Adventure | Suzette Mack Travel

Cruises, Destination Reports, Traditional Cruise

Five Factors to Consider When Selecting an Alaska Cruisetour

Alaska cruise brochures can be the most confusing to understand, even for an experienced travel advisor. And the cruisetour section can be especially intimidating – so many choices, and so many tours that look similar.

Of course, the easiest way to sort it all out is to ask your trusted travel advisor for guidance, as they ask the right questions to find the best fit for you. But if you’d like to figure it out on your own, or want to do a little research before reaching out to a professional, here are some tips to help you get started.

1) Do you want to do the cruise or the tour first?

I personally prefer a northbound cruise, because I enjoy the increasing anticipation of getting closer and closer to Alaska. Also, the ports of embarkation, Vancouver and Seattle, offer a lot to do and see. Since most travelers need to arrive at least one day prior to embarkation, they can use that time to explore one of the cities.

Vancouver

However, the land tour requires a lot of moving around, so it’s more tiring than the cruise portion. For that reason, many travelers opt to do the tour first, then spend the end of their trip relaxing. But if you feel that you need some R&R before going on an adventurous land tour, then cruising first would be the better choice.

So, you see, it’s really a matter of personal preference.

2) How much time do you have?

The shortest cruisetour is 10 days (7 day cruise + 3 day land tour), but you generally need at least 11 days to allow for travel to the start of the cruise or the tour. The less time you have, the fewer options available. Most tours that stay within Alaska run a maximum of 13-14 days, and Yukon tours go up to 16 days.

Market in Anchorage

3) Where do you stop and for how many nights?

While it may seem there are a baffling number of tours available, on close inspection you’ll notice that they generally visit the same areas. The main differences will be the order of the itinerary, and the number of nights in each location (typically 1-3). I find my clients fall into one of these groups: they either want to hit the maximum number of places in the least amount of time, or they want to visit fewer places and have more free time for activities.

Downtown Talkeetna

Think about what you want to see and do, and note in which town those activities are available. Then mentally walk yourself through the itinerary. Are you OK with how often you will pack and unpack, how many early mornings you will have, how often you’ll be on a bus, how much free time you will have? Will you have time for any “must do” excursions?

Some cruise lines offer “Direct to Denali” service which means they take you from the cruise ship to Denali National Park the same day. It’s a long day, but it allows you to spend more time at Denali if that’s important to you.

Alaska Railroad passing through Talkeetna

4) What Denali Park tour is included?

All accommodations are located outside the park boundaries. The only way to travel deep into the park, and have a chance to see Mt. McKinley (if weather allows), is via a National Park Service bus. Almost all cruisetour itineraries include one of the narrated bus tours, which vary in how far they travel into the park (15 to 53 miles, 4-8 hrs roundtrip). The further you go, the more spectacular the scenery and the more opportunity to see wildlife. However, note that none of the narrated tours go as far as Eielson Visitor Center.

Park service bus

Denali Park Road

5) Would you prefer traveling on your own?

A cruisetour is the most seamless way to visit interior Alaska before or after a cruise. If you want someone else to do all the planning, driving, and luggage handling, then that is the best choice. But if you want to be more independent and even get off the beaten path a bit, you might consider doing a land tour on your own.

Sled dog pups at Iditarod Race Headquarters

Sled dog pups at the Iditarod Race Headquarters

While there is plenty of public transportation in the Denali Park area, having your own car gives more flexibility in how you spend your time. Though the distances in Alaska are long and services are limited, driving and navigating is quite easy. You can start right at the cruise port, or you can travel to Anchorage and pick up a car there.

Driving to Denali from Anchorage

In my opinion, one of the biggest benefits of traveling independently is having time in your schedule to take the park service shuttle into Denali instead of a tour bus. If you are up for the long day (11-12 hrs), then you can travel the entire length of the park road, over 80 miles, and enjoy all the amazing scenery this beautiful, remote wilderness area has to offer. It is truly the trip of a lifetime.

Brown bear on Denali Park Road

I’ve traveled all over the state of Alaska, so whether you travel by ship, bus, train, or car, I can custom design an itinerary just for you, and provide insider tips for a fun and memorable vacation. For more information on how to get started on your dream trip to Alaska, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

February 15, 2014/by macktravels

Destination Reports

A Day in Denali in Pictures

Pictures do a much better job than words to explain what an amazing place this is.

