Travel

“This is awesome!” my 6-year-old daughter, Mary, shouted as she twirled around the courtyard of Disneyland’s Fantasy Faire. The storybook village, which opened at Disneyland in March, is the new home to Disney’s beloved princesses—and one that is fitting for their regal status.

Royal Hall is the main draw of the 15,000-square-foot attraction adjacent to Sleeping Beauty’s castle (at the old home of Carnation Plaza Gardens). This new site for princess meet-and greets is a whole new world away from their temporary digs near It’s a Small World. With carpeted walkways, wood paneling, chandeliers, and jewel-tone banners draped from the ceiling, the hall feels very much like a castle.

If your kids—like my 9-year-old son, Jack—aren’t princess fans, Fantasy Faire is still worth a visit. Across the courtyard from the Royal Hall is the Royal Theatre. Inside the tented theater, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones star in vaudeville-style retellings of “Tangled” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Even though Rapunzel and Belle make special guest appearances, Jack pronounced the shows “hilarious.”

The kids also gave a thumbs-up to the fairytale version of a food truck that is Maurice’s Treats food cart. It specializes in flaky bread twists in sweet and savory flavors. The specialty drink is the Boysen Apple Freeze, an apple juice slushee with a swirl of berry flavor and a papaya-mango foam topping.

Stroll through the village and you’ll see an animatronic Figaro, the cat from “Pinocchio.” He snoozes on a window ledge until a chirping bird awakens him. There’s also Clopin’s Music Box, where kids can turn a crank and see scenes inspired by “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Because it’s Disneyland, there are plenty of princess souvenirs available in the Fairytale Treasures shop. But my daughter skipped past and headed straight for the statue of Rapunzel’s tower that is the centerpiece of the Fantasy Faire courtyard. She hopped up on the base of the statue, spun around it, and then struck a pose, saying “Mama, take my picture!” Fantasy Faire made her feel like a princess, even without the dress or tiara.

----------------
Anastacia Grenda is a freelance writer who lives with her family in Encinitas.
Photos by: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Published: June 2013

Our Caribbean Family Adventure

In celebration of our grandson’s 9th birthday, our family took a four-day Disney cruise to the Bahamas. The excitement and anticipation were almost too much to bear on embarkation (departure) day as we boarded the towering 14-deck Disney Dream cruise ship in Port Canaveral, Fla.

Stepping aboard, we felt like Hollywood stars as Disney cast members broadcasted our arrival. The “wow” factor hit us immediately. Our eyes landed on a stunning three-story atrium. Warm subtle Disney touches made us feel right at home while a nautically attired Mickey and Minnie excitedly welcomed us aboard. The mood was set. Let the journey of discovery begin!

Disney Dream staterooms are beautifully designed for family comfort. Our balcony rooms had familiar Disney touches with unique features such as raised beds for extra storage and bunks that conveniently fold away. Even inside staterooms feature virtual portholes with piped-in outside video and Disney animation.

Onboard entertainment catering to the entire family is a hallmark of Disney cruises. Activities are specifically designed for each age group from toddlers to teens. As one Disney cast member said, “We don’t build ships just for the kids, we build ships for the entire family.”

The Sail-Away Party is a high-energy celebration with confetti, streamers and of course, Disney characters. Mickey’s ship horns play seven different melodies like “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” Kids and adults love dressing like buccaneers for Pirate Night, a complete swashbuckler-themed evening that concludes with spectacular fireworks. Disney’s stage shows are Broadway-quality, knock-your-socks-off performances featuring traditional Disney characters.


One of our first goals aboard was to experience the AquaDuck. A first of its kind at sea, this crown jewel of water coasters is more than two football fields long and four stories high. We screamed as gushing water propelled our rafts through clear tubes extending 12 feet over the edge of the ship and 150 feet above the ocean.

A major part of any cruise experience is the food, and oh does Disney deliver! Unique to Disney cruising is its concept of rotational dining where guests dine in a different themed restaurant every night. We loved it! Animator’s Palate is inspired by the art of Disney animation, while Cabañas is a delightful California boardwalk beach house. The kids were amazed as the flooring magically changed from wood and sand to a sea of ocean-blue carpet. Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, the Dream’s Enchanted Garden features a picturesque ceiling that slowly transforms from an azure blue sky to a golden sunset and finally a nighttime sky filled with twinkling stars.

