Point one: More and more Baby Boomers have taken to cruise ship vacations as their favorite way of getting away from it all.
Point two: Most Baby Boomers have kids, and most of those kids are approaching or in their teens.
Point three: Most Baby Boomers are reluctant to leave their teenagers behind when they head for the high seas, and prefer to vacation as a family.
The cruise industry is fully cognizant of all of these points, and they are doing their best to make sure that every member of their Baby Boomer families are provided with exactly the sort of cruise experience which will be entertaining, relaxing, and most of all, FUN. Most cruise lines now offer planned and supervised activities geared for teenagers throughout the day, because they know that the happy teen customer of today will be the paying adult customer of tomorrow.
Teen centers and video arcades are standard on all ships offering family cruises, and many cruise lines have age-based programs which will tempt your reluctant teen from spending his or her time moping about in the cabin dreaming of the friends or love interest left behind. Ships with good teen activities will schedule nighttime dances or pool parties where the teens can escape from Mom, Dad, and their annoying younger siblings. Many of the best cruise lines also have Internet cafes so your teen's email lifeline is never far away.
Some cruise lines, including Carnival and Disney, go out of their way to make their cruises fun for family members of all ages. For teens in particular, Carnival Cruise Lines offers Camp Carnival for kids up to age 15, and a Fountain Fun card, which will let you tens drinks as many soft drinks as they like at any hour of the day or night. They also have 24-hour pizzerias.
Carnival's Destiny-class ships have high-tech video game arcades, and its Fun Ships have 2,400 square foot Fun House activity centers. When it comes to catering to the kids and teens, however, few cruise lines have as much to offer as Disney.
The cruise ships Disney magic and Disney Wonder each have almost an entire deck (1500 square feet) set aside for kid and teen activities, including a teen club with its own coffee bar and video arcade. Disney debuts its latest theatrical releases aboard ship on the same day that they are released into theaters, so if there's a teen offering from Disney studios while you're on your cruise, your teenagers won't have to wait to see it!
Royal Caribbean will keep your teens busy in their own nightclubs and huge video arcades, and keep them happily fed with burgers and shakes at their Johnny Rocket's restaurants. Their latest ships also have a teen pool complete with water slide and (for a small fee) the use of a rock climbing wall to provide a crow's nest view of the surrounding sea. Organized activities for teens are held throughout the day beginning at 10:00 AM. Karaoke contests are open to passengers of all ages, and the teens are often the most enthusiastic performers!
Royal Caribbean is also among the handful of cruise lines which has onboard skating rinks of some of its ships, where your teens can either skate or enjoy a replica of the Ice Capades. They will love the contrast between ice skating and the surfing experience they'll get on Royal Caribbean's Flowrider, where the surf's always up!
Cruise vacations are no longer the domain of honeymooners and retirees. They are genuinely family-friendly experiences, with entertainment and social activities to appeal to even the most sophisticated teens!
Adviceblog to travellers going on cruise and honeymoon tips.
Honeymoon Travel Destinations You Will Love
There are places suitable for vacation. There are places suitable for rest. There are places suitable for leisure. There are places suitable for luxury. There are places suitable for romance. And there are places suitable for everything that is mentioned. These are the places where you can set your honeymoon travel. Here are some of the honeymoon travel destinations where you can get a relaxing vacation, well-deserved rest, leisure, luxury, and romance.
Caribbean.
Located between North and South America, the Caribbean is the most sought place when it comes to relaxation, exquisite dining, luxury hotels, and of course world-class beaches and diving spots. The Caribbean is composed of several small countries including Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Aruba that showcase only the best place for honeymoon. Newlyweds can enjoy water sports and other water activities, pampering services, great accommodation, and great foods and colorful people.
Hawaii.
