rail journeys in Snowdonia, hiking through Pembrokeshire and below the ground with tours through old mines and natural caves.

Wales is packed with exciting activities, both outdoors and cultural, just waiting for families to explore. So, be sure to follow the Roberts as they discover it all in Travel With Kids Wales. Because really, where else are you going to learn to say "Sut ydych chi?", which means "How are you?", in Welsh?

Find out more about the Travel With Kids series at www.travelwithkids.tv and more about Wales at www.visitwales.com.

Travel With Kids TV & DVD Series Show Trailer

Check out the trailer for the TV and DVD series. DVDs available at amazon and our website at travelwithkids.tv

Travel With Kids WALES

Travel With Kids is gearing up for Travel With Kids Wales this summer. We will be posting photos and blog entries here about Wales and our adventures. Stay tuned!

Best Irish Moments

Ireland is to families what Amsterdam is to backpackers. As St. Patrick's Day approaches I think about all the adventures we've had over the years in Ireland on vacation and filming for Travel With Kids Ireland . The dramatic landscapes fading to cozy villages packed with friendly people has made Ireland a favorite for the whole family. Below I've listed some of our best memories from the Emerald Isle. Please share yours as well!

1. DANCING A JIG
My favorite memory from Ireland was, as most favorites are, an impromptu event. Even the best planning can't top the things that happen as pure kismit...the right components of all that is good coming together to create that perfect moment. On this occasion, we were at a traditional music session, which by definition alone is impromptu in Ireland. Residents and people from neighboring villages began gathering at the pub to play music together. One musician would start a song and the others would join in as they learned the tune. The Guinness was flowing, the locals chatting in their gay Irish lilt, and the music was jamming...all seemed wonderful. Then came the kismet moment. My two sons (ages 6 and 8), who had been in Irish dance lessons back in the states, jumped from their chairs and began to dance the reel, or what they remembered of it, around the pub. The locals began clapping and cheering them on. It was something none of us will ever forget!

2. PEACE PROCESS IN ACTION
When we were filming in Belfast, it was just about the time the Northern Ireland ruling parties, who had been fighting for decades...you know "The Troubles"...were to come together to rule as a team for the first time. We had no idea it would be on the day we were there. After leaving our mark at the Wall that separates the Catholic and Protestant sides of Belfast, we headed over to Stormont, the old Parliament building, where history was being made as Martin McGuinness (leader of Sinn Fein) and Ian Paisley (leader of the opposing DUP) were agreeing to minister together. To our surprise, the soldier at the guard gate generously passed us through to the front of the building where the kids could make peace signs and get a first hand glimpse of the peace process in action!

3. ATTACK OF THE KILLER DUCKS
One of the best places we stayed in Ireland was Dromoland Castle. The kids loved the idea of being knights in this stony remnant of medieval times and we loved the luxurious rooms that accompanied the rich history. A highlight of our time there was the ducks. The kids loved feeding the ducks that roam the wide expanse of lawns at Dromoland, but I have to say the first day it was quite a shock. We went out with an old loaf of bread from the kitchen and the ducks surrounded us...actually chasing us across the lawn. Check out video of the DUCK ATTACK on our YouTube Channel.

4. WHAT'S IN A NAME?
One of the reasons many people go to Ireland is to hunt down the family genes. My family originated from County Mayo, so when we heard that Clare Island, in Clew Bay, was nicknamed O'Malley Island, we knew we had to go. After a rolling boat ride over Atlantic waters that brought the word capsize to a whole new level of real, we landed at Clare Island, which was guarded by a Grace O'Malley castle. Being that she is our great (times about 6) grandmother, we felt free to explore. We were told her tomb was also on the island. But there are no taxis and it was raining. Lucky for us, one of the locals, with their van packed with grandparents and kids, in true Irish fashion was on their way to the church and offered a ride. To our dismay the church was locked. They told us to ask at the house next door as they bid us goodbye. We did and sure enough the home owner appeared with a key. We had the old church to our selves (the new one was next door where there was a christening attended by the whole island) and we discovered lots of ancestors' graves, including Grace. On the way back to town, the driver decided we must attend the opening of the new museum where the locals filled us in on all the happenings in the O'Malley clan.