Other dining options include buffets, quick service and adults-only fine dining restaurants. Kids love the poolside quick-service ice cream and drink stations. Our daily joke was, “How many ice cream cones have you had today?”

Our first port of call was lovely Nassau in the Bahamas, but our biggest delight was arriving in Castaway Cay, Disney’s 1,000-acre private Caribbean island. The sheltered pristine waters of stunning Half Moon Bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or relaxing on the beach.

Our kids loved Pelican Plunge, a towering whimsical floating platform with twisting waterslides that dumps riders into the lagoon. A surprise around every corner, our grandson couldn’t believe his eyes when he ran into the notorious, fun-loving pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Lunch was provided at Castaway Cay’s Serenity Bay. We were treated to a scrumptious Disney buffet that included burgers, hot dogs, ribs, ribeye steak, rotisserie chicken, mahi-mahi, and innumerable sides and desserts. After lunch, we rented bikes and found more adventure and stunning views on the other (more remote) side of the island.

Our family smiled and laughed a lot on this cruise. We shared touching moments and made precious memories. We believe happy outcomes are exactly what Walt Disney intended when he said, “The most important thing is family.” Now, it’s time for this family to book another Disney cruise!

Disney cruises travel to multiple destinations, including Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. Two Disney cruises will depart from San Diego in May 2016 and one in August 2016. Find more information at http://disneycruise.disney.go.com.

Noreen L. Kompanik is a writer, photographer and San Diego resident. All photos were submitted by Noreen.

Published November 2015

Making car travel easier with kids!

On long car trips, older kids are usually happy to listen to iPods or play with their GameBoys, but younger kids require some planning to keep them from fights, meltdowns and the dreaded whining: “Are we there yet?” 
    

When our children were toddlers, our secret weapon was the “travel goodie bag.” They knew it was coming days before the trip, and anticipated all the coveted little things that I would put into those little bags, which, by the way did not emerge until the kids were quietly in the car, strapped to the seats, ready to go. The highlight of the goody bag was a little toy—a Polly Pocket doll for my daughter and a new Matchbox car for my son. I admit I added some bubblegum, popcorn balls, and yes, even small bags of potato chips or Air Heads to the bags. Looking back, I think I could have gotten away with more wholesome treats, because the magic of the goody bag was its novelty, which made the trip itself seem like a great adventure.
 We quickly learned to never rely solely on the novelty of a goodie bag to take you through an entire trip. Forget about the DVD player for a moment.  Parents need a Plan B.

Plan B -1: Food and Water
Make sure that you and your children have eaten a solid breakfast or lunch (with protein), have water bottles on hand and that everyone has visited the bathroom before you leave.  Keep a small cooler in the front passenger side of your car to retrieve easy-to-eat snacks, such as cheese cubes, crackers, carrot sticks, dried fruit and nuts. Also bring a roll of paper towels and a container of wipes—you may need them. A travel potty has also come in handy on more than one occasion when we couldn’t find a rest station and the woods were not an option (according to the child). If you are traveling during lunch or suppertime, you may want to pull over and stop for a quick meal rather than try to deal with feeding the kids while going 65 miles an hour.  It will also give the whole family a much-needed break from the confines of the car.
    If your child gets car sick, make sure he or she eats and drinks only lightly before the trip (fatty foods and soft drinks sometimes make nausea worse). Ask the child to avoid reading or coloring since looking down can cause carsickness. You can play games like “ABC” (see Plan B #2, below) instead.
    Consider bringing an easily accessible change of clothes for each of your kids in case of accidents or spills.  You may also want to bring a small pillow or blanket in case your children fall asleep during the trip.

Plan B #2: Entertainment
Car rides can be boring for kids who have to stay strapped to one place and watch endless stretches of highway. Entertainment options depend on the age of the child, but here are some ideas:
 

Babies:

• 
Any bright or new toy or rattle

  
• Musical or pop up toys

• A safe plastic mirror
  
• Soothing lullabies (sing or play a CD)
 


Toddlers:


• Busy boxes

• Board books

• Simple “speaking” toys (that you can control the volume!)