Another famous honeymoon travel destination is the islands of Hawaii. The isolated American State has 132 islands but tourists are restricted to just 6 islands. A total of 7 islands are inhabited. They are: O'ahu (The Gathering Place), Moloka'i (The Friendly Isle), Hawaii (The Big Island), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle), Maui (The Valley Isle),and Ni'ihau (The Distant Isle), Lana'i (The Secluded Island). For tourists and honeymooners, Hawaii islands offer world-class hotels, and beaches, exquisite foods, and a close to paradise experience.
Europe.
Traveling to Europe for a honeymoon would present you with lots of things to do and lots of places to visit. Italy for one has several ancient and cities with great historic sites, architecture and arts. France has great tasting foods and sites. The United Kingdom also has lots in store.
Las Vegas.
The gambling capital of the world is also one of the best local places to set your honeymoon. There are world-class hotels and resorts that offer honeymoon package whether you want to set your wedding at Las Vegas or simply would life to spend some romantic time there. Lots of entertainments await every honeymooner in Las Vegas including food, lights and sound attractions, nightlife, and more.
Africa.
Getting the feel of nature and seeing the wild at large is at its best in Africa. There are countries like Tanzania that offer a unique feel of nature and a vibrant touch of luxury in one. Exotic hotels are available in Africa for honeymoon that is something unique and wild.
Caribbean.
Located between North and South America, the Caribbean is the most sought place when it comes to relaxation, exquisite dining, luxury hotels, and of course world-class beaches and diving spots. The Caribbean is composed of several small countries including Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, and Aruba that showcase only the best place for honeymoon. Newlyweds can enjoy water sports and other water activities, pampering services, great accommodation, and great foods and colorful people.
Hawaii.
Another famous honeymoon travel destination is the islands of Hawaii. The isolated American State has 132 islands but tourists are restricted to just 6 islands. A total of 7 islands are inhabited. They are: O'ahu (The Gathering Place), Moloka'i (The Friendly Isle), Hawaii (The Big Island), Kaua'i (The Garden Isle), Maui (The Valley Isle),and Ni'ihau (The Distant Isle), Lana'i (The Secluded Island). For tourists and honeymooners, Hawaii islands offer world-class hotels, and beaches, exquisite foods, and a close to paradise experience.
Europe.
Traveling to Europe for a honeymoon would present you with lots of things to do and lots of places to visit. Italy for one has several ancient and cities with great historic sites, architecture and arts. France has great tasting foods and sites. The United Kingdom also has lots in store.
Las Vegas.
The gambling capital of the world is also one of the best local places to set your honeymoon. There are world-class hotels and resorts that offer honeymoon package whether you want to set your wedding at Las Vegas or simply would life to spend some romantic time there. Lots of entertainments await every honeymooner in Las Vegas including food, lights and sound attractions, nightlife, and more.
Africa.
Getting the feel of nature and seeing the wild at large is at its best in Africa. There are countries like Tanzania that offer a unique feel of nature and a vibrant touch of luxury in one. Exotic hotels are available in Africa for honeymoon that is something unique and wild.
The Weddings Market Can Drive New Sales During a Recession For the Travel Industry
Prospecting for new clients in a recession can be a daunting task for travel professionals to say the least. Each day we come to work and reach out to customers and corporate accounts that are cutting expenses and eliminating travel. Yet when you study the last four recessions, it is clear that every travel agency is surrounded by prospects that are recession-proof. As travel professionals, we frequently focus on the fact that our existing clients are no longer spending at the levels they did in 2007 and 2008. As a result, we may fail to see new sources of revenue that are close at hand.
Following funerals and liquor stores, weddings are one of the markets that will generate substantial new sales in 2009. According to the latest update from The Wedding Report, the number of nuptials in the United States will actually increase in 2009 from 2008. In fact, over 2,216,000 weddings will take place this year. If you like spending stimulus packages, you'll be pleased to know that in 2009 over $56 billion dollars will be spent by American couples on their weddings.