Getting ready to board the bus.

The first wildlife sighting of many to come.

Beautiful Polychrome Pass

It took sharp eyes to spot these mountain goats.

The mountain teased us all day,
but wouldn’t reveal herself completely.

Lots of caribou along (and in) the road.

And lots of bears!

They are used to the buses
so up close encounters are common.

A gorgeous day, and gorgeous scenery.

A mountain goat peeks out at us.
Who’s watching who?

Looking for food, winter will come quickly.

What a rack!

A unexpected surprise,
wolves were hard to find this year.

A hiker’s paradise. You can hop on and off the bus
anytime to explore on your own.

We saw six grizzlies on the trip.
I am sure many more than that saw us!

Fireweed at Wonder Lake in Denali National Park

Fireweed at Wonder Lake,
85 miles inside the park

I have traveled all over the state of Alaska. It’s one of the most amazing destinations in the world, but one of the most challenging to navigate. If you’d like help planning a memorable vacation to the Great Land, just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

October 29, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

What You Miss in Denali If You Don’t Have a Car (Our Alaska Adventure Part 5)

The last leg our Alaska journey was three nights at Denali National Park. Most visitors arrive by train or motor coach, but if you have an independent spirit, I highly recommend renting a car. It’s a 4-5 hour drive from Anchorage, but allow a full day because there are lots of stops and spectacular Denali views along the way (weather permitting). If you have time, I recommend spending a few nights in Talkeetna. You can also drive south from Fairbanks, which is only 2 hours away.

Here’s what you miss if you choose to rely on the park and hotel shuttle systems:

1) A stay at Tonglen Lake Lodge – This is the newest and most luxurious lodging near Denali, in a beautiful and serene lakeside setting. It was perfect for our family, but as I always recommend when selecting vacation accommodations, do your homework to make sure it’s the best fit for you.

2) Avoiding busloads of people – Since most visitors are using shuttle buses, they travel in groups from place to place. Often we were in a café or the visitor center with only a few other people, until a bus pulled up, and then all tables were filled and lines went out the door. If you can work your stops around the bus schedule, you can have some of the exhibits to yourself.

3) Leisurely scenic drives– The 15 miles of park road out to the Savage Creek checkpoint are open to private vehicles. You can drive it at a leisurely pace any time of day. You never know what you might see!

4) Going on an impromptu hike – There are several trails that lead out of the park entrance area. But if you drive out to Savage Creek you’ll find not only a parking area with picnic tables and restrooms, but two trails that can be covered in just a few hours: an easy loop trail along a pretty braided creek, and more strenuous hike up to a panoramic view.

5) Eating at 229 Parks, the best restaurant in the area – This is a hidden gem, and since it’s 8 miles south of the park entrance, you won’t get there without your own car, as there are no taxis. The menu is full of interesting dishes made with fresh local ingredients, ranging from their own handcrafted lemonade to homemade pasta and pastries, and of course salmon, halibut, and king crab dishes.

6) Visiting the 49^th State Brewing Company– This is a local favorite 10 miles north of the park in Healy. They have good food in huge portions at reasonable prices, and of course, good beer (and homemade root beer for the kids). You can also see the infamous bus used in the film Into the Wild, based on the book by Jon Krakauer.

7) Spending quality time with the sled dogs – The kennels are always open to guests, and demonstrations are offered several times a day. Visitors are encouraged to take a shuttle from the visitor center, however there is limited parking within walking distance. If you can arrive before the shuttle, then you have the dogs and their trainers to yourselves. You can also stay after the demonstration if you have additional questions, and watch the dogs get unhitched, which was surprisingly entertaining, as well.

To view more pictures of Denali Park, visit my Flickr album. And stay tuned for an upcoming post about our trip deep into the park on the NPS shuttle bus. (Update: here is the post.)

I have traveled all over the state, so I am happy to help you plan an amazing Alaska adventure for your family. Just contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

October 4, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

Timeless Talkeetna (Our Alaska Adventure Part 4)

I love Talkeetna because it’s an interesting and historic town. But also because, despite having lots of tourists, it does not feel as touristy as other popular Alaska destinations. Sure, there are signs hawking souvenirs and sightseeing tours, but most of the buildings haven’t changed for decades, and it’s a hub of activity for bush pilots and mountaineers, as this is the jumping off point for Mt. McKinley treks and flightseeing tours. (Talkeetna is closer to Mt. McKinley than the Denali National Park entrance, and has spectactular views on clear days.)