• Favorite stuffed animal

• Favorite music or books on tape
 


Preschoolers:


• Picture books
• 
Stickers and activity books

• Square crayons (so they don’t roll away)

• Finger puppets

• Masking tape (to stick and unstick)

• Age appropriate books on tape
 


School Age
:

• Felt boards

• Travel desk sets

• Etch-a-Sketch

• Magnetic puzzles (small)

• Silly Putty and newspapers (our kids favorite)
• 
Polly Pocket or other “mini worlds”
• 
Knitting
• 
Comic books
 


Older Kids
:

• iPods or CD players (with headphones)

• Electronic toys (with headphones)

• Travel size board games

• Books
 

• Travel games, such as “I Spy” also become more popular as kids get older. 
• Our favorite is the “ABC” game. Each child in the car (or an adult can play too) tries to find something outside the car that begins with “A” (such as an airplane), or a word on a sign that begins with “A” (such as “Apple Stand”).  This game can be modified into a “123” game when you try and find the number “1” on license plates or road signs, then number “2”, etc. You can go all the way up to 100 if you’d like.
 


For more ideas on car and travel games visit:

www.momsminivan.com

www.gameskidsplay.net/games/mental_games/car_games.htm

www.liveandlearn.com/cargame.html



For travel games to print out (license plate game, connect the dots, mazes & more.) visit:


http://travelwithkids.about.com/cs/printgames/a/gamesprint.htm

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/games/specialfeature/car-games/

www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/books/cartravelbook/


Marcia Passos Duffy is a freelancer who writes frequently about parenting issues. She is married and has two children.  Marcia is also editor and publisher of www.HomeOfficeWeekly.com.


Ever since the Colorado River was diverted to create it at the beginning of the 20th century, the Salton Sea has been a strange water wonderland in the middle of the Imperial Valley desert. The best place to visit and explore the wildlife that congregate there is at the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, 138 miles east of San Diego.

Traveling north on state route 111 from I-8, you’ll pass through the small agricultural community of Brawley. Ten miles later, still within view of the many geothermal electric plants of the area, you’ll arrive at the main refuge entrance. A visitor’s center is available with a ranger on hand for any questions; if you plan ahead you can even schedule a free ranger-led hike to get a fuller picture of the area.

Before you head out on the Rock Hill Trail, climb the observation tower to take a panoramic view of the 380 square miles of lake. Most days, there’s little air pollution, and you can see all the way to the San Jacinto Mountains near Palm Springs. Rock Hill Trail is the main path, level until you reach the actual hill at the end. Perfect for young kids, the trail begins with several hundred yards of prime rabbit habitat before the lake comes into view. On our last visit my 5-year-old son saw six rabbits nibbling on the underbrush, despite the loud exclamations of our toddler. Also be sure to note the many nests in the dead tree branches.

Before you see the Salton Sea you’ll be able to smell it, so be prepared. With no outlet, the water here is becoming more and more salty over time. In addition to the salt smell there’s a fishy scent, too. Off the trail, if you walk along the shore, you’ll see hundreds of desiccated sargo and tilapia corpses. More than just skeletons, these fish are intact with eyes and tails but just shrunken in on themselves. My 2-year-old did not like walking over the “scary fish,” so if you have squeamish ones in your group you may want to stay away from the water’s edge.

As you hike the Rock Hill Trail, you’ll be surrounded on the right and left by thousands of birds and ducks of all kinds. Marbled godwits, snow geese, black-necked stilts with stick thin long legs, and yellow-footed gulls not found anywhere else in the United States. All spend some of the year at Salton Sea, and many use it as a resting ground on the way to further migratory locations. Winter is the best time for waterfowl viewing here, but even in the summer you can see wood storks, roadrunners and osprey.

With good binoculars and a little patience, you might be able to spot some of the nests where the wintering ducks are hatching their young. As the weather starts to heat up toward May, newly hatched babies will be readying to head north with parents and can be spotted practicing their swimming and diving skills.

The Salton Sea is in a former volcanic area so the ground is covered with a variety of rocks for the budding geologist to study, from the shiny sharp black obsidian to deceptively light pumice stones. If you’re interested in fishing, you can put in your boat and hang out a line between April and September. Fishing is not allowed from shore.

While San Diego hosts amazing Pacific Ocean shoreline activities, a trip inland to the Salton Sea can provide your family a fun day trip to explore a different kind of water ecosystem.

-------------------
Eliana Osborn is a freelance writer.

Ten tips you shouldn’t leave home without

Traveling abroad as a family is very rewarding, yet it can also be challenging. During five months of travel through Europe, our family learned a few lessons the hard way, but we also collected many travel tips that helped us avoid making the same mistakes twice. We’ve compiled these tips for families based on our experiences, as well as the unlikelihood of finding them in your guidebook.

