Travel with Family & Kids

Ceci n’est pas Luke’s Mum

Editor’s Note: Luke posted this last year for his mum. We thought it nicely captures the spirit of Mother’s Day, so we are re-posting Luke’s original ode today in honor of moms (and mums) everywhere.

Fighting my way to Sydney airport on Easter Thursday evening — along with 20,000 other travellers, dropper-offers and picker-uppers — I wondered whether my mother would enjoy the activities I’d lined up for her over the next couple of days. At 78 she shows no sign of slowing down. And short of a parachute jump there’s not much she wouldn’t try. So here are three totally different things to do in Sydney with your mother, your friends, your lover - or just you.

“Luke, I am your father…”

If you were any higher in Sydney it would be illegal. Sydney Skywalk is purportedly twice the height of the Sydney Harbour Bridge but only a tenth of the effort since you get to the top by elevator. The staff work hard to make your Skywalk a real event and have their jokes - and facts - down pat. The ultimate joke was on me of course, for not even realizing the significance of having the name “Luke” on my “SkyWalker” certificate.

Once kitted out with our overalls and radios and associated ear pieces, beanies, parkas and clipped-on this and double-tied that, were we ready to go outside. Mark my words - even on a sunny day it can be cold and windy up there. In fact it was only when I caught Mum wiping her nose on the beanie (also tethered to her overalls) that I realized I should have smuggled a tissue up for her.

Needless to say, the views from that height are sensational. At almost 900 feet high the glass floor section isn’t for the squeamish but then, neither is my Mum’s beanie after she’s done with it. There’s the added kudos of everyone staring at you as you file through the indoor public spaces toward the lift. (Oh alright - call it showing off).

Ice, Ice baby.

If I carry my Star Wars theme through to our next stop, it would be to note the uncanny resemblance my Mother bears to Yoda once she’s decked out in a fur-trimmed hooded parka that’s two sizes too large. Sydney’s Minus5 Ice Bar is on the Italian-style promenade linking Circular Quay with the Opera House, so if you’re visiting Sydney, you’re bound to be in the area. In a grown-up Willy Wonka kinda’ way you can eat your cocktail glass since it’s made purely out of ice. Steer clear of slurping from the little waterfall because it’s actually anti-freeze. Reindeer skins on big ice thrones lend it a great “Norse God” feeling.

The sun shone, the sea sparkled, the prawns were in abundance.

Sydneysiders can be so damn smug about their harbour and it’s days like these that you understand why. With nothing to do but load your plate with oysters and prawns, settle back at your window side table (if you’re lucky) and watch the harbor slip past and enjoy views that you just won’t get from land. It’s still a working harbor so mega-ton freighters piled high with shiny new cars vie for space with two- man skiffs and luxury yachts.

We joined the Sydney Harbour Magistic lunch cruise at King Street wharf; you can have a good wander around Cockle bay and the nearby Darling Harbour tourist precinct before or after your cruise. You can also join or leave the boat at Circular Quay, and now you know where Minus5 Ice Bar is, too. My secret tip? The little deck in front of the buffet was empty while everyone was chowing down so stake a table and toss a coin for who goes to the bar for the second glass of chardonnay.

The verdict’s in - Mum just called. Her flight’s landed and she’s home safely, tired but happy. I hope she didn’t really put a glass from the Ice Bar in her bag…

–Luke Crosthwaite

Browse Viator’s complete list of Sydney tours and things to do, Melbourne tours, and more things to do in Australia.

Viator’s Las Vegas Travel Team

As I write this post, I am sitting in the Viator office in Las Vegas and I am not too happy. Now, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Vegas and of course LOVE working with my colleagues here (Hi guys!), but I never thought of myself as a “Vegas” kinda guy. I am too cheap to gamble and (contrary to popular belief) I don’t really like all the glitz and glamour.

What to do?? What to do??

I have already taken many of the great tours that we have at Viator - the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, and even conquered my claustrophobia with a Helicopter Flight of the Vegas Strip (the free champagne helped!). But as great as these things are, if you have had a rough day in the casino or a late night out you may need at least one day on the cheap in Vegas and it yep, it can be done. Here are five FREE things to do (did he say FREE?) and one really good deal that are right on the Vegas Strip:

The Bellagio Fountains at Night

1. The Bellagio Fountains: Located in front of the Bellagio Hotel, the fountains are a stunning mix of water, music, sound and light. You can check them out multiple times from different vantage points all night long. The shows go every half hour starting late afternoon and every 15 minutes in the evening. You can stop and watch several times each night - they are quite amazing. (Note - last time, even with Celine Dion as the music, I enjoyed it - the fountains are that good!) While you are there, stop in and see the amazing details and stained glass inside the hotel.

