Choose Your Own Adventure
There are all kinds of excursions out there, and it’s just a matter of choosing the one that sounds the most appealing to you and works with your budget. Of course, you always can step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Here are few ideas to get your travel wheels a-turnin’:

Whitewater rafting — From Tennessee’s Ocoee River to the Colorado River, there are countless river rafting trips to whet your appetite for adventure. Choose from more mild class 2 trips, or go for 3 or 4 — in any case, you’ll have a blast learning how to stay afloat amid raging waters. With Quest Expeditions (questexpeditions.com), you and a friend can stay in a cozy cabin equipped with a full kitchen, a dishwasher, bed linens, satellite TV, a covered front porch, a charcoal grill, and central heat and air. Then head out on the Ocoee with one of Quest’s experienced guides for the thrill ride of a lifetime.

Rock climbing — Indoor rock wall not quite doing it for you anymore? Try the real thing with a climbing excursion in which you will scale and boulder along rugged terrain alongside other singles. If you don’t have prior climbing experience, check with the tour operators to see whether they accept beginners, and ask if you need your own equipment or if they provide it.

African adventures — Here’s your chance to learn all about the wild animals, terrain, wildlife preserves and culture of Africa — things you have perhaps only seen in National Geographic or on television. An African safari will give you all that and more! Want to combine your trip with volunteering? With My Own Two Hands Foundation (withmyown2hands.org) is a nonprofit group that aims to bring the yoga and sport communities together in order to help inspire positive social change on a local and global level. You can volunteer with them and make a trek to Africa, too — making a difference as you take in the natural wonders.

Fishing trips — Even if you’re a novice fisherman or woman, you can head out on a fishing adventure and snag that really big fish you’ve always dreamed of catching. Expert guides can show you proper technique, and you’ll have a blast getting to know everyone as you work to outsmart creatures of the sea.

Dude ranch — Don’t think “City Slickers” here, though you certainly could find that kind of cattle-moving adventure if you wanted. More than likely, you will find a working ranch that allows you to experience life as a cowboy or cowgirl. You’ll learn to ride horses, rope cattle and live the way ranchers do. You’ll thank yourself for the dust on your boots later, especially when it’s time to return to your 9 to 5 corporate job.

Additional Resources
AdventureFinder.com is a great resource for locating these excursions, with many listings identifying multiple sports as part of the trips. You also can check with local singles groups, as they might have adventures planned.

For quick garment bag reviews that will help you choose luggage for your adventure, check out JetSetGarmentBags.com. The Samsonite Aspire GRT wheeled garment bag is a nice compact option if you’ll have limited space for your luggage.

Adventure vacations can be as quick as a long weekend or as long as a week or two, depending on your destination of choice and budget. You also can stay close to home to save money, or plan a trip somewhere far away if your budget allows. Wherever you choose to go, you are sure to meet plenty of other adventurous singles who share your passion for the outdoors.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton writes about travel, tourism, recreation and outdoor adventures for a variety of travel sites, including JetSetGarmentBags.com. Consumers love her easy-to-read, straightforward tips and rely on her articles for locating travel-related advice for flying, road trips, cruises and more. Hannah hopes to take on a class 3 or 4 rapid along with her husband and daughters sometime in the future.

Best of all, a quick weekend getaway offers a wonderful chance for you and your special someone to reconnect, relax and rediscover all the reasons you are together. Particularly if you have kids, it’s important to make time just for the two of you for the sake of your relationship.

This year, try traveling on a budget, and keep it close to home. With our guide to getting away within your own state — including a couple favorite destinations we’ve discovered from coast to coast — you’ll feel like you’re thousands of miles away even if you only travel less than hour to get there.

Be a Tourist

What do you do when you want to explore a new locale? More than likely, you pick up a few guidebooks and maps detailing great places to visit at your destination. So why not do the same right at home? Act like a tourist, and find out all the things your home state has to offer — chances are, you will discover it’s got more than you ever realized.

Start with your state’s Travel and Tourism Bureau and your local Auto Club office. If you settle on a hotel, you can call the front desk ahead of time and ask about popular eateries, attractions, entertainment, historical sites, romantic hideaways, national and state parks, and other activities close by. And of course, the Internet offers a wealth of information on a variety of destinations around the country.

