Tired of the endless, bickering car rides over the river to Grandma's cluttered ranch house with toilet paper Barbie's and doilies? Tired of the aero beds, dry turkey and wine in a box? Why not leave it all behind and take advantage of holiday family travel promotions?
Every year, it seems the question of holiday vacation travel looms large. The options are vast and the advice is sparing: mom wants a quiet week at an inn, dad would love an all-inclusive week of sports in the mountains, and the kids want to go to Disney (again). What's a busy mom to do?
This year, take some tips from Poshbrood.com, a hip family-friendly travel site catering to families in search of that perfect getaway. Take advantage of relatively low travel prices and check out one of our recommendations. We know how to relax mom, excite dad, and give the brood something to grin about.
A Magical Mountain Weekend: The Homestead
Where: Hot Springs, Virginia.
What: A historic five-star resort in the Allegheny Mountains.
Best For: Lively broods looking for a variety of activities to choose from.
Our Take: Poshbrood reports the Homestead is "heaving with families" (in a good way) and offers the best of all worlds: luxurious spa services, a bowling alley, indoor pool, a community of children for the kids to bond with, and wonderful food. The Homestead offers Southern hospitality and luxury at its best!
Holiday Package Details: The Homestead is offering its "Holiday Lights & Ice Unlimited Activities Packages," which start at $259 per night. These packages offer families a diverse array of activities, including ice skating, hayrides, horseback riding, a variety of sports, historic tours, and a holiday lights show. Prices include room and for two adults: additional adults and children over six cost an additional $50 each.
For More Information: Call 540.839.1766 or visit www.thehomestead.com. For the full Poshbrood review, check out http://poshbrood.com/destinations/detail/the_homestead/.
A New York Thanksgiving with the Trumps
Where: NYC
What: A chic and sophisticated family-friendly refuge in the heart of SoHo.
Best For: Hip families who are interested in a non-Times Square NYC experience, enjoy cool boutiques and exploring neighborhood restaurants.
Our Take: You had us at "rooms start at 425 square feet".
Holiday Package Details: Enjoy New York City and the Thanksgiving holiday season at Trump SoHo New York. Book now and receive a 15% savings for travel from November 18th through November 28th 2010. The hotel is offering a special Thanksgiving prix-fixe menu including one-of-a-kind Italian influenced dishes such as Tacchino Ripieno Alla Piemontese and Prosciutto Al Forno. The Trump Kids program will welcome your littles in style with an activity packet, coloring book, personalized calling cards, a stuffed animals and a kids' menu. Rates from $359/night.
For More Information: Call 212.842.5500 or visit www.trumpsohohotel.com.
Royal Excellence: The Grove
Where: London, UK.
What: Luxury hotel golf and spa resort outside London.
Best For: Jet-setting broods in search of the perfect family-friendly international getaway.
Holiday Package Details: The Grove offers several holiday package deals for globetrotting groups. Our pick is the Royal Russian Christmas break, which includes four nights at the price of three. This glam fam break includes delicious holiday feasts, a mini Moscow Olympics, candle-lit carols, kid-friendly activities like space rock building and ballet or costume-making, giant cozy fires, and winter wonderland walks and cycle rides. The Grove's kids club can watch the brood while parents relax and enjoy the Sequoia Spa or just reading by the fire with a good book. Package starts at £955 (approximately $1.517)
For More Information: Call +44 (0) 1923 807807 or visit http://www.thegrove.co.uk/.
Hershey's Holiday Cottage Package
Where: Hershey, PA
What: Get your chocolate on, four-star style.
Best For: Big broods looking for an upscale, woodsy getaway.
Holiday Package Details: Start a stress free holiday tradition at Woodside Cottages At The Hotel Hershey! Relax and re-connect in the cozy privacy of your very own 4-bedroom cottage festively decorated for the holidays. The cottage sleeps 8-12 comfortably and includes the following amenities:
•One-day admission to:
- Hersheypark Christmas Candylane
- Hershey Sweet Lights
- Hershey's Really Big 3D Show at Hershey's
- The Hershey Story Museum
•20% discount on Spa treatments (Mon.-Thurs.)
•Milk & holiday cookie delivery
•Daily breakfast in the Circular Dining Room
•Complimentary ice skate rental
•Nightly s'mores roast
A four-bedroom luxury cottage from $1,585/night. (Remember the cottage sleeps 12!)
For More Information: Hotel Hershey at 1-717- 533-2171 or http://www.thehotelhershey.com/accommodations/cottages.php
Hyattt Summerfield Suites Offering Seriously Sweet Holiday Deals
Where: At any of their 35 U.S. Properties (pending availability). Destinations include: Salt Lake City, Boston, Washington, DC, Austin, Texas, Miami, Denver, among others.
What: Save 50% off your 3rd night with rates from $79.
Best For: Stylish families who are on a budget but want space, separate bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. The free daily breakfast and evening socials are icing on the cake!
Holiday Package Details: Stay two nights between November 19th and January 17th and receive 50% off the 3rd consecutive night, with rates beginning at $79. Enjoy more space at this all-suite non smoking hotel and features like complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full kitchen in every suite.
For More Information: Reservations: 1 866 974 9288 or http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/summerfield/