Exotic Family Travel Ideas: Napa, Shanghai, Caribbean, Europe

Seems like I'm not the only one writing about exotic family travel. Last week in Family Vacation, Reinvented, the NY Times lists several types of family travel including education, cultural pursuits, adventure, plain fun, and budget. My favorite suggestions include a family resort in Napa (yes, I can go to wine country with the kids!), an inexpensive lodge in Denali National Park, marionette making in Prague, and snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Also see, Shanghai for Kids on ideas for markets, museums, and outdoors.

Looking for a Caribbean Island with more than just beach activities. Aruba An Ideal Island For Family Travel suggests "you can easily spend five or six days doing activities not on the beach" and sites Oranjestad's art galleries and the Butterfly Farm as worthy activities. More ideas on Aruba...

Europe's best family-friendly hotels are in some very interesting places; Cyprus, Corsica, Turkey, Portugal, Puglia, and Sardinia, Ibiza, Algarve, and Umbria. For me, my pick would be Puglia or Portugal but Turkey seems to be a favorite of TripConnect members. Also check out Ten child-friendly hotels in Britain.

Family Friendly Restaurants? But What About the Parents?

Does a family friendly restaurant mean that I have to enter the world of Nickelodian decor, color by number placemats, and plastic menus? Can my kids have something to eat other than mac-n-cheese, pasta, chicken fingers, a burger or a hot dog?  Do I have to wait on a long line for a table only to enter a restaurant that has the ambience of a three ringed circus?

Does family friendly restaurant have to mean a headache for the parents? Or does family friendly really mean child fantasy restaurant?

Top 10 Ways to Have Your Restaurant Concept Be Child-Friendly does list some very important attributes of a family friendly restaurant. Clean bathrooms, a kids menu (key attributes are smaller portions and lower prices), child friendly seating, and space to park or maneuver strollers are all attributes of kid friendly restaurants. Also, we know that restaurants that are small, dark, hip, expensive or with large bars are probably not family friendly to most families and in many circumstances.

I've looked at some recommendations on family friendly restaurants on cities that I know well. There's Fodor's on New York City, About.com on Vegas, Cityguide on Boston, and Frommer's on San Francisco. Thankfully, these lists have a mix of suggestions; some child fantasy, some fast food, some chains, and a few that I would consider parent friendly. But each of these sites only list 10-20 restaurants and basically give you some combination of the biggest, most popular, or restaurants that markets itself the best. You might not be near one of these restaurants and seeking them out while visiting an unfamiliar city with your hungry kids is probably a bad idea.

So here are some suggestions. When you're on vacation, make sure you know what areas and neighborhoods have a large selection of restaurants or are family neighborhoods. When it's time to eat, head to one of these neighborhoods and give yourself enough time to scope out the options. Check out the restaurant before bringing your kids in. Is it clean? Is it crowded? Does it appear to be well staffed? Do they have child seats? Check out the menu to see if it meets your budget and has food options for your kids. If you're not sure, then don't be afraid to ask the hostess.

Then if you find a gem share your find with family, friends, or other parents!

Links: The Simpsons, Dollywood, Smokey Mountain Train

Links

• The Simpsons headed to theme parks - Universal Studios will feature the cartoon characters in a new ride set to open at its two parks in Orlando and Hollywood, California, in the spring of 2008, the parks announced. Also see the top 10 other attractions in central Florida.

• Smoky Mountain train sets tone for scenic fun - Biking, Rafting and other activities around Dillsboro, NC. Also, check out what's happening at the Biltmore Estates in Asheville, NC.

• The great escape: Creating a family sabbatical abroad - Advice from a family of four that lived in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for 18m months.

• If you have older kids that are active in sports, Following kids' sports around the country might interest you.

• Are your kids roller coaster fans? Check out New Roller Coaster in Dollywood: "Mystery Mine"

• Here are  some Mothers Day Getaways worth checking out including the Poconos, Disney World, and Hawaii.