From there, you can map out a week-long or weekend route that will let you experience a variety of activities together. With a little planning, you can explore some of your state’s hidden gems without going too far. Think outside the box here: Go for places you’ve never been before so it feels fresh and exciting.

Travel highlight: Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA — Located within the town of Pacific Grove, CA, Asilomar is Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea.” Try a cozy cottage for a romantic escape, and spend some time strolling through Old Fisherman’s Wharf, picnicking and swimming at Lovers Point Park, and cruising along the coast for breathtaking views of Big Sur.

Benefits of Staying Close to Home

When you vacation close to home, it makes travel arrangements a breeze. Just pack your best garment bags and hop in your car or travel by train, and you can arrive at your destination within a few short hours. If you decide to rent a car, shop around for hotel/car rental packages, as there are lots of great deals available.

If you have children, you may have an easier time arranging for child care. Since you’ll be only a few hours away, you can let the babysitter know you are accessible in case of emergency. Just make sure the sitter knows to call only if necessary so you and your honey can get some quality, uninterrupted alone time.

By saving a little cash on your transportation costs, you perhaps can afford to spend your money on luxury accommodations such as the one highlighted below, along with local shows and attractions.

Travel highlight: Westminster Hotel, New Jersey — Here you’ll find the ideal romantic getaway, complete with a “Romance Package” offering VIP turndown service, chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in the room upon arrival. The hotel even will throw in a $100 dining certificate to the award-winning Strip House restaurant, where you and your sweetie can enjoy a secluded dinner for two.

You will need to get in the right frame of mind to enjoy a vacation close to home. Think of it as a true vacation even though your home might be just hours away. When you explore the treasures located right in your own state, you never know what you may discover — and that includes new discoveries about your special partner.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton writes on travel and tourism for JetSetGarmentBags.com and other travel-related websites. She and her husband like to plan annual romantic getaways, frequently staying close to home and enjoying the beauty of Southern California. Her best tri fold garment bag accompanies Hannah on all of her travels.

So with that conversation, we set out to plan a weekend at a B&B on the East Coast somewhere — and we decided we’d like to stay at one owned by African-Americans. Why? Years ago, when blacks were prohibited from staying in hotels, they had to make do by staying in people’s homes while traveling. Later, when these families began opening B&Bs of their own, many of these owners created luxurious accommodations that offered a “home away from home” feel, with the kind of hospitality you might expect if walking into a friend or relative’s home.

Of course, you can find this kind of hospitality at any number of B&Bs, regardless of ownership. But if it’s on your bucket list to stay at a black-owned B&B, here’s a nice roundup of seven of them that Isabella and I discovered through our research:

