Destinations Travel Magazine Re-Design

Riviera Maya Vancouver Island Golf

Destinations

Family Island Getaways

Travel Magazine April 2013

Art Nouveau Architecture Photo - Licious Bermuda Buenos Aires

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Alabama

CONTENTS

16

18

28

Frequent Flyer News

Latest Information For Frequent Flyers

Cover Story

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Alabama

Family Island Getaways

US Islands Perfect For Family Vacations

1 | Destinations Travel Magazine

Escape to Greece

Touring the Greek Island

Living Like A Local While Traveling Paris

Travel Directory

Travel Resource List

58

86

98

2 | Destinations Travel Magazine

NO PASSPORTS REQUIRED

US Islands Perfect for Family Vacations

By Sandy Grodaky

FAMILY ISLAND GETAWAYS

NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, known as “The Far Away Island,” Nantucket is the quintessential destination for a family summer vacation. Beach-goers will love the numerous beaches ranging from the wide sandy beach and calm, lapping waves at Jetty’s Beach to the punishing surf at Cisco or Madaket. There are numerous bike trails all over the island making it a great way to get around. It is worth the drive out to Siasconset (otherwise known as S’conset) to see the rose covered cottages and the imposing lighthouse. When the fog rolls in, be sure to visit the impressive Whalling Museum.

There are numerous lodging options available ranging from pricey vacation home rentals to charming small B&B’s.

MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

28 | Destinations Travel Magazine

MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN When you get off the ferry in Mackinac Island, you will be stepping back in time to an era of horse drawn carriages, Victorian era homes, and a quieter, simpler life. Whether you relax on the porch of the classic Grand Hotel, rent a bike to explore the nearly seventy miles of trails, or discover the Island’s rich history at Fort Mackinac, you can be assured there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. There are no cars allowed on the Island - you can get everywhere you will need to go either by the horse drawn carriages, bicycles, or walking. Make sure you sample some of the famous Mackinac Island fudge from one of the many sweet shops in town.

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND, MAINE The main attraction on Mount Desert Island is Acadia National Park, with stunning scenery of rocky cliffs dropping down to the ocean below.

The 27 mile driving loop provides photo-ops at every turn, so it might be wise to park the car and take one of the free Island Explorer buses that run through the park. Don’t miss the vista from stop Cadillac Mountain and Thunder Hole. Everyone in the family will enjoy exploring the shoreline and surrounding islands by taking a boat tour where you can see local wildlife such as harbor seals, puffins, and dolphins, as well as the many picturesque lighthouses that dot the harbors. Bay Harbor is the social, cultural, and artistic center of Mount Desert Island and where you will be most likely finding inns, B&B’s, restaurants, and shops.

Don’t miss eating lobster fresh off the boat at one of the local lobster pounds.

CHINCOTEAGUE, VIRGINIA

CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

Immortalized by Margueritte Henry’s iconic children’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, Chincoteague Island is off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. While the wild ponies actually live on nearby Assateague Island, the annual pony swim across the narrow channel separating the two islands, is just one of the reasons visitors flock to the area. A variety of accommodations are available ranging from hotels, inns, and camp sites. Maddox Avenue makes up the center of town, where boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants are plentiful.

Located 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A short 75 minute ferry ride (or for the adventurous, a 10 minute helicopter trip) makes Catalina an easy getaway for a day trip or short vacation. The clear blue waters are ideal for snorkeling and other water sports, while the mountainous terrain of the Island make for great hiking and biking excursions. Families can either stay in one of the hotels on the Island, rent a vacation home, or camp at one of the many camp sites. The charming town of Avalon is home to many restaurants.

CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

KIAWAH, SOUTH CAROLINA Renowned for its challenging golf courses, Kiawah Island is also a popular destination for families. With a wide range of accommodations on the island, there is something for everyone on Kiawah. Look for wildlife in the marshes including egrets, herons, and cranes. You may even spot an alligator sunning itself along the bike path.

Kiawah also offers a world class tennis program for all ages. Historic Charleston, with all that it has to offer, is just a short drive away. When driving to Kiawah, do not miss a well hidden but important attraction - on John’s Island, turn off to see the Angel Oak, the oldest tree in the United States.

This gorgeous tree is well worth the short detour.

HATTERAS ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA The gorgeous beaches and wild dunes are what attracts most visitors to Hatteras Island, a barrier Island that is part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There is a wide range of lodging available from luxury oceanfront rentals, cottages, and hotels. Many people don’t realize that the first English settlers in North America originally settled on Hatteras prior to moving to nearby Roanoke Island - Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the tallest traditional lighthouse in the United States and was famously moved inland a few years ago. It has now re-opened to the public and should not be missed when visiting Hatteras.

29 | Destinations Travel Magazine

GASPARILLA ISLAND, FLORIDA

In the Gulf of Mexico, Gasparilla Island and its small village of Boca Grande is a vacation destination that is idyllic for families. The pure white sand beaches and the crystal clear, calm water of the gulf are perfect for younger children who will enjoy searching for abundant sea shells, particularly sand dollars.

Gasparilla is also known for its tarpon fishing there are numerous fishing charters available at the marina, many of which allow even quite young children their first fishing experience. The streets of Boca Grande are lined with gorgeous Banyan trees and the village is home to wonderful restaurants and charming boutiques.