2. The Lion Habitat at MGM: The famed MGM lions are on display in the hotel’s special habitat from 12:00 noon to 10:00pm each day. It is easier and cheaper than a safari to Africa to see the lions close up!

3. The Mirage Volcano: In front of the Mirage Hotel, the famous 5-story volcano erupts each night on the hour. This is as close as you can get to a volcano without all that nasty ash and lava.

4. The Pirate Show at TI: At Treasure Island - or “TI” as they now call the hotel – you can watch an elaborately staged pirate duel complete with a lot of noise and a lot of flash. I must admit, I thought it would be hokey, but I enjoyed it! Check with the hotel as times may change, but at time of this post, they are nightly at 7:00pm, 8:30pm and 10:00pm.

Who doesn’t like cheap Blackjack?

5. The Circus Circus “Circus”: – Now, that’s a lot of Circuses (Circi?) in one sentence. But for fun for everyone, head a bit north on the Strip to the Circus Circus Hotel to see the World’s largest permanent circus - or so I am told. They put on a variety of shows every half hour each night – the kids may want to stay and see a few of them!

PowerPass - Las Vegas

6. Las Vegas PowerPass: OK, as promised - it’s not FREE, but it is a good deal. With the Las Vegas PowerPass, for one fixed price you can get entry into a number of Vegas attractions and discounts at several restaurants and shops.

It’s great for people who want to see EVERYTHING (you know who you are) but who don’t want to pay for everything (you know who you are – Dad??). And, come on…you know you want to go to the Liberace Museum, but were you really going to pay for it all by itself? The pass is available in 1, 3, 5 and even 7 day lengths depending on how adventurous you are.

There you have it – So spend your money on some tours, gamble it all or drink the night away - My ideas for the Las Vegas Strip on the Cheap - it can be done.

If you have other ideas for cheap or free things to do, post a comment (I am back next month!)

–Ken Frohling

Editor’s Note: Jenny is the person at Viator who finds all of the cool, fun and unique things to do in Orlando (and Florida). She’s just back from Orlando and wanted to share a few experiences from her trip.

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I love my job (for the most part), and this past week reminded me of another reason why.

I have been down in Orlando discovering all the things to do aside from the ‘Big 3’ (Disney, Universal Studios and Seaworld). Whilst I love these parks (and yes, I know they are some of the best theme parks on the planet) that doesn’t mean I think you should spend 100% of your Orlando vacation visiting them. Orlando has a whole lot more to offer.

Top Things to Do in Orlando: Alligator Wrestling at Gatorland

Florida is know for their alligators, so where better to start than at Gatorland? I had the unique pleasure of going ‘behind the scenes’ where regular guests can’t go, but even the guest areas are full of interesting (porcupines), cute (a black bear), scaly (snakes, gators, lizards etc) and somewhat scary animals (no, I am not a fan of spiders and scorpions!).

There is one behind the scenes tour you can do which is really cool – be a Gator Trainer for a Day. Every day the tasks you do are different – one day it could be collecting gator eggs, the next it could be helping with the shows. And don’t worry you’ll still have plenty of time to visit the Big 3; a half day at Gatorland is all you need to explore this gem in the heart of Orlando. (Update: There was a fire here at the front entrance in 2006, and I’m happy to advise this is almost completely rebuilt. The current construction has no effect on the rest of the park.)

Next I was off to the coast (about 45 minutes by car) for the Daytona 500 Experience, part of our broader collection of NASCAR racing tours and ride-alongs in Orlando. If you’re a fan of racing you will love the Daytona 500 Experience: two IMAX movies (one in 3-D), a simulator ride that is too real for words, and the actual winning car from the Daytona 500 every year, scratches, dents and all! To be honest, I’m not a big NASCAR fan, but it was extremely impressive to see the racetrack on the “Speedway Tour”. It’s hard to comprehend how huge this track is and you can only imagine what it must be like to have every seat filled and engines roaring around the track. This is definitely worth a day trip to the coast to check it all out.

Top Things to Do in Orlando: Swimming with Manatees

So then it was back to nature – swimming with manatees. I was picked up from my hotel and taken out to Crystal River, where I went diving with these gentle creatures. It wasn’t actually ‘manatee’ season, but there were still plenty to see. I’ve swum with dolphins before and had a blast – this was equally impressive.