1. Research cultural differences.
Even if you are going to an English-speaking country, there will be cultural differences that can be confusing or even intimidating. Discussing these differences with your family prior to your trip will ease the adjustment process. Researching a culture also helps you avoid major inconveniences. For instance, knowing that many European shops close for a three-hour lunch break is helpful when planning your day.

2. Schedule two free days in your itinerary.
If every day of your vacation is jam-packed, not only will everyone be exhausted and grumpy, but you will risk missing your top sightseeing pick. There are always obstacles in sightseeing, like transportation strikes or getting lost. Having absolutely nothing planned for two days gives you the flexibility to visit places you’ve missed, or to revisit favorite spots. A truly free day to relax, wander or sit in a park with gelatos all around may end up as the highlight of your trip.

3. Fill and carry daypacks wisely.
On our daily excursions, we found that three bags amongst the five of us were perfect. We carried water bottles, weather-related extras and a language phrase book. (Money and passports should always be in your money belt.) We kept one bag empty, as we always collected things throughout the day: extra snacks, maps of museums, souvenirs, etc. Also, with fewer daypacks, a tired individual can pass on a bag to a refreshed family member.

4. Leave technology at home.
Watching the landscape change through a train window is invaluable to a child’s sense of distance, imagination and wonder. Handheld games, laptops and cell phones will serve only as a distraction. However, if you travel for longer periods, allow kids to connect online with their friends at home every couple of days, an important part of easing any travel blues.

5. Triple-check your hotel room for belongings.
We have five people in our family and belongings tend to spread. We ended up with three phases to departing any accommodation: initial packing up, a verbal confirmation that important items were accounted for and double-checking the bathroom, bed covers (prime location for lost stuffed animals) and under beds. After vacating the room, one person returns for a final check.

6. Give teenagers their freedom.
If you let your teen go solo to the mall in America, you can let them roam on their own in the average European city. Give them a bit of pocket change, a map, and the phone number to your hotel. They will benefit immensely from finding their way around a new place and having to manage in a new language. A little independence goes a long way as a self-confidence builder.

7. Download travel podcasts and “apps.”
Tours can be expensive and limiting, yet detailed information about a world-famous sight is imperative for making the experience interesting and memorable. Have one person listen on his iPod and then share the best information with the group. Kids love quirky facts and mysteries, so be prepared to offer something different than the audio guides available for rent.

8. Insist on a luggage limit.
I know you’ve heard this before, but we did too, and foolishly did not heed the warning. Imposing a size limit on luggage is even more important if you will be doing a multi-city tour, taking public transportation or have physical challenges. Believe me, you will not need half of what you think you do. Be sure to tell your clothing-conscious teen that my 15-year-old daughter, now familiar with the hassles and sore muscles of a heavy suitcase, insisted that I include this tip!

9. Fend off irritation with a good plan.
Get familiar with each other’s travel styles and agree beforehand to compromise. For example, one person may need extra time getting going in the morning, while others like to be out the door by 7 a.m. So, let the early birds enjoy breakfast, and bring back fruit and a muffin for the sleepyhead. Also, everyone tires out at different times of the day; simple planning will make everyone happier. Leave younger children with your older ones at the hotel with pizza and a movie, while the adults try out the local cuisine at a restaurant around the corner.

10. Don’t believe everything you read.
If you are nervous about international travel don’t fuel your fears by repeatedly reading discouraging information. Yes, there are pickpockets in every city in the world, but if you read the countless warnings, you’d never step foot in a beautiful city like Rome. Take common sense precautions with you and leave your needless worries at home.

--------------------
Laura Pardo and her family traveled through Europe for ten months.

Published: May 2011

Keeping children safe while on board a boat—any boat from a canoe to a cruise ship—means observing the same, sane rules you use at home and away but with important differences.

First, boats move up and down, side to side. They can lurch unexpectedly and sometimes violently. When a boat suddenly goes aground it stops as abruptly as a collision, yet you probably never saw it coming.

Second, being on the water has its own dangers. Look away for only a moment and a child could fall overboard and perhaps be injured from the fall. A good family rule is to put on children’s personal flotation device (PFD) as they leave the car and leave them until the boating day is over and everyone is back in the car again.