The good news for the travel industry is that a large block of this year's engagements took place around Christmas and Valentine's Day. So once the dresses are selected and the location for the ceremony and reception is decided, the bride and groom will turn their attention to the details of their honeymoon. In 2009, the average couple will spend just under $4,000.00 on their honeymoon. In fact over a quarter of a million couples will gladly spend over $7,500 on their honeymoon. Travel agents traditionally focus on the big travel that happens after the wedding. Yet in 2009 couples will spend over $390 million just for hotel rooms on their wedding night.
I once took a brief sabbatical from the travel industry to serve as vice president of sales for a large national wedding photography company. What I learned allowed me to return to the travel industry and book more weddings business in an average week than I used to book in an average year. My advice is to immediately start cultivating relationships with professionals who can refer wedding business to you. These key people can serve as your partners in profit for years to come. A great place to start is with the jeweler who provided the engagement ring. Next, focus on building connections where wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses are purchased. One of my best investments in time was spending every Saturday during the months of January and February in the busiest bridal stores across the country. I arranged with the owner to pay a commission on any business I booked from their customers and prospects alike. I found that generally the bride, mother, and maid-of-honor remained focused on finding just the right dresses. Frequently, however, the father of the bride was present, but seemed isolated from the shopping. I booked the most business by focusing on these lonely dads. After spending time with the fathers, they would in turn share positive information about my services with the bride and groom. In short, they became walking talking billboards for my company.
During the work week focused on establishing relationships with hotels and special venues where the reception might take place. Next seek out restaurants and country clubs where the engagement parties are traditionally booked. Do not forget to network with pastors, limousine companies and tuxedo rental stores.
Bill Todd is a high energy, humorous, motivational speaker and sales trainer with over a quarter century of front line sales, marketing, customer service and advertising experience. He is the co-author with Stephen Covey of Speaking of Success. Todd is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and was listed in the 2009 edition of Who's Who in Professional Speaking
Following funerals and liquor stores, weddings are one of the markets that will generate substantial new sales in 2009. According to the latest update from The Wedding Report, the number of nuptials in the United States will actually increase in 2009 from 2008. In fact, over 2,216,000 weddings will take place this year. If you like spending stimulus packages, you'll be pleased to know that in 2009 over $56 billion dollars will be spent by American couples on their weddings.
The good news for the travel industry is that a large block of this year's engagements took place around Christmas and Valentine's Day. So once the dresses are selected and the location for the ceremony and reception is decided, the bride and groom will turn their attention to the details of their honeymoon. In 2009, the average couple will spend just under $4,000.00 on their honeymoon. In fact over a quarter of a million couples will gladly spend over $7,500 on their honeymoon. Travel agents traditionally focus on the big travel that happens after the wedding. Yet in 2009 couples will spend over $390 million just for hotel rooms on their wedding night.
I once took a brief sabbatical from the travel industry to serve as vice president of sales for a large national wedding photography company. What I learned allowed me to return to the travel industry and book more weddings business in an average week than I used to book in an average year. My advice is to immediately start cultivating relationships with professionals who can refer wedding business to you. These key people can serve as your partners in profit for years to come. A great place to start is with the jeweler who provided the engagement ring. Next, focus on building connections where wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses are purchased. One of my best investments in time was spending every Saturday during the months of January and February in the busiest bridal stores across the country. I arranged with the owner to pay a commission on any business I booked from their customers and prospects alike. I found that generally the bride, mother, and maid-of-honor remained focused on finding just the right dresses. Frequently, however, the father of the bride was present, but seemed isolated from the shopping. I booked the most business by focusing on these lonely dads. After spending time with the fathers, they would in turn share positive information about my services with the bride and groom. In short, they became walking talking billboards for my company.
During the work week focused on establishing relationships with hotels and special venues where the reception might take place. Next seek out restaurants and country clubs where the engagement parties are traditionally booked. Do not forget to network with pastors, limousine companies and tuxedo rental stores.