All the food served on the tour was excellent and it is obvious that the manatees and the preservation of the native Florida wildlife is paramount in the mind of the operators of this tour. After the swim, we headed to our airboat ride – such fun!

Finally, it was over to the Homossassa State Wildlife Park. This is where they bring the manatees to rehabilitate them, but honestly just seeing the manatees here would have been enough for me - swimming with them was an added bonus.

Kennedy Space Center is another great day trip from Orlando and can be purchased either with or without transport and a variety of upgrades to choose from. Kennedy Space Center is one place that has a lot to see and do. You don’t have to be a space junkie to enjoy it all and be amazed by the sheer magnitude of the shuttles. There are hands-on exhibits, IMAX movies, you can have lunch with an astronaut, and much more. This really is a must-do in Orlando.

Then there was Cypress Gardens, a 1-hour drive from Orlando. This park was in its heyday a number of years ago and they have recently done a lot of work to attract visitors again. Thrill rides and a water park have been added, there’s good food, and the gardens are simply amazing. They also have free outdoor concerts featuring acts like the Beach Boys. The park is renowned for its waterski show (which runs year round) and the southern belles that wander the park adding a touch of southern hospitality and charm. The park is constantly undergoing improvements, but nothing that will detract from the experience

Finally, there are all the shows in Orlando. Orlando is a haven for families and these shows make for a perfect end to the day. From pirates and knights to Arabian horses, Blue Man Group and Disney characters, you can combine good food and first class entertainment in one place!

Keep an eye on our Orlando offerings however – we have some new and unique experiences coming up. It’s all part of my job, to find amazing adventures for travelers like you to experience.

–Jenny Crossling

Planning a trip? Check out Viator’s complete list of Orlando tours and things to do. Or consider extending your stay in the Sunshine State and check out the colorful Art Deco District and Little Havana neighborhoods in Miami, or partake in a smorgasbord of water activities in the gorgeous environs of Key West.

Elephants at Bioparco, Rome

Perhaps you’ve heard that Rome isn’t the most hospitable place for children and families, but don’t be fooled! Families with children of all ages will find no shortage of interesting activities around nearly every corner in Rome.

The trick to having a successful family vacation in Rome and keeping your sanity along the way is all in the pre-planning. If your children are old enough, get them involved by sharing ideas for places to visit and setting up a rough itinerary for your visit before you go. If your children are younger, think about the various ‘equipment’ you’ll need to make for a comfortable stay, whether that means a portable crib, an umbrella stroller, or special layering clothes to adapt to the hot and humid summer temperatures or rainy winters. Keep in mind that Rome means a lot of walking, so plan your itinerary accordingly with various stops along the way, and don’t forget comfortable shoes for the whole family.

Of course, you won’t want to miss some of the ‘biggies’ like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, but the following suggestions are a few crowd-pleasing favorites for children of various ages that you may not have heard about before. Categorized by age groups, you may find you can even mix and match some activities regardless of age, depending on your children’s interests, maturity and energy level.

Rome for young children (ages 3-7)

At the top of the list of things for kids to do in Rome is Explora, the Rome Children’s Museum (Via Flaminia 82). As the name indicates, this is a hands-on exploratory experience for kids, and is divided into four sections - Me, Society, Environment, and Communication - to help them discover their world. Kids can stage a mock TV broadcast or wander around a transparent, environmentally-friendly house, and the typical ‘do not touch’ signs are nowhere to be found.

The Colosseum in Rome

Villa Borghese is a definite must, with something for everyone. Visit the Cinema dei Piccoli, (Viale della Pineta 15) classified in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s smallest cinema. Take a peek at the San Carlino Puppet Theater on Viale dei Bambini (Children’s Way) on the Pincio Hill. There’s a trenino or ‘little train’ that chugs around the park and takes off from Viale Goethe.

Also part of Villa Borghese and a fun stop for families is the Rome Zoo, called the Bioparco, with lots of special areas and exhibits just for children throughout the park.

For the cat lovers in your family, the famous Largo Argentina Cat Shelter is well worth a visit. Here, you’ll find friendly volunteers who run this no-kill shelter for abandoned cats on donations alone, in the marvelous setting of the Largo Argentina ruins. Tell your children the story of how Julius Caesar was assassinated here, and take them downstairs to visit the cat shop and see some of the shelter’s residents. Volunteers give English-language guided tours for free.

Rome with older kids (ages 8-12)

A trip back in time might be just the ticket for this age group, and the Time Elevator (Via dei SS. Apostoli 20) provides exactly this: a sort of interactive movie attraction with special effects that make it seem more like a ride, taking you back through 3,000 years of Roman history.