Third, boating is great fun. Being “rocked in the cradle of the deep” can put babies to sleep but also lull families into complacency. Before spending the night on board, review safety drills and fire escapes. They’re required on cruise ships and are a smart idea too for the family boat. Such drills are far different from fire drills at home. For example, older children should know the locations of all escape hatches and how to open them.

They may also vary each night depending on whether you’re at your home dock, an unfamiliar dock, or at anchor. At home, families choose a place to meet after everyone is safely out of the house. When boating, that safe place will be different each time.

Despite its obvious dangers, boating has unique delights for families. Children ages 8 and over can do chores and steer a course. Kids can learn salty skills as splicing, knot tying, and how to “flemish” and “flake” lines. Nothing teaches conservation better than running out of fresh water or having the “house” battery go dead. Without realizing it kids soak up meteorology, environmental sciences, navigation, teamwork and so much more.

Here’s how to kid-proof your boat.
Adding guardrail netting (much like the soft netting used in playpens) is a big safety plus in keeping little ones from falling overboard. It’s available from marine suppliers and catalogs.

Plug-in household night lights work when you’re on shore power. At other times children can use chemical light sticks (e.g.Cyalume) to provide safe, cool, spark-proof emergency lighting. Install waterproof, shockproof, 12-volt LED courtesy lights at strategic spots around the boat. They’re found at marine suppliers.

One or more carbon dioxide alarms are a must on any boat that uses fuel (cooking engine, generator). CO2 is not “seen” by smoke detectors or fuel “sniffers.” You need dedicated CO2 alarms, preferably models that give both audible and visual signals. An alarm should be mounted in every sleeping compartment. Often the headaches and nausea of CO2 poisoning are mistaken for flu, so you’re tempted to stay in bed at a time when it’s crucial to get out into fresh air. CO2 tends to seek out low places so you’re even at risk in the open air when running an engine or generator in a small lake or enclosed harbor.

To be Coast Guard compliant, you must have safety equipment on board including life vests. Better still, fit new vests every few years specifically for children’s sizes including infants. The best PFDs can turn a body upright and keep the head above water, even if the person was unconscious when he hits the water. They aren’t necessarily the most comfortable so a good compromise is to have two sets of PFDs: those that children wear all the time and those that would be put on in an emergency.

-----------------------
Janet Groene holds a Parenting Publications of America Gold Award for travel writing and an NMMA Directors Award for boating writing.

-----------------------

Published: June 2011

The ABCs of Family Travel

Vacations are all about fun, but they also pose challenges for many families — tempers flare, things go wrong, disappointments abound. How can parents maintain the peace and focus on making happy holiday memories?

Family vacations are the perfect time to make lasting memories, but traveling with the whole clan often has its challenges. To up the enjoyment factor, consider these 26 tips to help your family survive and thrive while on vacation.

Pack your positive attitude. An upbeat outlook is infectious and gets everyone excited about the fun ahead.

Before you go, set a budget. Deciding how much you’ll spend will help you set limits with the kids and help avoid post-vacation shock when the credit card bill arrives.

Bring comfort objects, from your toddler’s special toy to your tween’s favorite pillow. Taking along a little bit of home can help ease the journey.

Schedule downtime. No one stays happy if they’re constantly on the go. Make time to splash in the hotel pool or observe your family movie night—even if you’re a thousand miles from home.

Manage expectations. Individual family members often have different ideas of what “fun” means on vacation. Before you go, talk with your children about their ideas and hopes for the trip.

Take advantage of free events. Search online for freebies before your trip, so you’re in the know about concerts, exhibitions, and more once you arrive at your destination.

Get your gear on. The right travel gear can make or break your vacation. Consider a lightweight travel stroller or a baby carrier for the young ones, and wheeled backpacks for older kids to carry their belongings.

Don’t forget your sense of humor. Everything feels better with a little laughter, especially when you miss the highway exit or when it rains for five days straight.

Indulge a little. Treat the family when you can, especially if it saves time or reduces headaches. Consider grabbing dinner at a conveniently located restaurant, for instance, even if it’s more expensive.

Assign each family member specific jobs. Dividing up the responsibilities, such as packing the sunscreen and the water, helps keep your vacation on track and can help even the smallest family member feel involved.

Focus on the kids, but don’t forget about you. Remember to balance the kids’ trip wish list with a few activities the adults will enjoy, too.

Just let go. The constant togetherness of a family vacation can increase the likelihood of disagreements and misunderstandings. Letting go helps preserve the peace among family members.