Bill Todd is a high energy, humorous, motivational speaker and sales trainer with over a quarter century of front line sales, marketing, customer service and advertising experience. He is the co-author with Stephen Covey of Speaking of Success. Todd is a proud member of the National Speakers Association and was listed in the 2009 edition of Who's Who in Professional Speaking
Long Road Trips With Children
When taking a road trip with children, it is advisable to leave early in the morning even before breakfast. If the children will be sleepy they can just continue sleeping in the car. This way, the passengers can drive for at least two hours before stopping for breakfast. This prevents time wasting by leaving well after breakfast. Having breakfast in some faraway place instills the sense of beckoning adventure for the children.
Children need to be bought various favorite snacks, sandwiches and drinks. These are kept in a cooler. Packing children food saves lots of money and inconveniences when they demand for particular food or snacks. Stopping at rest areas to feed during a road trip is better than eating in restaurants as the family gets quality time together in serene environments. Rest places are not congested and children can run and play about and exhaust their energies. Children need to be catered for during road trips by ensuring they have games to play, food and snacks, water, picnics, potties if they are young etc. A story from audio books passes time quickly while driving.
Traveling with children requires comfortable rides, relaxed and with frequent breaks at least after three to four hours. Shorter breaks can be taken at gas stations where passengers can get out and stretch themselves. Breaks taken at scenic sites are important in that children get some moments of sightseeing and this makes the road trip memorable.
To keep the children's spirit up parents can buy their children new toys for the trip if they can afford. The children can then play with them in the car to avoid boredom. The types of games that suit to be played either on the way in the backseat or during rest spots can be chosen in advance. To get the children's attention a DVD player can do the trick. The DVD player should however not be displayed in a manner that can distract the driver. Car games like cops and vettes are interesting for it involves awarding of a point for every police car spotted and two points for sighting corvettes. Calling a car that is incorrect results in point's deduction. This game keeps children active through the trip. Games keep the children refreshed and they also enliven them and make the road trip memorable.
Necessary items include blankets and pillows in case children sleep in the car as they are bound to when they are comfortable or tired. When the road trip is a long way off and people need to book into a hotel for accommodation, things required for use that night can be packed into one bag. This is to avoid frisking through the whole car and unloading it searching for the items in the evening when people are likely to be tired and needing rest. Booking in advance enables people to make prudent choices and avoid the frustrations of driving into filled up hotels. Booking in advance can present offers like free breakfast.
Children need to be bought various favorite snacks, sandwiches and drinks. These are kept in a cooler. Packing children food saves lots of money and inconveniences when they demand for particular food or snacks. Stopping at rest areas to feed during a road trip is better than eating in restaurants as the family gets quality time together in serene environments. Rest places are not congested and children can run and play about and exhaust their energies. Children need to be catered for during road trips by ensuring they have games to play, food and snacks, water, picnics, potties if they are young etc. A story from audio books passes time quickly while driving.
Traveling with children requires comfortable rides, relaxed and with frequent breaks at least after three to four hours. Shorter breaks can be taken at gas stations where passengers can get out and stretch themselves. Breaks taken at scenic sites are important in that children get some moments of sightseeing and this makes the road trip memorable.
To keep the children's spirit up parents can buy their children new toys for the trip if they can afford. The children can then play with them in the car to avoid boredom. The types of games that suit to be played either on the way in the backseat or during rest spots can be chosen in advance. To get the children's attention a DVD player can do the trick. The DVD player should however not be displayed in a manner that can distract the driver. Car games like cops and vettes are interesting for it involves awarding of a point for every police car spotted and two points for sighting corvettes. Calling a car that is incorrect results in point's deduction. This game keeps children active through the trip. Games keep the children refreshed and they also enliven them and make the road trip memorable.
Necessary items include blankets and pillows in case children sleep in the car as they are bound to when they are comfortable or tired. When the road trip is a long way off and people need to book into a hotel for accommodation, things required for use that night can be packed into one bag. This is to avoid frisking through the whole car and unloading it searching for the items in the evening when people are likely to be tired and needing rest. Booking in advance enables people to make prudent choices and avoid the frustrations of driving into filled up hotels. Booking in advance can present offers like free breakfast.
