© Photo taken by Cally Specht 1988
Angel Cally's Travel Page
This monthly article will feature places to visit, sites to see and other travel related ideas. Sometimes it will highlight places I have visited and sometimes places I dream about visiting. Please feel free to make comments, share ideas about future articles, photos and let me know your travel tips or about that special spot you have traveled to. I just may use them in a future article.
This March and April I wish to focus on places in the US to travel to for Easter and Passover.
Photos
Photo 1: Otesaga Resort Hotel Photo 2: The Atlantis Bahamas Photo 3: The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island
Photo 4: Hershey Pennsylvania Photo 5: Woodloch Resort and Golf Community
Places to go
Easter Sunday falls on April 24th in 2011, and is prime time for a getaway. Some schools get a long weekend, some get a full week off...
Most resorts that welcome families have an Easter Egg Hunt, and some do much more, such as the Otesaga Resort Hotel.
Meanwhile Passover begins at sundown on April 18th 2011; some destinations, such as Woodloch Resort invite families for both holidays.
Cooperstown, New York
The grand old lakeside Otesaga Resort Hotel, in historic Cooperstown NY, has an Easter Family Weekend Package that typically includes:
•two dinners and two breakfasts
•Family Easter Egg Roll on The Otesaga Lawn
•Easter Egg coloring contest, holiday cookie decorating
•Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny appearance
•tour of historic Cooperstown
•holiday movies, family bingo, live music, dancing, and moreCooperstown, by the way, is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum.
The Atlantis, Bahamas
The Atlantis Bahamas is a one-of-a-kind mega-resort which has a 140-acre waterscape and water park that includes shark lagoons, jaw-dropping waterslides, the latest high-tech river float, and subterranean giant aquariums>. Not to mention the spa, casino, and Marina Village at this giant resort.
The Atlantis also has plenty for families with young kids: "Gentle Travel" for babies, Ripples kids' pool, Splashers water play zone, and an 8000 sq.ft. kids club created in partnership with the LEGO toy company.So it's no surprise that Easter is celebrated in a big way. Highlights that typically repeat each year include:
•Bunny Tuck-Ins: the Easter Bunny delivers Easter baskets filled with treats. (Guests should register first, and there's a nominal fee.)
•Holiday Egg-Stravaganza: on Saturday, kids can enjoy carnival games, arts and crafts, prizes, color-a-tee, live entertainment, more.
•Easter Sunrise interdenominational church service
•Egg Hunt: kids 3 to 12 can participate. There are over 3000 eggs to be found!
The Atlantis is also focusing lately on live performances by recognized name acts. Expect special performances over Easter weekend.Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is another classy place that's family-friendly and celebrates holidays in a big way. Amelia Island in northeast Florida not far from Jacksonville is easily reached by car, and has a historic town, beaches, historic fort.
Easter weekend at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island typically includes:
•Easter service on the beach at sunrise
•Easter Egg Hunt (complimentary)
•Easter Brunch
•Cotton Tail Tea Party
•Easter Bunny tuck-ins (reservations needed)
•Family movie night under the stars
•Beach bonfire, hayrides
•Ritz Kids Night Out (-extra charge)
This resort has Ritz Kids club for younger kids,a toddler's game room, toddler story time, and family activities such as shark's tooth hunting on the beach. It's also making a special effort for ages 13 to 19. Our Space has a room with game systems, laptops, iPods and docking station, air hockey, foosball, movie theater. Our Space also has "Teen Concierges" and activities such as beach games, water sports, night sports, video game challenges, beach kayaking, bike hikes, pizza and movie nights. Surf lessons and surf clinics are a hit with many teens.Meanwhile, golf, spa, fine dining are some pleasures for adults at this resort
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey PA is a popular family destination in Pennsylvania (PA), 3 hours from New York City, 2 from Phillie, 15 minutes from an international airport. Amish country is nearby.
Hershey is an actual town built by chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey for his employees. Hershey also built an amusement park that today is Hershey Park, which is open for Springtime in the Park for two weekends in April in 2011 including Easter weekend.
Guests have two Hershey choices for lodging: the classic-style Hotel Hershey, with kids' club and chocolate-themed spa; and Hershey Lodge, a sprawling kid-friendly place with complimentary family activities.