If you have time for an out-of-town excursion, the Monster Park at Bomarzo is about an hour’s drive north of Rome and is always a favorite with kids. This Renaissance garden has larger-than-life stone sculptures of various animals and ‘monsters’ that your children can climb on and, in the case of the leaning house, in!

No visit to Rome would be complete without two ‘traditions’ that you can teach your children about: the Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) and the Trevi Fountain. Watch the film Roman Holiday before you leave for your trip, then re-enact the scene at the Mouth of Truth, having each of your children put their hand in the ‘mouth,’ which is most likely an ancient Roman drain cover. If they still have their hands after this experiment, you can be sure they’re telling you the truth - or can you? Then take them over to the Trevi Fountain to throw in some coins, ensuring your return to Rome someday.

Rome with teenagers (ages 13-18)

Ferris wheel at LunEUR

A perennial favorite with Roman teenagers is LunEUR (Via delle Tre Fontane). This is Rome’s only amusement park (known in Italian as a ‘luna park’) and is one of the largest and oldest in Italy. Built in 1953 as part of an agricultural show, it took on its current form in 1962 and now houses over 130 attractions on more than 750,000 square feet.

What teenager doesn’t love shopping? Stroll Rome’s own ‘Rodeo Drive’, Via dei Condotti, then climb the Spanish Steps where Roman teenagers often hang out, mixing with the endless crowds of tourists. For shopping on a more realistic budget, steer your teenagers towards Via del Corso.

Capuchin crypt

For teenagers who aren’t easily scared, venture down into the bone crypt and catacombs at the Santa Maria della Concezione Church (Via Veneto 27). Not for the faint of heart, this church has a permanent basement exhibit of bone sculptures made from - you guessed it - bones. Thousands of them, in fact, collected between 1528 and 1870 from nearly 4,000 Cappuchin friars who were buried here. Creepy enough to surprise even the most ‘know-it-all’ teenagers.

Family dining in Rome

Most places in Rome are fine for families, but a few places are worth a special mention. Taverna de’ Mercanti (Piazza de’ Mercanti) is probably the most authentic place to dine in old Rome. Housed in what was probably a stable from the 1400s, you pass through the medieval square and torch-lit entrance to climb a dark staircase that leads to a spacious, wood-filled, bustling dining room filled with old-fashioned atmosphere. Children of all ages can find something on the menu, from pizza to pasta and meat dishes, with a poster-sized paper menu you can take home.

Della Palma gelateria

Being a kid and eating ice cream go hand in hand, but only the lucky ones get to experience Roman gelato. Take them to Della Palma, just past the Pantheon at Via della Maddalena 20/23, where you’ll find 125 different flavors in the winter and 135 in the summer. Even your pickiest eater will find something to love.

Kid-sized shopping in Rome

Can’t go home without a stop at the toy store? Don’t miss Città del Sole (Via della Scrofa 65), an Italian chain that features a range of educational toys disguised as just plain fun.

You’ll probably see lots of people carrying shopping bags with a wooden Pinocchio on them—that’s because they’ve discovered Bartolucci (Via dei Pastini 98). Crammed full of hand-crafted pine wood toys and clocks with pendulums swinging every which way, the pure sensory overload of this shop makes it hard to keep your wallet in check—you’ll probably end up walking out with a bag of goodies just like everyone else.

Soccer fans in the family? Indulge their adoration of ‘La Roma’ at the AS Roma Store in Piazza Colonna. For fans of local rival team Lazio, the official team shop, Original Fans, is near the Termini train station on Via Farini 34.

–Shelley Ruelle

So get your family packed and ready… Italy is waiting! For more ideas see Viator’s complete list of things to do in Rome, tours in Venice, what to do in Florence, and tours & attractions in Italy.

Editor’s Note: The following is part of our ongoing “2007 Travel Year in Review.” So far we have announced our Top 25 Things to Do in each of the regions we cover, and we’re getting ready to announce (look for it next week) the Top 50 Travel Destinations of 2007.

Dolphin Swim: #4 Thing to Do with Kids in 2007

Got kids? Plenty of travelers do, and in 2007 they hit the road in record numbers. Family trips, vacations with kids, kid-friendly adventure holidays, all of these experienced major growth in 2007. We saw similar trends on the viator.com site, with kid-friendly and family-friendly travel growing by more than 35%. We’re also impressed by the range of kid- and family-friendly tours purchased in 2007. Sure there were plenty of holidays to Disneyland and Universal Studios, we would expect no less from two of the world’s most popular theme parks and entertainment brands.