Tips For Taking Holidays With Babies
Taking holidays with babies is often an overwhelming and stressful thing. There are ways that you can help make your vacation more fun for you and for the kids. If you have a baby that is still wearing diapers, then you know that you will need to take enough diapers and wipes to make it through the week. Taking bottled water for mixing and rinsing out bottles is another necessity. Taking snacks for your entire family can save you money and time, because healthy snacks may be hard to get on the road. Taking pillows and blankets for the kids can help to give them a comfortable rest spot while traveling, too.
If you have kids that need to be entertained, then you will want to include a portable DVD player, books, coloring books, and quiet toys to help give them things to do to pass the time. Make sure that you make plenty of stops where you allow the kids to get out and stretch their legs. This can make a big difference in their comfort level and the stress level of your vacation trip. From welcome centers to rest areas to fast food restaurants with playgrounds, there are many opportunities to let your children stretch their legs while on the road.
The good news is that when you make rest stops, it is most likely that you will find baby changing stations in both sexes of bathrooms. This change in bathroom functionality is helpful for parents traveling together, because it means that you can take turns changing the babies. This can save you both in arguments and tension.
Even if you don't have a baby that you will need to change, you will want to be sure that you carry baby wipes. They can be used for many different purposes, including wiping faces, hands, and messes in the car. This can help make cleaning easier, because you will have the premoistened baby wipes on hand.
Holidays with babies and younger kids can be challenging. That is why you want to be sure that you get advice from experienced traveling parents, especially if this is the first trip with your kids. Family trips are very common and you can find traveling advice in books, magazines, and online as well. You only have to be willing to look for the tips that will work for you and your family. Learning from other parents is the best way to find tips that are tried and true that will possibly work for you as you are traveling with your kids. Making sure that your children are happy on the way to your destination can help to start your holiday off on a good note that will make the rest of the trip enjoyable and fun for you and your entire family.
Family vacations are a great way to create memories that will be remembered forever. Using your camcorder and camera to document these holidays with babies and older children is the best way to remember the fun trips. Taking holidays with babies doesn't have to be stressful. With the proper planning and preparation, you can take a trip that will be fun for you and your kids.
If you have kids that need to be entertained, then you will want to include a portable DVD player, books, coloring books, and quiet toys to help give them things to do to pass the time. Make sure that you make plenty of stops where you allow the kids to get out and stretch their legs. This can make a big difference in their comfort level and the stress level of your vacation trip. From welcome centers to rest areas to fast food restaurants with playgrounds, there are many opportunities to let your children stretch their legs while on the road.
The good news is that when you make rest stops, it is most likely that you will find baby changing stations in both sexes of bathrooms. This change in bathroom functionality is helpful for parents traveling together, because it means that you can take turns changing the babies. This can save you both in arguments and tension.
Even if you don't have a baby that you will need to change, you will want to be sure that you carry baby wipes. They can be used for many different purposes, including wiping faces, hands, and messes in the car. This can help make cleaning easier, because you will have the premoistened baby wipes on hand.
Holidays with babies and younger kids can be challenging. That is why you want to be sure that you get advice from experienced traveling parents, especially if this is the first trip with your kids. Family trips are very common and you can find traveling advice in books, magazines, and online as well. You only have to be willing to look for the tips that will work for you and your family. Learning from other parents is the best way to find tips that are tried and true that will possibly work for you as you are traveling with your kids. Making sure that your children are happy on the way to your destination can help to start your holiday off on a good note that will make the rest of the trip enjoyable and fun for you and your entire family.
Family vacations are a great way to create memories that will be remembered forever. Using your camcorder and camera to document these holidays with babies and older children is the best way to remember the fun trips. Taking holidays with babies doesn't have to be stressful. With the proper planning and preparation, you can take a trip that will be fun for you and your kids.
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