1. The Oak Bluffs Inn — Located at the top of Circuit Avenue, the main drag in Oak Bluffs, the Victorian-style Oak Bluffs Inn is located in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, just steps away from dining, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. Enjoy free WiFi, a continental breakfast, afternoon refreshments, free off-street parking, Anichini linens, luxury toiletries, beach chairs and beach towels, and other amenities. You’ll find the harbor in the opposite direction of the main street, and the beach is a quick five-minute walk along a sleepy residential street lined with picturesque cottages.
2. Quintessentials B and B Spa — If you’re seeking romance, relaxation and renewal, New York’s Quintessentials B and B Spa offers all three — with an on-site full-service spa, in-room fireplaces, whirlpool baths, private decks, gourmet meals, an Asian tea house and a meditation garden. Listed on the Long Island Society for the Preservation of Antiquities, Quintessentials is within walking distance to beaches, farms, tennis and golf. If you’re planning a wedding, Quintessentials has a Victorian gazebo ideal for your ceremony, plus a couple’s hammock under the trees where you can unwind after your big day.
3. Akwaaba by the Sea — Here is America’s oldest seaside resort, built in the 1850s and offering a beautiful New Jersey setting for your romantic weekend, girls’ weekend or spontaneous getaway. Featuring five guest rooms in the main house and two guest suites in the carriage house, the resort includes a sunny porch, along with an elegant parlor with a wood-burning fireplace as well as a game room with a flat-screen TV and tables for cards or board games. Nearby quaint shops, five-star restaurants and a gorgeous beach voted as one of the best in the country. Consider this venue for your next family reunion, retreat or event, as there is plenty to do and see all around you.
4. DC GuestHouse — Located in northeast Washington, D.C., the D.C. GuestHouse is a cozy hostel with seven spacious guest rooms, all featuring beautiful artwork, large beds, satellite TV, DVD players, wireless Internet access and plenty of privacy. Travelers and backpackers from around the world make the GuestHouse their home away from home while visiting D.C. With easy access to the D.C. Convention Center, the White House, museums and monuments, this hostel offers a convenient place to rest your head in between stops at some of our nation’s historic sites.
5. The Intown Uptown Inn — D.C.’s Intown Uptown Inn is rated highly among reviewers, perhaps because it offers all the comforts of an inn stay at affordable rates that suit a variety of budgets. You can easily get to attractions, the downtown, the Metro, the Smithsonian, national monuments and other sites. Located along a major thoroughfare five miles from downtown, the inn is convenient to the city yet far enough away to feel like an urban oasis — perfect for anyone who wants the experience of D.C. along with the quiet of a bed and breakfast.
6. Magnolia House Inn — The Magnolia House Inn, located in the waterfront downtown area of Lexington, Virginia, offers three spacious guestrooms equipped with charming decor, superb food, artwork, a sitting room and easy access to local attractions such as the Virginia Peninsula. Don’t miss the delicious breakfast, and take advantage of the concierge services for a truly hospitable experience. Guests rave about the inn’s historic Queen Anne Victorian details, luxurious sleeping accommodations and spa-like atmosphere within the suites.
7. Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast — Durham, North Carolina’s Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast is a one-of-a-kind colonial-revival-style inn. Within walking distance, you’ll find the downtown, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the Durham Performing Arts Center and historic Brightleaf Square. Four spacious guest rooms, common areas and a dining room will provide you with a relaxing stay, with opportunities to enjoy a cup of tea with a good book or socialize with other guests.

Ready to jet off on your next getaway? Pack up your Laga design weekend garment bag and get set for a weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Any of these inns will provide a unique experience you won’t soon forget.

About the Author
In addition to writing about Laga design weekend garment bags and other luggage, Hannah Hamilton posts helpful tips, articles and advice for travelers at JetSetGarmentBags.com. A recent move from the East Coast to the West Coast has inspired her to explore areas of California that she has yet to see. In her free time, Hannah enjoys shopping with her daughters, lounging at the beach and leaving her worries for another day.

In fact, the weekend getaway for guys is no longer just a getaway. Now dubbed the “mancation,” it’s a chance to recapture some of their youth, spend some quality time with the guys and escape the many responsibilities they have at home. While much attention may get devoted to weekend getaways for women, the mancation has become equally important for guys who need a little R&R of their own. Here are three types of weekend getaways especially for guys that are sure to inspire plenty of laughs, memories and much-needed time away from the daily grind. If you’re ready to pack your travel weekend bag and get away, then choose your favorite adventure:

Outdoor Adventure
Wanna rough it? Pack your hiking gear, and head into the woods for a camping adventure with the guys. Choose a spot near a lake for fishing and boating options, or a destination such as Yosemite; Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee); or Morrison, Colorado, to incorporate extreme sports such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting and mountain biking. There’s nothing quite like getting into the great outdoors with your buddies, building a fire, cooking your food over an open flame and enjoying long chats into the night. Only in the wilderness could you experience this kind of bonding time. At home, there are too many distractions — from the football game to work and other responsibilities. When you rough it, you’ve got nothing but one another to keep you company, and the resulting conversations can prove to be priceless.

Las Vegas
This might be a clichéd guy’s getaway, but it’s a classic nonetheless. Las Vegas is the place to be for men who prefer gambling, nightlife, entertainment and attractions over campfires and hot dogs. If you like the idea of a weekend filled with casinos, clubs and round-the-clock fun, then Vegas might be the getaway for you. Solid options for accommodations include the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa penthouse suite, with four bedrooms, an outdoor pool hanging over the edge of the building, a glass elevator and an 8-foot-round rotating bed; or the Hardwood Suite, with its own basketball court, including Murphy beds right on the court. Throw in a limo tour of the strip, play blackjack at the Playboy Club and party in some of the hottest clubs around, and you’ve got the makings of a true bachelor party — or just a good old fashioned party you’ll never forget.