Our home for 3 nights was the charming Fireweed Station Inn, a historic homestead carefully restored and modernized, and now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. We thoroughly enjoyed the company of our hosts, Hobbs and Tom, who shared stories of their life in Alaska, and cooked up delicious breakfasts incorporating fresh vegetables and herbs from their garden. And they will cook a private dinner on request as well!

Hobbs & Tom

Fireweed Station Inn

The inn is small so it’s imperative to book early. Two rooms on the main floor are comfortable and spacious, and families will find lots of space in the suite which takes up the whole second floor. A cabin is also available for guests who want more privacy.

Suite at Fireweed Station Inn

Talkeetna is not a large town, but it does offer several other accommodation options,. They range from the large modern Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, favored by cruise passengers and escorted tour groups, to rustic cabins along the river. Princess’s Mt. McKinley Lodge is about an hour away, but it has a spectacular mountainside setting facing the Alaska Range, and they run regular shuttles to Talkeetna.

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge back deck view

Though I am not much more than an avid day hiker, I am fascinated with the sport of mountaineering. So I found the Historical Society Museum especially interesting, as one building is dedicated to the history of Denali climbing. It contained an impressive scale model of Mt McKinley which filled an entire room, each layer cut by hand, using a topo map for reference. The museum is worth a visit for anyone, to learn about the history of the area and what life was like for early settlers.

Photos on the wall show the actual view from each angle.

We followed that up with a visit to the NPS station, where all climbers have to register and get briefed on mountain procedures. They have a very good film that details the route to the summit and the preparation required. I would imagine this is a fascinating place to be during climbing season (April through June), seeing both the climbers who are heading out, and the ones who’ve just got back.

There are a lot of fun activities available, another good reason to spend a few days here. Most popular are the flightseeing tours, for close up views of the mountain and optional glacier landings. Mountain weather is fickle, however, so travelers have to be prepared for last minute cancellations.

Talkeetna is located at the confluence of three rivers: the Susitna, Chulitna and Talkeetna, so travelers have many opportunities to get out on the water. Because the rivers are wide and braided, you’ll find float trips rather than whitewater rafting, which is available further north near Denali N.P.

Looking for wildlife on the Susitna River

Jet boat tours are an option if you aren’t comfortable sitting on the edge of an inflated raft for a few hours, and want more protection from the elements. And of course, there’s fishing, probably one of the most popular activities in the state. Off the river, travelers can visit a dog sled kennel, go zip-lining, hiking, or take an ATV tour (note minimum age is 16, per state law).

Small jet boat departing the dock.

If you have a car, check out Kahiltna Birchworks. It’s on the Spur Road just off the Parks Hwy, so a quick and easy stop on the drive between Denali and Anchorage. Every gift shop in the state seems to sell birch syrup products, and this is where they all come from. The presentation lasts about 10-15 min, and then you get to taste the different grades of syrup which have different uses, some of which can only be purchased here.

Getting to Talkeetna is easy – you can arrive by train, bus, car, or plane. But once you get there, if you don’t have your own vehicle, you have to rely on shuttles, as there are no rental cars or taxis in town. If you are independent and like to explore off the beaten path (and if you want to stay at Fireweed Station), then you need a car.

It’s easy, interesting, and fun to drive through interior Alaska. I am happy to help other adventurous families plan their own itinerary through the Great Land, just send an email to suzette@family-treks.com.

September 17, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

The Anchorage Top Ten List (Our Alaska Adventure Part 3)

We left Juneau via a pretty flight over glaciers for our 2 night stay in Anchorage. Despite the fact that I have traveled all over the state of Alaska, I had never been in downtown Anchorage before. So I was excited to explore someplace new.

The Captain Cook Hotel is by far the favorite of most visitors, whether traveling by car, train, or cruise. It’s a great hotel run by a longtime Alaska family, and a major hub of activity. We wanted something quieter, so we stayed in a small B&B a couple blocks away, the Copper Whale Inn. I really enjoy the bed and breakfast experience, but it’s not for everyone. And since all inns are different, it’s important to know what to expect to make sure it’s a good fit.