Hershey Lodge typically has an Easter Package that includes:
•admission to "Springtime in the Park" at Hersheypark
•breakfast Saturday morning
•Easter Sunday breakfast brunch
•Admission to Hershey Gardens
•Admission to The Hershey Story: The Museum on Chocolate Avenue
There will be an Easter egg hunt as well (on Saturday, free, for Lodge guests only), plus other Easter-themed activities: basket crafts, cookie decorating, and character appearances. The Hotel Hershey, meanwhile, has its own set of Easter activities.Poconos, Pennsylvania
Woodloch Resort and Golf Community is a 100-acre four-season resort in the popular Poconos area of Pennsylvania, with lots of outdoors activities and is the kind of place that gets 4th generation returning guests.
Woocloch invites families to enjoy the Easter and Passover holidays by togethering to share meals, activities, nightly entertainment, and special activities such as egg hunt, children's party, arts and craft, scavenger hunt. In fact, the fun starts the week before Easter...Peter Cottontail Weekend, March 26 - 28 2010 - Kids Free
A weekend of fun, in advance of Easter Weekend: Easter egg hunts, Easter arts & crafts, scavenger hunt and children's party. Plus daily activities and nightly entertainment. Kids 12 and under are free, one child per adult.Easter/Passover Midweek
March 29 to April 2, 2010: rates start at $654 per adult per package, for 4 nights and 12 meals. Plus daily activities and nightly entertainment.Easter Weekend, April 2 to April 4 2010
Easter weekend package includes Easter egg hunt and children's party, Easter arts and crafts, scavenger hunt, visit from the Easter Bunny, petting zoo, and more Easter fun. Plus daily activities and nightly entertainment.
Places to stay
Hotels and lodgings all vary in price and in amenities around the world. Budgeting? Consider Hostels as they are no longer the old dilapidated, dingy teenaged hangouts with multiple rules that could make anyone run away. Some are very luxurious and all are a great way to meet people from all over the world. Also many come with amenities of home such as washers and dryers so you can pack less. Bed and Breakfasts are also more economical and offer great breakfasts where very often you can also meet many travelers from all over. Whenever possible I prefer bed and breakfasts when traveling. I have stayed in some wonderful ones in Canada.
Travel Tips
Booking travel to any destination on Wednesdays often will give you cheaper rates especially if you book online. Also staying in hotels on weeknights is also cheaper. Many places have special packages for lovers.. Look for those bargains. Be careful of the last minute clubs or bargain sites though.
Traveling With Children
Most places will allow children and often have special activities for them so check out the place before booking. Watch out at this time of year for frostbite and other extensive exposure type of problems. Look for fatigue and other tell tale signs of children and other family members showing symptoms including pets. Also have children learn basic swimming skills before trips. It is too late to learn them on holiday when something happens. I am a huge fan of taking a family First Aid Course.
Accessibility
Check places for accessibility before booking. Some do offer special services.
Public Transit
Public transit is also becoming more accommodating now especially in the bigger cities. Again most transit companies now have stuff online such as maps, accessibility plans and also prices. It is always best to plan ahead. I love using public transit when I travel and it is a great way to meet people. With the high cost of gas I am a huge fan of getting to know your local transit routes on holidays.
Airports
Airports are always busy in the winter season with people going on vacation to avoid the severe cold in the North East of Canada and the US so plan ahead and arrive early. Check weather forecasts for those pesky delays and watch your belongings. Also security is bumped up especially in Europe at this time of year so be prepared.
International Travelers
New Passport Requirements
International visitors will likely need a Visa and or a Passport for the US. US visitors may need a visa depending on what country they are visiting. Some travel agents also will help you in obtaining a Visa. To obtain the latest information on Passport and Visa requirements, please visit http://www.travel.state.gov
Of course if one travels to the US please check Passport and Visa requirements.
Electricity
The electricity used in the US is the same as all North American travel destinations. International visitors will need an adaptor.
Climate
Experience the glory of Spring around the world. Weather will vary depending on your choice of holidays. You can check the weather online often for the five or six days leading up to your trip for your destination and pack accordingly.