A Little of Each
Plenty of guys like to enjoy their share of both the outdoors and nightlife. Why not plan a weekend that incorporates the best of both? Key West, Florida, for example, offers the beach, fishing, snorkeling, diving and other outdoor activities, along with an active nightlife. If you like the idea of being active during the day — whether you’re hiking, surfing or rock climbing — and then cleaning up at night for an evening on the town, then choose a destination that offers close proximity to both types of activities. This option also works well when you have a large group of guys with varying tastes, so that there will be something for everyone to do.

By now, you may be already halfway out the door, itinerary in hand, on your way to your mancation. If not, it’s time to get planning. Gather the guys, set your budget and choose a destination — then prepare to enjoy a getaway like no other you’ve ever experienced.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton is the creator of JetSetGarmentBags.com, a travel website specializing in travel weekend bag reviews, consumer-friendly travel advice and money-saving tips for travelers. She has experienced her share of weekend getaways with her gal pals, so she can appreciate when her husband needs a little guy time away from home. When she’s not writing, Hannah enjoys hiking, surfing the Web for bargains, reading and discovering new local eateries.

1. Plan your time. Step one is to pick your weekend. Your choice will depend on how much money you have to spare, so make sure you and your friends are all in the same ballpark on how much you want to spend.  If possible, schedule your weekend to include a Friday evening through Sunday night, so you can maximize your time together. If you’re driving, pick somewhere that’s within five hours of home. Although road trips can be fun, you don’t want to spend all your time cooped up in a car — much better to enjoy your time at your destination. Ideas for fun getaways include the beach, a spa weekend, a shopping getaway, wine and culinary tours, hiking and surfing, camping and bicycle tours.
2. Plan your budget. Decide on how much each person will spend, based on your choice of destination. From there, you can search for travel packages, such as those that include hotel and airfare, or a car rental and a hotel. Choose accommodations that have many different activities within the area, depending on what your interests are. You might want to pick a hotel that has a spa and/or pool area on site, and then choose one or two main activities within the local area. That way, you can spend some time unwinding as well as getting out and exploring rather than schedule every minute of your weekend.
3. Step out of your comfort zone. As you plan your activities, be willing to try something new and different. Maybe it’s whitewater rafting, eating a plate of escargot or skydiving. When you and your friends experience a new activity together — particularly those that induce an endorphin rush — you always will remember your experience together.
4. Pack wisely.  You might be tempted to pack every cute outfit you own for your weekend getaway, but chances are, you won’t wear everything you bring. Instead, pack some key pieces that you can mix and match together, leaving space in your bag for any purchases you might want to make on your vacation. Remember, a weekend garment bag for getaways should be somewhat compact so it can easily fit in an overhead compartment or a trunk. This is especially important if you are traveling by air, as extra fees for baggage can quickly add up. Save your money, and your space in your luggage, for your getaway.
5. Leave your worries behind. This is your time away from the daily grind, so make sure you truly unplug during your getaway. Although you might have work, children, bills and other responsibilities at home, you can’t truly enjoy your weekend unless you let go and relax on vacation. It all will be waiting for you when you return home, so don’t worry! If possible, avoid using your cell phone and computer unless it’s a true emergency. You can easily provide your hotel information to your spouse and kids so that they can get ahold of you if needed.
6. Relax and enjoy! On that note, once you arrive at your destination, take time to soak it all in. Take plenty of photos, and journal about your experience. You’ll be glad you did later — because then you can create a scrapbook of memories on your weekend getaway. You and your friends will never forget this experience, but a scrapbook and a journal will help you record the key details that you can look back on later fondly.

Your weekend getaways with friends can prove to be some of the most enjoyable experiences of your lifetime. Not only do you get to travel to a fun destination, but you also get a chance to renew your friendship with the pals you care about the most. Take a break from your busy life to enjoy a weekend vacation, and you’ll always be glad you made the time.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton writes frequently on travel bags, tips and consumer-friendly advice at JetSetGarmentBags.com. When she’s not packing a weekend garment bag for getaways, she’s spending time with her husband and daughters — who equally share her love for travel. Hannah recently made a move from the East Coast to Southern California, where she looks forward to exploring new territory.