Yet our list includes a number of non-traditional and off-beat things to do with kids, from dolphin swims to ‘duck tours’ and more.

What does it all mean? Maybe that having a kid (or three) is not the end of your travel career, but rather an opportunity to act like a kid and have a heap of fun doing it.

#1. Universal Studios, Orlando

Universal Studios Orlando: #1 Thing to Do with Kids in 2007

Universal Studios in Orlando, as well as Universal Islands of Adventure, are filled with innovative rides and attractions from high-speed roller coasters to children’s rides and groundbreaking 3-D attractions.

The studios are the #1 movie and TV based theme park in the world. And because it is a real film studio you can go behind the scenes of your favorite movies. If you’re a kid yourself, or the parent of a brood of kids, this is a no-brainer way to have an awesome family vacation.

Viator links:

• Universal Orlando 2-Park Unlimited Admission Ticket (7 Days)
• All family-friendly things to do in Orlando
• Suggested itineraries in Orlando

#2. Disneyland, Paris

Ahh, Disneyland. Every kid loves it. How could you not?? From the rides to the parades to the theme park characters, Disneyland is all about making sure the kids have a great time. Honestly, we were a little surprised that so many families are taking the kids to Paris these days, but it makes sense if you think about it. So many people want to share Europe with their children, and while they’re there why not spend a day or two having a great time at a theme park that the kids are guaranteed to love.

Viator links:

• Disneyland Paris, including transport from Paris
• All family-friendly things to do in Paris
• Suggested itineraries in Paris

#3. Singapore Zoo Jungle Breakfast (with Orangutans!), Singapore

The award-winning Singapore Zoo is one southeast Asia’s top attractions; in fact our Singapore Zoo Night Safari consistently ranks among our top 25 things to do across Asia. The jungle breakfast is becoming equally popular, as it provides a rare opportunity to interact with endangered orangutans (Singapore’s zoo is a world leader in caring for orangutans). The visit includes commentary from zoo experts and a tram ride through the hugely popular Singapore Zoo. And let’s be honest, what kid doesn’t love a good zoo?

Viator links:

• Singapore Zoo Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans
• All family-friendly things to do in Singapore
• Suggested itineraries in Singapore

#4. A Tie! Dolphin Swims in Orlando, Florida & the Dominican Republic

These two dolphin swims were so close in popularity that we decided to call it a tie. The dolphin swim and Everglades airboat adventure in Orlando is rated 4 stars (the highest possible) by Viator.com travelers, which is no small feat. The swim is in a natural ocean-water lagoon at Dolphin Plus, a marine mammal research and education facility. Dolphins Plus is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals through education, research, experiential learning and environmental awareness. Don’t worry it’s also plenty of fun. The dolphin swim at Ocean World in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is another four-star-rated experience and is hugely popular with families and kids.

Viator links:

• Swim with Dolphins & Everglades Airboat Adventure, Orlando
• All family-friendly things to do in Orlando
• Dolphin swim at Ocean World, Dominican Republic
• All family-friendly things to do in the Dominican Republic
• More dolphin swims around the world

#5. Duck Tour, Boston

What? You’ve never heard of a ‘duck tour’? It doesn’t matter, there’s a good chance your children have. Duck Tours are city tours with a wacky twist: authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicles. That’s right, hop aboard a WWII landing craft for a land / water tour that will put a smile on even the most cynical parent’s face. The Boston Duck Tour covers the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill and the Fleet Center, Boston Common and Copley Square to the Big Dig, Government Center to fashionable Newbury Street, Quincy Market to the Prudential Tower, and more. And then it’s a left turn — splashdown! — into the Charles River for a view of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.

Viator links:

• Boston Duck Tour
• All family-friendly things to do in Boston
• All Duck Tours on Viator.com

–Scott McNeely, parent of a 2-year-old

Editor’s Note: This is the final post in a series from John “traveler, father & wit” Ryan. He’s taking the family from Melbourne up along Australia’s eastern coast. Have kid, will travel is John’s motto. Read John’s previous post here.

Our last full day in Brisbane was another absolute beauty! There’s something to be said for travelling with kids. In the past, holidays have been exhausting experiences. And while climbing volcanoes in Guatemala, taking in the view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak on a long walk, touring Dublin’s pubs, and cramming in 100 Chelsea galleries in a New York afternoon were all richly rewarding experiences, you’re sentencing yourself to high anxiety if you try that sort of thing with little kids in tow.