High Flying Family Fun in Costa Rica

When I talk to other parents about our escapades in Central America, the primary question I get is, "Is it safe?" and when answering on behalf of our Costa Rica travels I always answer with a resounding "Yes!". Not only is Costa Rica safer than bad parts of most American cities, it is a great place for families to experience true adventure! We found out when we were there filming Travel With Kids: Costa Rica

Costa Rica's motto is "Pura Vida", or Pure Life, and the main tourism draw is their natural surrounds. The country's enormous effort in conservation has paid off with tourists coming from all over the world. And in an effort to accommodate the tourists Costa Rica has created all sorts of exciting ways to immerse in nature. So, families are sure to have fun. We've listed out Top 6 Family Nature Activities to help you get started in planning your own Costa Rica adventure.

1. Zip-Line Who can resist the huge adreneline kick experienced as you zip speedily over the top of the rainforest canopy. And, although you are not likely to see many animals as you plummet past the tree tops, the platforms in between each gravity defying line make excellent animal spotting posts. We actually did two zip lines because the kids loved it so much. The first was just outside the famous Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve with Selvatura and the second was on the Pacific Coast with Montezuma Canopy Tour

2. River Rafting Another heart-pumping activity that gives guests to Costa Rica a real sense of adventure, but with this one your chances of actually spotting wildlife are drastically increased (the whining sound of the zip line tends to scare off any nearby creatures). We chose a Safari Float down the Rio Penas Blancas with Desafio Adventure Company. The lower class rapids gave us plenty of time to spot animals...and we did...sloths, monkeys, basilik lizards (better known as Jesus lizards for their ability to walk on water), rare birds, bats, poison dart frogs and much more!

3. Arenal Volcano If you really want to get a feel for the power of nature, you have to check out this very active volcano! In our filming for Travel With Kids, we have seen many a volcano, but most are either stagnant or we get the "sorry no lava today", but that is not the case with this bubbling gem! We stayed at Arenal Observatory Lodge and all night we could here the boom of the giant explosions reverberating off our hotel walls and flickering glow of molten hot rocks and lava as they tumbled down the side of the mountain...very cool! And don't worry, the lodge is on a ridge above the lava flow, so you're completely safe...or so they say. I do have to admit that I spent the night with one eye open.

4. Proyecto Asis Very near to Arenal Observaotry is Proyecto Asis. in addition to its Spanish immersion school, the center operates an animal rescue center with animals ranging from a very friendly Kinkajou to monkeys that like to pick bugs out of their human visitor's hair. The kids had a great time hiking around the center and helping to take care of the animals. The center also offer volunteer programs ranging from animal care to re-forestation.

5. Horseback Riding We hopped on horses and followed our guide, also from Desafio Adventure Company, through town and out into the fields surrounding Monte Verde for an amazing view over the valleys below this tiny hill town. On route we saw lots of animals, butterflies fluttering around us and sloths picking their way slowly through the trees. One great option, if you have older kids, is making the journey between Arenal and Monte Verde on horseback! It's a 7-8 hour journey, but the fews are incredible!

6. Night Walk through the Jungle At night animals you would normally not see come out by the dozens. Whether or not this is a good thing to see, I'm still trying to decide. I now know that on that pathway from my hotel to town there are tons of tarantulas and scorpions just lurking in the shadows. But it is a neat adventure, donning flashlights and hiking through the dark jungle, spotting nature in action all around you!

Those are our top six, although I know that Costa Rica has lots more to offer families looking for a little adventure.

Our Trip:
We flew into San Jose on TACA, a Cental American based airline that offers great service and an excellent safety record at value prices.

From San Juan we headed north by private charter with Green Adventures to Arenal. We stayed at Arenal Observatory Lodge instead of the town of La Fortuna, as that is the only hotel in the area that currently has views of the lava. In Arenal we went white water rafting, visited Proyecto Asis and participated in Children's Day at a local school.

From Arenal we took the Jeep-Boat-Jeep transport to Monte Verde where we stayed at El Sapo Dorado in cozy cabanas in the cloud forest. (We booked ours through Desafio Adventure Company). In Monte Verde we hiked, went horseback riding, rode the zip lines and visited the snake, bat and frog museums.

From Monte Verde, we booked a shared shuttle-ferry-shuttle ride to the old surf hang out of Montezuma on the Peninsula Nicoya on the Pacific Coast. In Montezuma, we spotted tons of animals right from our hotel balcony at Ylang Ylang Beach Resort and we went on another zip line.

To find out more about Costa Rica or to plan your own trip, check out our DVD: Travel With Kids: Costa Rica