Children will love going to the Loose Caboose, an old train depot turned ice cream shop.

30 | Destinations Travel Magazine

It pretty much goes without saying that Maui is a wonderful place for a vacation, but many people don’t realize how perfect it is for a family getaway.

Whether you bicycle down from the top of the volcano, Haleakala, take a surfing lesson together, or watch the sun set over Lahaina during an authentic Hawaiian luau, any trip to Maui will create lasting family memories. Look for a resort with activities for the keiki (children) such as lei making or hula dancing.

Tired of the beach? Ride on a genuine 1890’s train, known as the Sugar-Cane Train or visit the Maui Ocean Center. Travel tip: to avoid the long flight from the East Coast, break up your trip with a one night layover in San Francisco (West Coasters have an easy flight).

MAUI, HAWAII

31 | Destinations Travel Magazine

Living Like A Local While Traveling And Other Ways to Make Paris Your Temporary Hometown Away from Home

By Candy Shulman

86 | Destinations Travel Magazine

Quick Tips

KNOW YOUR MÉTRO RULES AND ETIQUETTE GREET PARISIANS WITH “DITES BONJOUR MONSIEUR OU BONJOUR MADAME”

DON’T EAT BREAKFAST EATING IS A RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE IN FRANCE NEVER THROW YOUR MÉTRO TICKET AWAY BEFORE YOUR FINAL DESTINATION

87 | Destinations Travel Magazine

Do Not Complain About the Cigarette Smoke or the Dogs Parisians are touchy about not being able to smoke inside restaurants anymore, but in sidewalk cafés, chain smoking is omnipresent and de rigueur. If you can’t take the smoke, get out of the café - or out of France totally. You can seclude yourself inside the café on a lovely evening, smoke free and all alone. But your passport might be revoked if you lean over to the next table and say, “Would you mind blowing smoke in the other direction?” Or even worse, if you contemptuously wave your neighbors smoke away. And don’t be alarmed by that mysterious tongue licking your leg under the table; it’s your neighbor’s dog. Canines hang out in restaurants and travel on the Métro. It’s unwise to point, stare, or take photos of dogs in people places. In Paris, dogs behave better than humans.

Wear Fashionable Shoes and Long Pants - Even in the Heat of Summer Parisians dress up to go to the local Monoprix for a six-pack of Evian. Running shoes belong only in the gym, or jogging on the banks of the Seine - although I couldn’t figure out how runners traveled to and from their jogging routes as the only sneakers I ever saw on the street were hipster versions on handsome young men.

Women wear sundresses in the summer, but are never seen in shorts. Perhaps this is why there are so many perfume stores.

Don’t Overtip Waiters and Other Ways to Avoid Being Blatantly Tagged as an American Everything is service compris, and the French know you don’t have to tip at all, but many Americans still feel pressured to leave too much extra money. It’s acceptable to leave some small change in euros, but don’t overdo it. And while we’re at the table, never call your waiter garçon. Refrain from ordering meat anything but rare (you may avoid bleu if you want it cooked at all), and make your best effort to order in French. Sometimes wait staff will respond back in English, which used to feel like an insult but nowadays seems less snide and more helpful. In a Spanish tapas restaurant, with a particularly foreign menu, my nearly fluent daughter tried to navigate her way around indecipherable ham sections from the black-footed pigs of Spain, until finally the waitress helped us with British-inflicted suggestions. “I always give people a chance to practice their French,” she said, “and then I intervene to speed things up.” And at a legendary brasseire, when my daughter told a particularly aloof waiter with a severe handlebar mustache that she wanted the andoulliette, thinking it was sausage, he vehemently shook his head and pointed to his stomach, pantomiming that it was tripe. She said, “Merci Monsieur,” and ordered the chicken instead.

88 | Destinations Travel Magazine

Don’t Read Your Kindle in Public or Walk While Texting The Parisians are remarkable disconnected.

Bound books abound everywhere - from the Jardin du Luxembourg to buses on the Boulevard St. Germain. In Fact, book sales have risen 6.5%, whereas they’ve declined in the US, and e-books are not nearly as popular as here. There are 2,500 bookstores in France, many funded with grants. On the Métro and in parks, Parisians read and revere books. Your cell phone might be more interesting than the smog or graffiti in your home city, but remember what it was like to savor the moment?

The French still know this intuitively. Without staring at your cell phone while strolling, you’ll see a work of art worthy of a painting at every corner in this magnificent city. Don’t miss a view.

Avoid the Tourists You really can’t - especially in high season.

Seventy million visitors a year! But museum lines are often shorter at lunchtime or an hour before closing, and some of the best viewing times are in the evenings. The Louvre is not the only musée in town. Check out smaller, less congested gems like L’Orangerie. And if you want to eat with your “fellow” Parisians, never book dinner before 21 heures (9 PM).

Rent An Apartment Rather Than a Hotel Room Savvy travelers know it can be cheaper and more comfortable - especially with a family. And even if you can’t live year round in the city of lights, you can pretend you do for a week or two. Stock yogurt and fraisea and Bordier butter in your fridge; bring home a fresh baguette after having a café crème in the café where they know you after a few days, and have breakfast “at home” before venturing out for the day…pretending not to be a tourist.

89 | Destinations Travel Magazine

destinationstravelmagazine.com

Online Mobile Social Media Travel Blog

Your Resource for World Travel