Collect mementos of your trip. Carry a gallon-size baggie in your daypack so you can add treasures as you go—shells, stones, ticket stubs, anything goes! When you return home, create a scrapbook or a memory jar to remember your holiday.

A couple of new toys or books can do wonders for extending playtime—and calm—during travel. For older kids, try a new mobile app.

Provide options. Involve the whole family in the decision-making, whether it’s when to go the beach or where to eat lunch. Everyone will have more fun if they feel a part of things.

Pack light. Minimize the number of outfits and shoes you bring for each family member. You can always pick up an extra T-shirt at the souvenir stand, if necessary.

Get an early start and avoid the queues. Provide an incentive to sleepyheads by offering a reward to the family member who’s out the door first each morning.

Try a vacation rental. Sites like Airbnb.com and HomeAway.com list apartments and houses for rent, offering kitchen facilities to cook meals and more space for everyone to relax.

Bring your favorite snacks from home, to get you started. Or visit the grocery store at your destination, rather than shelling out cash for more expensive treats at tourist spots.

Teach your children about wonder and the wider world beyond your own community.

Unplug. Gadgets like smart phones and tablets help pass the time on a flight or long car trip, but once you reach your destination, encourage everyone to put away their electronics and connect with each other.

Go for variety. Even the beach can feel dull after the fifth day in a row. Make sure to mix it up and vary your activities and outings.

Get wet. From lakes and rivers to the coast or the pool, make sure your trip includes some quality water play.

Take time to eXplore. Exposing your children to new sights and experiences helps them feel more comfortable in unfamiliar places and helps develop self-confidence.

Whenever possible, say “yes.” Of course, you won’t agree to buying the sixth toy at the amusement park, but maybe you’ll say yes to ice cream every day.

Your trip will zoom by, so make the most of it and enjoy this special time together! 

What to Pack in Your Child’s “Busy” Bag

A bag packed full of surprises is just the thing to keep younger children occupied on the journey, whether you’re en route, dining at a restaurant, or hanging out at the beach.

• Travel games, like Bingo and Hangman.
• Activity and sticker books. “Invisible ink” coloring books.
• Crayons and drawing paper.
• Miniature collectible figures, like dinosaurs and jungle animals.
• Die-cast cars and mini-sized dolls.
• A couple of favorite books.
• Pocket-sized flashlights.
• Pipe cleaners and beads.
• A favorite toy or blanket.

----------------------

Heather Van Deest is a freelance writer who enjoys trips to the beach with her two young sons.

Published: July 2013

EXPLORING JULIAN

Every fall, San Diegans escape to the mountains of nearby Julian to experience tawny leaves falling from the trees to get a taste of the changing seasons.

Once a gold mining town, Julian is now best known for its apple pie shops and quaint downtown. Fall is a popular time to visit, when the leaves display vibrant colors and the crisp air demands a cozy sweater and hot cup of apple cider.

Explore Downtown

Julian’s small downtown is filled with shops featuring collectibles, toys, antiques, specialty foods and folksy knick-knacks. Stop by Julian Cider Mill for a free sample of apple cider, to purchase a cup or to take home a half gallon for later. Shop for honey, nuts, dried fruits, candies, apple butter or jam while you’re there. Their food items make great gifts, snacks or the perfect accessory for your family's winter gingerbread house.

Gather the family for a unique portrait donning western costumes, hats, and props at Julian Olde Time Photo. 

During the Fall, visit Town Hall for arts & crafts shows and other seasonal events. At the end of November and in December, join the residents of Julian for their annual Country Christmas.

Where to Eat

A family favorite spot to grab lunch or dinner is Miner’s Diner, right on the corner as you enter town. Kids are expecially fond of the old-fashioned soda fountain, model train circling overhead and the secret self-serve candy "mine." 

The Julian Beer Company features delicious pizzas, barbecue and plenty of seating. Rongbranch Restaurant features home-style cooking and a small onsite gift shop. Other favorite dining options include Julian Café and Mom's Pie House (if you can get a seat).

If you want to eat before arriving at Julian (or after you leave) stop at Heroes Wood-Fired Pizza in the nearby town of Wynola. If you're lucky, you might even catch some live entertainment.

Pies and Other Treats

Various delicious pies (including apple varieties) are available throughout town, but don't overlook cobblers and dumplings before deciding!

Mom’s Pies always has a line of customers, but it's worth the wait. There's a second Mom's location down the road in Wynola, if it's easier for your family to stop there.

