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| News from FamilyTravel.com |
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October 2004 |
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| Greetings!
The leaves are turning. The kids are back in school. And we are busy researching great winter holiday ideas to share with you throughout the season. Look for news about ski holidays, great cruise options and some terrific new adventure opportunities in the weeks ahead. Meanwhile, don't forget to forward this newsletter to your friends and family! Happy traveling!
Pam Plesons, Founder & President and Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, Editor & CEO.
| Moroccan Memories |
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My family and I recently embarked on a nine-day Moroccan family adventure and discovery holiday organized by adventure specialists Guerba. The company philosophy is that just because you have children you don't have to stop adventuring, and this holiday certainly gives you the opportunity to be adventurous and experience new cultures.
We found the trip to be safe, well organized and ideal for children from six years upwards. There were a wide range of activities and options that included camel riding and camping in the Sahara Desert, relaxing by a hotel pool or on the beach in the ancient coastal town of Essaouira, and exploring colorful bustling markets and kasbahs. However, there are some things parents do need to be particularly aware of:
Read more! »
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| Families Unite! |
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If planning your family's reunion seems overwhelming, help is available in Colorado. Designed to take the pain out of planning such a multifaceted event, the YMCA of the Rockies-called the Mercedes Benz of reunion locations - will show you how to create the perfect gathering. They will soon host their second annual Family Reunion University on November 12-14 at the YMCA's Estes Park Center, and November 19-21 at Snow Mountain Ranch. Having hosted thousands of family reunions, with more than 800 in 2004 alone, the staff of the YMCA of the Rockies designed Family Reunion University to help family reunion planners gain the information and experience needed to plan a successful reunion. Participants learn how to increase family participation and handle the contract process, as well as explore catering options and group activities such as hay rides, rafting or group photographs.
The facilities at both Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch come alive as planners stay in one of our many lodges, which are perfectly designed to host reunions. Planners become familiar with available services, meet the staff and take an extensive tour of the grounds. Besides learning how to connect with family members, reunion planners also get the chance to connect with each other through team-building exercises, ice breakers and idea sharing. "By the end of last year's event, many of the participants wanted to have a reunion of Family Reunion University because they had become such great friends," said Laurie Van Horn, marketing director for the YMCA of the Rockies.
For $50, each participant receives two nights' lodging, meals and a weekend filled with helpful and enjoyable activities aimed at helping them make their family reunion a success. "It's a great program! If you are planning a reunion, you get just enough information without being overwhelmed," said Alice Clark, 2003 Family Reunion University graduate. "Plus, you get a warm feeling in your heart that you did pick the right spot for your reunion. I'm actually thinking of going again!"
For more information or to sign up for Family Reunion University, please contact the Estes Park Center Conference Office at 970-586-3341, ext. 1029, or the Snow Mountain Ranch Conference Office at 970-887- 2152, ext. 4103. To find out more about YMCA of the Rockies in general, visit www.ymcarockies.org.
For more family holiday information... »
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| Great New Programs Coming Soon! |
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In the weeks ahead, we have several exciting new programs we will be launching.
Look for news about Travel4SchoolCash, an innovative program that will allow you to book a great holiday while earning money for the school of your choice.
You'll also enjoy knowing about our Family Travel Adventure Collection. More details on both programs will be available soon.
P.S. As always, we love to hear from you!
Drop us a line now! Click on the email address below! »
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| Let It Snow! |
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| The ski industry is rallying around the family! This year look for more affordable and convenient family-friendly ski vacation packages being offered by various airlines and resorts.
United, American and Northwest Airlines and various resort destinations in the U.S. and Canada are among those offering "Kids Fly Free" and "Kids Ski Free" programs. One child flies free for each paying adult and they ski free too, at Copper Mountain, Colo., Whistler, British Columbia, Steamboat, Colo., and Snowbird, Utah.
Sorting through the different offers, fine print and restrictions that apply to each of the participating airlines and resort destinations can be overwhelming. Moguls Mountain Travel says they offer a solution. "We can offer these deals from multiple suppliers and multiple resorts, making the vacation planning process less stressful and less time-consuming," Rosard says. In effect, the company has already done the legwork for families, and can offer objective, professional advice as to which packages best meet budget and vacation requirements.
The company has conveniently packaged the information on their website at www.moguls.com/kidsflyfree. Interested families can also call Moguls at 800-666-4857 for more information. - Lynn O'Rourke Hayes
More ski trips! |
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email: lohayes@cox.net voice: 480.556.6266 web: http://familytravel.com
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