Not to say you can’t do all of this with toddlers (except the volcano… that was hard), just that – if personal sanity is important to you – it’s best to take a measured approach to vacations. Toddlers make you slow down. They tire easily, like their routines and go totally crazy when they’re over-stimulated. As a parent or guardian, you can either accept that they’re in charge, or suffer the consequences of your own hubris!

Seamus enjoying a babycino at Cafe Mama

Having a virtually agenda-free last couple of weeks has meant we’ve enjoyed almost the entire experience, and Seamus has been relaxed and happy. Good times!

As promised, we spent yesterday in an almost mirror image of the day before. We started out at a really great café in the suburb of Windsor, only a 10-minute drive (or thereabouts) from central Brisbane. Café Mama at the Windsor Garden Supercentre is a blessing for Brisbane’s coffee-starved parents (and a welcome relief for their bored little kids too). In addition to the bright, kid-friendly décor, furniture and menu, Café Mama also has a small fenced-off play area, complete with Thomas the Tank Engine tracks and toys. Mum and dad can have a coffee and a toasted sandwich or muffin while junior can play happily. The play area is probably not big enough to cope with kids over three years of age.

With appetites sated and the sun beating down, it was time to hit the pool (again). Yesterday we discovered the kid-friendly pleasures of the Newmarket public swimming pool; the clear water acted like a shimmering blue magnet again today.

Last supper: Spaghetti Junction. Ah, kids.

So three hours raced by in shaded aquatic pleasure. Young Seamus had a delightful time - although he somehow managed to get shivering-cold at one stage – in 33 deg C (91 deg F) heat!

Out and home for a messy spaghetti meal for the minor and some scrummy Indian take-out for the grown-ups, and perhaps a glass or two more wine than was required. At some cloudy point late in the evening, we went to bed…

And up this morning for the trip to the airport, the holiday-crowd queue at check-in and the three hour flight home to Melbourne. Unlike the fractious flight from Melbourne to Sydney at the start of our adventure - where our pride-and-joy was uncontrollable and inconsolable – the longer homeward flight was a dream.

The little man sat alternately on both parents’ knees and uttered barely a squawk. Relaxed, sun-kissed and with memories that wouldn’t last another hour…

Ah, kids.

–John Ryan

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Australia, Gold Coast activities, things to do in Brisbane, and a complete list of kid-friendly and family-friendly tours in Australia.

Editor’s Note: This is the 6th in a series of posts from John “traveler, father & wit” Ryan. He’s taking the family from Melbourne up along Australia’s eastern coast. Have kid, will travel is John’s motto. Read John’s previous post here.

Unbelievable. The pool in the backyard is out of bounds! Broken filter; broken dreams! For my wife, it represents one of life’s most crushing moments. I’m slightly disappointed. Seamus, who isn’t yet two years old, doesn’t seem to mind at all.

Still, the weather in Brisbane is great; on the border of spring and summer this really is one of the most perfect places to be. And the local Newmarket Pool is absolutely fabulous (and makes the missus a bit happier too!). It’s like an aquatic version of Mr Wonka’s chocolate factory with lots of water slides, giant colourful mushroom-shaped fountains, shaded wading pools and clear, cool water.

Seamus at the Duporth

We spent the afternoon with Elissa’s sister at the pool after a morning of relaxing and a trip to the park. Seamus is loving his holiday. He’s totally relaxed, and – by the look on his face as he slid off the pool into the water – today was his holiday highlight.

Oh, but I’ve missed a few days. Yesterday we arrived back in Brisbane after a couple of days in Maroochydore, just over an hour north up the coast. Having stayed with friends and at budget locations so far on our trip up Australia’s east coast, we splurged a bit here and shacked up at the lush Duporth apartments, perched over the point where the river hits the Pacific Ocean. Stunning.

Maroochydore is a popular holiday town, with beautiful beaches, a busy highway and malls aplenty. We filled our days with trips to the shops and playing on the beach. I took young Seamus to Underwater World - a massive oceanarium replete with sharks, seals, tropical fish, frogs and crocs – while his mum had a coffee and indulged in some chintzy window shopping in Mooloolaba. We saw the corny-but-fun seal show and fought through crowds of school-holiday kids look at the lame t-shirts in the giftshop. It was a bit crowded and a touch expensive; but Seamus looooved the seals!

On the way back to Brisbane this morning we took a slight detour to visit the Big Pineapple (see my previous post where we saw the Big Prawn and the Big Banana; marvel at the curious Australian psyche). I’d been there when I was seven, and remembered a really big pineapple.