Porch and garden at Copper Whale Inn

Room at The Copper Whale Inn

Captain Cook Hotel Lobby

Here’s my top ten list of things to do while visiting Anchorage.

1. Visit the Anchorage Alaska Center located in the historic Old Federal Building. I highly recommend the movie about the 1964 earthquake. It’s good to watch at the start of your trip so you can watch for sights mentioned.

2. Rent bikes for a ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You’ll find Earthquake Park interesting if you watched the movie in the visitor center.

3. Hike to Flat Top Mountain in Chugach State Park for 360 degree views.

4. Have a cup of coffee at the historic Fur Rondy shop, which is home to the Dog Mushing Hall of Fame. A statue outside marks the ceremonial starting location for the Iditarod, and on Wednesday afternoons you can meet a musher and his dog.

Statue dedicated to dogs & mushers,
often referred to as the “Balto Statue”

5. Spend a day driving south of Anchorage about 40 miles to visit Girdwood and Alyeska Resort.

6. Drive 9 miles further south to take the 1 hour Portage Glacier Cruise.

7. On the way back to Anchorage, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see rescued bears, moose, musk ox, bison, caribou, and brown and black bears. There are lots of cute babies, too!

Brown bear at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Bison at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

8. Visit the Captain Cook Monument on the waterfront at Resolution Park.

9. Drive 45 miles north to the Iditarod Race Headquarters in Wasilla. (This is also a good stop on the way to Talkeetna or Denali). You can see videos and memorabilia about the history of the race, see the actual trophy, and take a dog sled ride.

4 week old puppy

Original Iditarod trophy, retired in 1999

10. On weekends visit the Anchorage Market and Festival, Alaska’s largest open air market. You can grab a bite in the Eat Local section, and find souvenirs at good prices.

If you’d like assistance planning your own custom Alaskan adventure, just drop me a note at suzette@family-treks.com.

September 5, 2013/4 Comments/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

In the Know About Juneau (Our Alaska Adventure Part 2)

After Glacier Bay, we headed to Juneau for a 2 night stay. Our destination was the Westmark Baranof, a full service hotel at the edge of the historic downtown. It was close enough to walk easily to everything, but with fewer crowds around. They had a room perfect for our family with a teen boy and girl: it had a queen bed, a single bed, and single sofa sleeper. Historic hotels have their shortfalls (like no A/C, which is really not an issue in Juneau), but also unique features which I actually found useful: a walk-in closet (it held a couple suitcases which kept our floor clear), built-in shelves in the small but modern bath (room for 4 toiletry kits!), and a full length shelf along one wall which was useful for stashing small items like books, backpacks, wine, etc. Parking and wifi were free, and breakfast in the café was very good. There is also a fine dining restaurant, bar, and meeting facilities.

“Standard Double” room

I like staying overnight in Juneau because you get to see how the vibe in the Inside Passage towns change when the cruise ships leave. On our first evening, we had dinner at the Red Dog Saloon. Most passengers had to be back onboard the ships by 7 pm, so the place was packed when we walked in at 6, but completely empty by 6:30. The second night ships were in port until 10 pm, so restaurants were full later in the evening.

Juneau with and without cruise ships

Ship getting ready to leave

Juneau is the most touristy town along the Inside Passage, with lots of stores selling jewelry, t-shirts, ulu knives, you name it. If you head out of town, you won’t necessarily escape the crowds, but you will find fun things to do besides shopping.

Almost everyone visits Mendenhall Glacier, and it really is worth a stop even though it can be crowded. Because we were there when the salmon was running, we had a once in a lifetime treat: watching bears catch salmon in the stream right by the parking lot!

Yes, these are wild bears, and one even had 2 cubs with her. Normally it would be unsafe to be this close. But these bears are habituated to humans, so as long as observers are quite and keep food put away, they can continue to watch from a boardwalk right above the stream.

Dinner!

A short walk leads to the visitor center, where you can get your first glimpse of this famous glacier. Then a 1 mile trail leads out to the edge of the lake for a closer view. To get right up close to the glacier, you can hike about 7 miles round trip on West Glacier trail located across the lake, or book a kayak tour for an easy paddle on the calm lake.