You may also like:

Weekend Getaways for the Boys

“Travel defines who you are as a family,” says Laura Manske, editor of “Family Travel: The Farther You Go, the Closer You Get” (Travelers’ Tales Guides) and a mother of two. “The more time you spend with your children, the closer you get.”

Indeed, travel allows your family to connect in ways that may not be possible at home, where the daily grind can easily distract you from the importance of family closeness and bonding. Tasked with traveling in close quarters such as a back seat or an airplane, siblings often become better friends as they work out issues; find ways to pass the time together (think games, cards and puzzles); and get to know each other outside the context of chores, school work and daily life.

If you’re considering taking a trip with your kids, know that traveling together is one of the best things you can do for your family. Consider the many benefits they can soak in, and you’ll likely want to start planning your next trip, dusting off your favorite garment weekend bag luggage and setting off for a weekend or weeklong getaway:

• The need to be responsible. I’ll never forget the time when I experienced a knee injury just before a planned trip out of town, and my daughters took it upon themselves to help me through the airports. As my husband wheeled me along in a wheelchair, they grabbed bags off the carousel, made sure I had plenty of snacks and beverages within reach, and cared for me just as I would if the roles were reversed. Kids learn to do whatever it takes to get from point A to point B when they travel. Get them involved in the packing process, and they also learn how to take responsibility for themselves — by packing appropriately for the weather, remembering their toothbrushes and including a treasured item like a stuffed bear in the carry-on. They develop a newfound independence that makes them feel important and valuable as a part of your family.
• A broader view of the world. When you explore other cultures, towns, localities and countries, your children learn that there is more to the world than their school classroom and their backyard. You can help your kids to understand the historical events that shaped American cities; identify evidence of ethnic or cultural influences; appreciate unfamiliar music, languages and cuisine; and gain a better understanding of and perhaps even compassion for other human beings. Trust me: You’ll do your children a priceless favor by exposing them to the world beyond the suburbs.
• A love of learning. When you make past- and modern-day history come to life for your kids, you will inspire in them a lifelong love of learning that will carry them through their college years and beyond. As you travel, you can make connections to your kids’ knowledge of geography, literature and government, providing a multisensory learning experience that is much richer than what’s in textbooks, videos or classrooms. As a child, I had the opportunity to visit East Berlin before the Berlin Wall came down, and that experience has stuck with me throughout my adult life. I hope to be able to bless my daughters with the same kind of memories.

The skills I learned traveling with my dad as a youngster have served me well throughout my life, my career and my marriage. Adaptability, perseverance and an openness to exploring new people, places and things are no match for the roadblocks that occasionally pop up in life — and I’m forever grateful that my children are now learning these lessons for themselves.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton is a travel writer specializing in reviews of garment travel bags, money-saving advice and smart packing tips. Growing up in a military family, she moved every two years until she was 12 — which is why she grew to love traveling to new places. Hannah is now planning a move from the East Coast to the West Coast, a move she hopes will bring new adventures to her family.

You may also like:

Educational Trips With Kids

Fun Weekend Trips With Kids

Bacara Resort
Located just outside Santa Barbara, California, the beachfront Bacara Resort is a luxury hotel and family experience sprawling across 78 acres of the California Coast. Experience direct access to the beaches, world-class golf, a Mediterranean climate, warm nights and star gazing — all in an expansive resort setting where flowers, fountains and red-tiled roofs abound. Each of the 360 spacious guest rooms includes a private balcony or patio, with garden, mountain or ocean views. Venture outside your suite, and you can enjoy the area’s attractions, such as wineries, ocean excursions, historic sightseeing, hiking trails and upscale shopping. The Romantic Package will get you a three-course dinner for two at Miro, a romantic gift basket, chocolate-covered strawberries, champagne and valet parking.

Hamilton Cove, Catalina Island
Often called the “island of romance,” Catalina Island features dozens of hotels, private rooms and condos at Hamilton Cove, where you’ll find some of the island’s finest accommodations. Rent a vacation home in the cove, and you can take advantage of the community’s amenities, including tennis courts, a putting course, a sand volleyball court, a private dock and secluded beaches. Hamilton Cove Real Estate rents villas for a weekend, a week or even longer, in an exclusive gated community that’s just a mile and a half from Avalon. Wherever you stay, you are likely to experience breathtaking ocean views — as well as the private feel of a secluded resort.