John & Seamus at the Big Pineapple

The reality is slightly smaller (unless it has withered in the baking sun), but as a faded old tourist attraction, it’s surprisingly interesting and worth stopping by.

There’s a train ride through orchards of fruit trees, a petting zoo, a gift shop and – of course – the eponymous fibreglass yellow fruit. We picked up a pineapple (a real one – it’s an operational plantation) to eat later tonight and a strange little pineapple-peeling device as a present for my father-in-law (who likes these sorts of implements) and we headed back to Bris-Vegas.

After success at the pool today, we’re planning on a return visit tomorrow – our last full day before flying home to Melboure. The weather forecast is for another warm day, so we’re committed to making the most of it.

The pineapple, by the way, was the sweetest, juiciest specimen we’ve ever had.

–John Ryan

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Australia, Gold Coast activities, things to do in Brisbane, and a complete list of kid-friendly and family-friendly tours in Australia.

As 2007 winds to a close, it’s time to start thinking about my own personal travel wishlist for 2008. I’ve been keeping tabs on what the big media outlets are forecasting, from the New York Times’ list of 53 Places to Go in 2008 to National Geographic’s Best of Adventure in 2008.

Both of these list are good. Yet like so many ‘top in travel’ lists that proliferate this time of year, the mainstream lists err on the side of long-haul backpacker destinations. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with long-haul backpacker destinations. There was a time when the NY Times’ top destinations would have inspired me to pack my bags and catch the next flight to Laos (#1), Lisbon (#2), Tunisia (#3), Mauritius (#4) and Miami (#5 — yes, even to Miami!).

What’s changed?

Emmett doesn’t own a backpack… yet!

His name is Emmett. He is nearly 2 years old. And he doesn’t own a backpack.

Having a toddler definitely puts a different emphasis on your travel plans. Not in a bad way, but in a way that clearly says “Scott you cannot take your 2-year-old son to India for a month… Scott your 2-year-old son cannot sleep rough in a European train station… Scott your 2-year-old son must be in bed by 7pm each and every night.”

Yes, these are the voices I hear in my head as I start planning our family’s 2008 travel wishlist.

With that in mind, here is my personal “Top 10 in Travel” for 2008. I’m hoping to crack everything in the Top 5, despite those voices in my head urging caution.

Scott’s Top 10 in Kid-Friendly Travel for 2008

1. Istanbul. This is one of my favorite cities on the planet. It has everything: good food, amazing architecture, friendly people, beautiful scenery. And it is safe. I think the family can handle a trip to Istanbul, so that’s my #1 travel ambition this year.
2. New York City. Emmett is old enough now to appreciate the sights, sounds and energy of New York City. I’d love to take him wandering the streets of Lower Manhattan, the East Village and Brooklyn, maybe even take in a kid-friendly show or two. Emmett is a people watcher, and you can’t do better than NYC for that.
3. New Orleans. I have not been back to New Orleans since Katrina; I am hoping to return this year. My wife and I were married in New Orleans and it’s certainly among my top 3 favorite U.S. cities, Katrina or no Katrina. Normally I wouldn’t take Emmett on a swamp tour or a cemetery tour. He’s too young. But I know the economy in New Orleans could use our patronage. So off we’ll all go on a few New Orleans tours.
4. Dublin. No I am not planning to introduce Emmett to Guinness just yet. Rather, Ireland in general (and Dublin in particular) is a great place to relax, have some fun, enjoy the countryside, and not worry too much. Dublin is an incredibly easy place to visit, the people are great, and in a funny kind of way it’s a perfect destination for kids.
5. San Diego. I’m cheating just a little with this selection. San Diego is a great family destination (think: Sea World and the Wild Animal Park). It’s also the home to Emmett’s grandmother, so a visit to San Diego in 2008 is inevitable.
6. Hong Kong. Bowl of hot noodles and a harbour cruise. Enough said.
7. Rome. This is the one place Emmett has already been! Rome is such a great city for kids, which isn’t something I would have guessed at before having a kid myself. So if you’re looking for a good family destination, I can certainly give Rome a huge thumbs up. So much so I’m hoping to go back this year. (Also check out the Rome with Kids travel tips on the Viator blog.)
8. Tokyo. I’m not sure what the appeal is here. Part of me worries that Tokyo is too busy, too crowded, too exotic for Emmett to cope with. But then again, maybe not. And I’ve been wanting to visit Tokyo, check out the things to do, main attractions and the like that Tokyo has to offer. So it sneaks onto the list at number 8.
9. Sydney & Melbourne (tie!). Don’t you hate it when a top 10 list ends at number 9!! Normally I do. In this case, it’s unavoidable because — let’s be honest — if I pack the family onto an airplane for 14 hours to visit Australia, we’re going to make the most if it! Given the huge pain of getting there, once we’re actually there we’ll cover Sydney and Melbourne, maybe Ayers Rock and Cairns, we’re obliged to cover all the highlights. Heck why not throw in New Zealand and Tahiti while we’re at it…