Best view from visitor center trails

Getting to touch some glacial ice

One of our favorite places to visit is the Macauley salmon hatchery which is especially interesting July through September, with tens of thousands of salmon swimming in from the ocean. The hatchery has an artificial ladder, so we spent a good 20-30 minutes watching salmon fight their way up with acrobatic moves. There is a short presentation outdoors by the staff at regular intervals, and then you can pay extra for a behind the scenes tour. Inside are salt water aquariums, a live video feed of the workers in back, a nursery for the babies, and a gift shop offering samples of salmon jerky.

Thousands of salmon are entering the ladder

He (she?) made it!

And no trip to Juneau is complete without a stop at the Alaskan Brewery Company. They have a storefront downtown, where you can catch a shuttle out to the brewery for a tour. But if you have a car it’s much better to go on your own and avoid the crowds.

Another popular attraction is the Mount Roberts Tramway located right at the cruise port. The ticket cost includes unlimited all day rides, a film, and entrance to a bald eagle display and nature center. There are also bear viewing platforms, hiking trails for all abilities (including a trek to the top of Mt. Roberts) and a bar and grill. Hardy travelers can also hike up from downtown and ride the gondola back for a much lower fee.

Two nights was just the right amount of time, and we headed back to the airport for the next leg of our trip: Anchorage.

If you’d like to plan your own adventure in Alaska, be it by cruise ship or on your own like we did, contact me at suzette@family-treks.com.

August 21, 2013/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

Going Wild in Gustavus (Our Alaska Adventure Part 1)

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know that I just returned from a 2 week trip to Alaska. Glacier Bay was the starting point for our adventure, my kids’ first trip to the 49^th state. Most people visit Glacier Bay by cruise ship, but I wanted to spend several days there, to have more time to enjoy the unique beauty of southeast Alaska. Few visitors actually stay overnight, so this would give my kids an authentic experience in a small Alaskan town.

The “Gateway to Glacier National Park” is the tiny town of Gustavus, home to no more than 500 year-round residents. The airport in Gustavus is an interesting sight, as the tiny terminal stays empty all day until the sole Alaska Airline flight arrives (the TSA agents are flown in to meet the jets by a small local air service.) But that doesn’t mean it’s not busy, small private planes and charters constantly fly in and out. We were told that just a few weeks earlier, the airport was shut down because a bear ambled onto the runway, and it had to be shoo’ed away by a fire truck!

Arriving in Gustavus

The quiet Alaska Airlines terminal

Gustavus is the kind of town where the lone gas station has old fashioned pumps that you only see in museums these days, and everyone knows to watch out for moose #1 who’s really ornery. There are no rental cars, so lodges transport their guests wherever they need to go. We became quite familiar with one main intersection in the middle of town: one road led to the ferry, one to the airport, one to Bartlett Cove, and the last to our lodge. Nothing is more than 10 miles away.

Our wonderful home for 3 nights was the beautiful, and thoroughly Alaskan, Bear Track Inn. Meals and transportation are included. and we ate like kings. A chef and his assistant worked diligently in the kitchen adjacent to the dining room each evening, serving up 4 gourmet choices each evening.

Surf & turf night!

Breakfast was cooked to order every day, including amazing muffins made with wild blueberries, and the best pancakes my kids ever tasted. On the rare chance you were at the lodge for lunch, you got gourmet sandwiches, and if lucky, some leftover chowder from the previous evening. The owner, Janie, who opened the lodge in 1997, told me about some of the amazing experiences she can arrange for my clients, to create the trip of a lifetime.

The cozy lodge

Relaxing in the evening (yes, evening)

What to do in Glacier Bay? Enjoy the scenery – by kayak, boat, foot, or air. A must do, of course, is a full day glacier tour out of Bartlett Cove. On the small boats, you travel close to the shoreline so you can see the scenery up close, and also get a good view of the glacial silt and ice bergs. If there’s something interesting to see, such as a calving glacier, a bird rookery or wildlife, they have the luxury of stopping for a short while so everyone can get a good view.

Entering Glacier Bay

A brown bear on shore!