Another local favorite is Julian Pie Company, which also has a location in Santa Ysabel.

Leaf Peeping

There are numerous hiking trails throughout and surrounding Julian. Exploring the mountain trails, pine trees and fallen leaves provides a necessary connection with nature that is completely different from San Diego’s beaches and big city vibe. Lake Cuyamaca is a 10-minute drive south on Highway 79. Walk the 3.5 mile trail around the lake, rent a paddle boat, or go fishing. Fishing gear is available for rent in the lake store. Campsites and cabins are available to rent as well. 

More Family Fun in Julian

Julian Mining Company: Fall activities include apple cider making, tractor-drawn hayrides, and a petting zoo. Kids can pan for gold and search for gems like miners year-round.

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

Eagle Mining Co.

Where to Stay

Julian is an easy day trip destination for San Diego County residents, but some like to make it an overnight getaway. Julian Lodge, Laguna Mountain Lodge and Tucker Peak Lodge are popular for overnight stays, as well as camping and independently owned cabins. Nearby William Heise County Park has campsites and cabins available, but plan ahead to secure reservations.

How to Get There

The drive to Julian is only about an hour and a half from downtown San Diego (unless you're traveling at a high peak time). Highway 78 passes wineries, apple orchards and a number of animals along the way (horses, cows, goats, sheep -- even camels!). On the way home, stop at Pine Hill Egg Ranch on Highway 78 (Ramona) for farm-fresh eggs.

The other way to go is via Highway 79 past Lake Cuyamaca. Either route showcases colorful fall foliage.

---------------------------

Located in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona is bordered by Phoenix to the west and the McDowell Mountains on the east. Mesmerizing views of the scenic desert terrain is reason enough to visit, but there’s much more to the area then just its breathtaking landscape.  

ACTIVITIES

In April, North America’s largest butterfly will be unveiled. Butterfly Wonderland ( www.butterflywonderland.com) will feature butterflies from rainforests around the world.  Phase two, slated for 2015 will feature a 12-acre freshwater and saltwater aquarium called Odysea. 

Saddle up for a horseback adventure! Ride down pristine trails where you’ll encounter wildlife, plants and cacti.  Various companies offer everything from hayrides to cookouts.
MacDonald’s Ranch and Windwalker Expeditions Inc.

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Sonoran Desert from the basket of a hot-air balloon! Some companies offer sunrise and sunset launches as well as hotel transfers.  Unicorn Balloon Co., Rainbow Ryders, Inc.

Follow the historic Apache Trail to Goldfield Ghost Town! This former mining town is a popular attraction featuring staged gunfights, gold panning, tours of the Mammoth Gold Mine and Lu Lu’s Bordello, and rides on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad.

The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered species. Daily activities include the Safari Trains and Carts, Monkey Village, Wild About Animals Show and a petting zoo. Cruising bikes and paddleboats are available for rent and offer fun ways to explore the zoo’s exhibits and lake.

Tubing on the Lower Salt River is a great way to soak up the sun and enjoy Scottsdale’s scenery, including wildlife like hawks and wild horses. Rent a tube from Salt River Tubing & Recreation, then hop on the shuttle bus for a ride to the river.


ROAD TRIPS

Meteor Crater
www.meteorcrater.com
This home of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site is located near Winslow, about 3 hours from Scottsdale. The area includes outdoor observation trails, air conditioned indoor viewing, a wide screen movie theater, interactive discovery center, unique gift and rock shop, and Astronaut Memorial Park.

Montezuma Castle
www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm
Ninety miles north of Phoenix resides a five-story, 20-room limestone cliff dwelling that served as a “high-rise apartment building” for prehistoric Sinagua Indians over 600 years ago. Today it is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.


WHERE TO STAY

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch’s
This luxury resort recently completed a $3.7 million renovation of its 2.5-acre “water playground.”  Zip down the three-story waterslide or swim through a Grecian-style temple to play a game of water volleyball. It also offers the largest white sand beach in the area. The Hyatt has a Native American and Environmental Learning Center where cultural interpreters will guide you through hands-on activities and exhibits.

Worth noting: shop online through Babies Travel Lite and choose from over 1,000 name-brand baby products, including diapers, formula, bath products and more. Your order will be waiting in your room the day you arrive.

