Travel and learn by Elizabeth Morse Read
I was in awe when I saw Rubens’ monumental painting “Descent from the Cross” at the cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium. I’d seen it in art books, but I was truly speechless to see it, finally, in the flesh. I was roused by a poke-in-the-ribs from my very bored 10-year old son. “Mom,” he sighed. “Is this the original or a copy?” When I took my three children to Iceland, my then seven-year old daughter observed, “Mom, have you noticed that there are no trees in this country?” Two years later, in Mexico City, she said, “Mom, have you noticed that there are no clocks in this country?” Since my children were out of diapers, I’ve dragged them on “Auntie Mame” annual trips, determined to see places that I’ve always wanted to visit, while giving them the advantage of experiencing foreign climes and cultures. Unlike some people, I don’t fear the logistics of traveling with children— their observations and memories are well worth the aggravation. So here’s practical advice for hardy parents like me who want to take their children on the road-less-traveled for an unforgettable family experience.
Plan accordingly Direct flight or several connecting flights? Direct may be faster, but it’s often more expensive and much less kid-friendly than connecting flights through lesser airports, even with layovers. I would much rather drag kids through Rhode Island’s T.F. Green airport, Colorado Springs or Spokane than through Miami airport, Chicago or Atlanta— way too much potential for confusion, heartattack sprints (with kids and carry-ons) when gates are changed at the last minute or luggage is lost. Here’s my informal rating:
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n Miami Airport – a major hub for Caribbean/Latin American destinations and cruise line connections. But this airport is crazier than traffic in Rome during a full moon, and you’d better speak Spanish if you’re flying there with kids.
n Avoid any airport in the Washington DC area. Massive air traffic congestion, delayed/cancelled flights/missed connections. Not fun with tired, whiny kids.
Maybe I’m just fussy, but I like clean restrooms and food courts when I take my kids to an airport. Avoid Detroit, Cincinnati, and LaGuardia. Top marks to Minneapolis, San Francisco and Salt Lake City. n
n In addition to magazine and souvenirs shops, many airports have “diversions” such as art exhibits, kids’ play areas and video game arcades. Go online and plan out that 3-hour layover before you arrive!
Fun for less Sure, you can book an all-inclusive cruise or trip to Disneyworld, but you can have a lot more fun at lower cost if you create a once-in-a-lifetime whirl through a major city. And why pay top-dollar for summer/holiday season travel when you can find great bargains for school vacation weeks? Here are some of my favorite destinations to take your kids: n New York City – if you run out of things to do or see in the Big Apple, then you didn’t do your homework. The dinosaurs at the Museum of Natural History; a matinee of Lion King on Broadway (followed by dinner at the Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood!), the “SkyRide” and observatory at the Empire State Building. Just riding
April 2009 / The South Coast Insider
the subway or taking a cab ride at night is a real adventure for kids. Take the train from Providence and stay at the New Yorker Hotel across the street from Penn Station! n Mexico City – the spectacular Chapultepec Park in the heart of the city has an amusement park with great water rides, a zoo, an IMAX theatre, vendors (including a McDonald’s) and wondrous sights. Get tickets to a bullfight or wander through the Museum of Archeology; take a side trip to the Aztec ruins at Teotihuacan, the Cathedral of Guadalupe, or the canal rides at Xochimilco. Great food and extremely friendly people. VW Bug taxis are everywhere, but you might want to hire a licensed guide—ask your hotel’s concierge. (Bring Visine—major traffic pollution—and go easy the first day or so to adjust to the altitude.)
n Amsterdam – a small, laid-back and thoroughly café-society city, full of attractions and distractions. Excellent public transportation, a very fun Hard Rock Café. Visit the Anne Frank house (get there early), the Van Gogh museum, the Flower Market. Take a tourboat ride through the canals or a crazy cab-ride through the Red Light district at night. Stay at the “Boatel” floating hotel on the canal next to the central train/ bus station. An excellent starting point for visiting any other city in Europe (just avoid Brussels—it’s neither fun nor friendly) and the scenery from the train is worth the trip alone.
n San Diego CA – if you seek warmth in March, head to San Diego. Take the trolley car into Tijuana for a tacky taste of Mexico. Kids love Seaworld and the Wild Animal Park, the Zoo. Great family-friendly hotels