The scenery never ends

Then if you want more time on the water, I’d suggest a kayak tour. If you are experienced you can rent kayaks yourself, but you can’t get very far in a few hours. I’d suggest going with a tour operator who will take you by boat to more scenic location for kayaking, where you might even see whales. For the more adventurous, there are overnight trips kayaking & camping next to glaciers. You can also go whale watching, or go on a fishing charter. And then there’s hiking, either in the gorgeous rainforest along the waterfront, or up into the hills for panoramic views.

Paddling through a kelp field in Bartlett Cove

Boats ready for fishing & whale watching

Rainforest walk

We left via a slightly different mode of transportation. I originally planned to take the ferry to Juneau, but found it did not run on our departure day (oops). Instead we booked a flight with a local air service, which was actually cheaper than Alaska Airlines. Our family was the only passenger in the 6-seater plane, so hubby got to fly shotgun, while the rest of us took pictures.

Our plane has arrived

A happy husband!

It was a clear day with no turbulence, so our pilot took us right over the mountains, which was thrilling. Now THAT is the way to travel in Alaska!

On the way to Juneau

Glacial lake

Alaska is one of my favorite destinations. I’ve traveled all over the state, including above the Arctic Circle, and I’ve even driven all the way from California, returning via the Inside Passage ferry! So if you’d like to plan your own adventure in Alaska, just contact me at suzette@family-treks.com

August 14, 2013/by macktravels

Family Travel, Hotel Reports

The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe: Ski Paradise for Families

Today I am going to write about a amazing ski resort. Now it may seem strange that I am covering this topic when most people are pretty tired of cold weather and eagerly waiting for summer. But the fact remains, if you want to plan a family ski vacation for next Christmas or winter break, you need to think about booking it now!

There are many great ski destinations, but I have admit I am biased towards California, and specifically Lake Tahoe. The views, great weather, and abundance of local activities are hard to beat. And now families have a great option for a luxury ski vacation which will please all ages: The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

This relatively new resort (opened December 2009) was not quite what I expected. It being a mountain lodge, I anticipated a rustic décor, including knotty pine, antlers, and Native American textiles. The Ritz Carlton, Lake Tahoe does rely heavily on outdoor themes, featuring wood, water, and granite throughout the property, but it’s done in a simple, modern style with clean lines and earth tones.

Despite its modest size, only 170 rooms & suites, it offers all the services & amenities of any large resort. And perched high on the mountain above Northstar Village, it has spectacular views and true ski in/ski out access. It is literally surrounded by ski runs, and from every vantage point in the hotel (fitness center, spa, meeting space, rooms, or club lounge), skiers can be seen zipping down the slopes.

My favorite feature is the ski valet. Guests check their gear with the valet for the duration of their stay, then when ready to ski simply call ahead to have everything ready & waiting for them. Even their boots will be warmed up! Beginning skiers can hitch a ride with “The Sherpa” to mid-mountain for lessons or to access easier trails and the cross country area. (I really like cross-country skiing at Northstar. Because the trails are up on the mountain, you can get great views easy on the easy trails.)
After a day on the slopes, guests can relax in the The Living Room, with floor to ceiling windows, a large central fireplace, and bar. There is a fire pit on the terrace, with live music occasionally, and guests can purchase a s’mores kit. And the family pool is maintained at 92F in winter, offering comfortable swimming year round. For guests who want to go out, a gondola runs to the Village for shopping, dining, ice skating, and more entertainment. Staying in? Try the “Experiential Shower” in their beautiful spa, which is included in the resort fee.

All rooms are spacious, but best for families are the one bedroom suites, which have a king bed, and separate living room with sofa bed. And there are two full baths with showers, making it easy for the whole family to get cleaned up quickly after a day of skiing. All the suites connect to a room with 2 queen beds, great options for larger families, or those traveling with grandparents.

The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe is also a great warm weather destination, with plenty of outdoor activities in the area, from fishing & kayaking to hiking and cycling. You can even take the ski lift to the top of the mountain!

To get the best rates and amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and an upgrade (based on availability), contact Suzette Mack at suzette@family-treks.com.

Family Vacation

May 5, 2011/by macktravels

Destination Reports, Family Travel

Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Vancouver

This post is courtesy of Tourism Vancouver.

Vancouver is home to dozens of well-known visitor attractions, activities and landmarks. For visitors and locals that want to steer away from “typical” Vancouver experiences there are plenty of cool things to do that we bet you didn’t know about:

1. Feed, touch and get splashy with a beluga or dolphin during a behind-the-scenes animal encounter at the Vancouver Aquarium.