El Dorado
This vintage boutique resort is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. The property underwent a renovation in 2012 with the goal of creating a “home away from home” atmosphere. Amenities include a swimming pool, hot spa, barbecue grills, cabanas, cafe, and beach cruiser bicycles.

The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a desert oasis nestled in the dramatic Sonoran Desert. Located on 250 breathtaking acres, this magnificent luxury resort features a championship 27-hole golf course, world-class tennis complex, spa, two children’s pools and a 165-foot twisting waterslide.

Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Located just a few miles from Old Town Scottsdale in neighboring Phoenix, The Royal Palms Spa is a AAA Four Diamond Resort that is home to the award-winning T. Cook’s restaurant, Mobil Four Star Alvadora Spa, and a mother-of-pearl-tiled swimming pool with private cabanas and a croquet lawn. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting hotel guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage.


WHERE TO EAT 

Searsucker Scottsdale
This past November, award winning celebrity chef and Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey brought the nationally recognized Searsucker to Scottsdale.  With a mouth-watering wine list and a selection of foods featured under categories such as “ocean,” “ranch,” and “farm,” you may want to get a sitter and make this a romantic night.

Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse
Mosey on over to this Western charmer that’s been serving up cowboy-style vittles for more than 50 years. Mesquite-broiled steaks, ribs and chicken top the menu, which also features hot dogs, hamburgers and genuine sarsaparilla.

Warning: Dads wearing ugly ties may very well fall prey to a huge pair of scissors.

Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician Resort
Overlooking the meticulously-manicured greens at The Phoenician’s 18-hole golf course, this upscale burger joint offers everything from chili-cheese tots and Southern-style fried pickles, to the Big Bertha, a full pound of decadent Kobe beef topped with American cheese and a chopped salad.


GET PAMPERED

The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale
Indulge in a truly decadent treatment while your little one gets a high-class service of her own such as the Bubble Yummy mani-pedi.

Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Boulders Resort 
The 33,000-square-foot spa offers treatments infused with ingredients from the desert. Recline alongside the heated swimming pool nestled against ancient boulders, de-stress in a yoga class, or walk along a tranquil path known as The Labyrinth.  

Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
In addition to a world-class spa and salon, the Fairmont offers a personalized wellness program, cutting edge fitness and training, mind-body classes, healthy meals, and cooking seminars.

-----------------------
Elise Edwards began her career as an award-winning writer, producer and news anchor where her expertise was in celebrity, fashion and beauty. She has two children and lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Published: March 2013

Before planning a vacation to Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, take into consideration these ideas to help save your wallet and your sanity.

1. Save on Lodging

Stay off Disney property to save on hotel costs; there are plenty of options within minutes of Disneyland that are a fraction of the cost. Nearby hotels even offer shuttles to and from the park so you don't have to rent a car. Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center offers an extensive hot breakfast to their guests — a big savings for families who want to eat before hitting the resort.

2. Save on Park Tickets

Discounts on tickets are hard to find. Good news: Guests who stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Ahaneim for at least two nights can get 5% off one-day tickets or multi-day passes, which adds to significant savings for families. 

If you are a AAA or Costco member, look for discounts on park tickets before your trip or buy online to save money off the window price.

3. Save on Food

Though there are plenty of food kiosks at the park, your average burger or fried confection is overpriced. Save on food while sparing your health by packing your own in a cooler and store it in a locker. Great substitutes include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids with oranges or apples and a healthy snack. Frozen yogurt cups also provide a refreshing treat in warmer weather. Traveling from out of town? Find a grocery store on your way to your hotel and stock up on the basics.

4. Save Time
Make the most of your time by planning a character dining meal where you’re guaranteed a meet-and-greet with your favorite character. This beats standing in several lines for quick photos with your kids' favorite characters.

Make the best use of Fast Passes/Return Passes at all the parks. If your child cannot go on a ride, ask about swapping riders and use that in conjunction with a Fast Pass to cut down on wait time.

Hit all the major rides during any show, parade or fireworks display and you’ll likely walk on.

5. Save Your Sanity

Safety first when you’re on vacation! Write your phone number on your child’s arm in case they get lost or get a pet tag with your number engraved on it and attach it to your child. Teach your little one what to do and who to talk to if they get lost in the crowds. Bring a stroller to alleviate tired little legs and remember to tie a brightly colored ribbon to easily identify your stroller and label it with permanent marker to help avoid theft. 


------------------
Maisie Knowles is a working mother of two girls.