–Scott McNeely

Sad but true, most days the internet bores me. Too many dull sites, too much spam, too little good writing.

But then sometimes, out of nowhere, the web gives you a one-two knockout punch of happiness. Today is such a day.

The reason? Here’s the long-story-short version. My wife likes to cook as much as possible for our 20-month-old son. And she found a blog dedicated to some very cool food for toddlers, called lunchinabox.

The pictures of homemade bento boxes are little packets of happy-happy food joy to me. Each one makes me feel at peace with the world. Knowing that “Biggie” is home making such carefully crafted lunches for her three-year-old preschooler, well, like I said, it makes me feel at peace with the world, my troubles and problems and deadlines be damned!

The story could end here, but it doesn’t. See, not only are these bento boxes incredibly smart ideas for toddlers, they are also a brilliant idea for TRAVELERS! You heard me, travelers.

The next time I fly, I will follow one of these simple recipes and make myself a DIY in-flight bento box meal. Chicken or fish? No way, give me an English Muffin bento box every time! Or a spinach tamagoyaki bento box. This will revolutionize my in-flight dining experiences.

And my seat-mates are going to be incredibly jealous when they catch a glimpse of my travel bento box. Doubly so if that seat-mate is my 20-month-old son…

–Scott McNeely

Editor’s Note: This is the 5th in a series of posts from John “traveler, father & wit” Ryan. He’s taking the family from Melbourne up along Australia’s eastern coast. Have kid, will travel is John’s motto. Read John’s previous post here.

We’ve arrived in Brisbane, Queensland, our little boy (20-month-old Seamus), mum and dad. We’re in the northern suburb of Ferny Grove staying with my wife’s sister and her unstoppably Canadian husband.

Our days in Byron Bay were a delight, though not without their challenges. We kicked off with an attempt to walk around the lighthouse. We’d called, and the park ranger said it’d be fine with a kid in a pram. NOT!!! There are about a million steps, high winds and lots of precarious rocky outcrops. The lighthouse and the view are stunning and the walk looks great; but DON’T shell out if you’ve got a toddler in-tow. No refunds…

Byron has some great beachside playgrounds, and the long, flat, sandy beaches are a delight with a toddler. We met up with an old friend who gave us a spare DVD player for our cottage room! Bananas are back (click here if you missed the Bananas)!

After a great dinner with our DVD friend and an old mate from university days at the only respectable pub in town (the Rails on Jonson St), we enjoyed a unique breakfast in the nearby town of Brunswick Heads. Yami’s served fabbo – if surprising - Israeli food on an outdoor deck. Our little kid ran around a bit, but there was enough space for him not to annoy too many people! This little town was a welcome respite from the clamour of Byron Bay.

Another day of beach-bumming and some Bananas in Pyjamas on DVD and suddenly, today, we had to leave beautiful Byron. We took a breakfast detour to Bangalow where there was a really fantastic, small organic produce market. Bangalow is a really delightful hinterland town – so much more relaxing and ‘real’ than Byron. We’ll stay here next time. We picked up some absolutely amazing strawberries and were on our way.

It’s not the most scenic drive from Byron to Brisbane, despite the fact that we pass some of the most wonderfully majestic beaches Australia has to offer. Problem is, you can’t see them for all the road works, construction and ugly 1970s high-rise developments. This really is the worst of the best. Still, the freeway makes it a mercifully short trip.

Brisbane is a growth town. For a long time it was a staid, sleepy city. Now it’s booming with property values rising as quickly as the morning temperature. There aren’t many tourist attractions in Brisbane, but few cities in the world can claim to be surrounded by so many drawcards as Queensland’s capital. We’ve just settled Seamus in yet another strange bed. The little fella is doing remarkably well – he really seems to be engaging with the frequent changes. Tomorrow, we explore!

–John Ryan

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Australia, Gold Coast activities, things to do in Brisbane, and a complete list of kid-friendly and family-friendly tours in Australia.