2. Pitch ‘n putt into the twilight hours surrounded by giant cedars in Stanley Park.

3. Learn about Vancouver’s darker side with the Vancouver Police Museum’s “Sins of the City” walking tour. 4. Ride a tandem bike around the 8.8 kilometre Stanley Park seawall.

5. Sing your heart out at a real Japanese-style karaoke bar.

6. Embark on a self-guided culinary walking tour of Vancouver’s street food scene: sample pulled pork sandwiches, fried oyster po’ boys, steamed pork buns, chanterelle mushroom poutine and duck salad.

7. Zipline between mountains at top speeds of 80 kilometres per hour atop Grouse Mountain.

8. Learn how to master sword arts such as the rapier, side sword, sword and shield, and long sword at Academie Duello.

9. Sample three different types of locally handcrafted sake at Osake on Granville Island.

10. Staying at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver? Take one of their K9 Ambassador dogs for a walk (their names are Beau and Mavis).

Vancouver is a great destination for families in and of itself, but you can also visit before or after an Alaska cruise, or as part of a more extended British Columbia itinerary.

For more information, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Specialist at suzette@family-treks.com.

February 12, 2011/by macktravels

Family Travel, Travel Tips

Tips for Teaching Kids to Snorkel

One of my family’s favorite activities is snorkeling, and it’s not uncommon for us to spend several full days in the water when on vacation. My kids started snorkeling when they were very young, so I’d like to share a few tips from our experience.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a nasty sunburn on the back of the legs, back, and shoulders because you didn’t use high SPF, waterproof sunscreen in those exposed locations.

Buy an inexpensive set of snorkel gear before your trip. Have the kids practice using the mask and snorkel in the bathtub or a swimming pool. You can also practice in the hotel pool before heading into the ocean. The first skill they need to master is breathing calmly through the mouthpiece while floating face down.

Pick calm water for your first outing, preferably a lagoon or protected bay. Waves can be intimidating, especially if your child is not a strong swimmer. (For extra safety, have your child wear a life vest, it does not interfere with snorkeling.) Ask a local dive shop for advice. The “best snorkeling spots” in a guidebook aren’t necessarily the easiest. And while you want to see some fish or coral in order to get your child excited, at this point you don’t need anything more exotic.

Make a game of it. In a pool or calm shallow area, make a path for them to follow out of rocks, bright toys that won’t float away, or shells. Encourage them to follow the path to the “treasure” without raising their head from the water. If your child is ready to try diving in snorkel gear, put rocks or pennies on the bottom of a pool for them to retrieve.

Book a guided snorkel tour later rather than earlier in your trip, after your child has time to practice and become comfortable with their gear. This is where having your own set really pays off, as you will save time having to re-adjust new gear for them, and you won’t have meltdowns because the tour company’s gear “feels funny.” (Parents of sensitive kids know what I am talking about. My 13 yr old STILL only tolerates one particular brand of socks.)

Don’t book an open water excursion. It’s can be intimidating even for an adult to jump off a boat and have to tread water while adjusting their mask. And as we learned on our trip to Puerto Rico this summer, it’s even more difficult to get in & out of a kayak in open water! Find a boat trip that lets you off on a beach or anchors in shallow water. If you have any doubts, call the tour company to get more information. Also ask if they have a snorkel raft/kickboard with a window as a backup plan in case your child gets fearful using the mask.

Buy a disposable water camera (I’ve found inexpensive ones at Wal-Mart). Though my daughter has years of experience snorkeling, at times we have been in situations which frightened her, such as a sudden downpour during our aforementioned kayak trip. But when I pointed out fish or pretty coral formations, she became so engrossed in taking pictures she completely forgot her fears. In fact, she pushed me out of the way to get a better shot!

Stay in touch, literally. While snorkeling, it’s hard to see people directly in front or behind. My daughter and I hold hands so we can both relax knowing that we won’t get separated. And nothing is sweeter than holding hands with my little girl as we float silently through a water wonderland.

For help with planning the perfect vacation for your family, contact Suzette Mack, Family Travel Advisor, at suzette@family-treks.com.

January 20, 2011/by macktravels

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