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds, Pacific Grove, CA
The ecologically diverse beachfront land of Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea.” Located within the town of Pacific Grove, Asilomar is ideal if you prefer cozy cottages, rustic lodges and an escape from the demands of everyday life. Some of the local attractions you may enjoy include the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Lovers Point Park for picnics and swimming, and stunning views at the Big Sur Coastline. Surrounded by the neighboring communities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey and Pebble Beach, Asilomar situates you right in the heart of one of the nation’s most beautiful vacation destinations.

On the Road Again
Although our move will no doubt be stressful, I am thankful that I have these getaways to look forward to. If you think you and your spouse or significant other could benefit from a little time away together, I encourage you to set out for one of these destinations — and use the time to reconnect to the one you love like no other.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton writes frequently on weekend carry-on luggage reviews, travel advice and money-saving tips for her website JetSetGarmentBags.com. Once she moves to California, she hopes to enjoy the many destinations she enjoyed as a child, including Yosemite and San Diego. Hannah enjoys hiking, reading and yoga in her free time — as well as watching her daughters grow into thoughtful, curious young ladies who also enjoy traveling.

You might also like:

Educational Trips With Kids

The Benefits of Traveling With Kids

Romantic Weekend Getaways From Coast to Coast: Part I — New Jersey

In the midst of these challenges, my husband and I have found it necessary to schedule in our romantic time together in order to continue nurturing our marriage. So even as we pack our bags for California, I’ve got some romantic weekend getaways in the works. I’m hoping to fit in at least one of them on the East Coast before we move, and then find time for a few more in California. Without a doubt, once we’re settled in, I plan to pack up my best weekend garment bag carry on and set off for some much-needed alone time — using the following trip guidelines to help us make the most of our adventures. In this two part series, we’ll first explore romantic getaways in New Jersey, then head west for some California fun in the sun.

Westminster Hotel
With 183 chic guest rooms and suites, fine dining, an indoor pool and spa, and a host of other amenities, New Jersey’s Westminster Hotel is an ideal location for a romantic getaway. The “Romance Package” offers VIP turndown service, chilled champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in the room upon arrival, a VIP shopping card to the local mall, plus a $100 dining gift certificate to the award-winning Strip House restaurant. Of course, with the deluxe accommodations for two — with complimentary upgrade to a suite — you can always choose to stay in.

Crystal Springs
Crystal Springs is acclaimed as the New York Metro area’s most unique four-season resort, situated on more than 4,000 acres and featuring plenty of restaurants, local activities, and accommodations at some of the region’s most luxurious lodges. A few favorite activities include:

• More than a dozen outstanding restaurants, cafes and bistros including four-star Latour — boasting a 100,000+ bottle wine cellar — for intimate dinners and conversation
• Romantic getaway packages and spa treatments at Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Resort & Spa
• Outdoor excursions such as golfing, or hiking in nearby Kittatinny Mountain Range

Many visitors to Crystal Springs note that it’s a place to reconnect with your partner and perhaps rekindle your passion for one another. With gorgeous scenery, opportunities for pampering and relaxing, and plenty of outdoor experiences to enjoy, it’s no wonder this is a romantic destination of choice for so many couples.

Bungalow Hotel
As Jersey Shore’s only authentic boutique luxury-lifestyle hotel, the Bungalow Hotel is beach-chic yet stylish and inviting, located in Pier Village just steps from the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re the kind of couple that enjoys billiards, backgammon and chess alongside spa experiences, a private beach club and an elegant wine bar (nearby at The Wine Loft), then this is the hotel for you. You can play in the sand and surf during the day, then head up to the rooftop Avenue Nuit bar — or try the Love Is in the Air package for an Aloha suite featuring an oversized king bed, a wet bar and a fireplace.

Ready to go west? Tune in for part two of this series, where we’ll relax along the California coast.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton once lived in California before finding herself all the way on the East Coast along with her husband and two daughters. As an expert on travel, weekend garment bag carry ons and other kinds of luggage, as well as money-saving tips for consumers, Hannah writes articles for JetSetGarmentBags.com and other travel websites. She’s looking forward to settling in and enjoying California’s natural wonders once her family’s move is complete.

You might also like:

Romantic Weekend Getaways From Coast to Coast: Part II — California

Fun Weekend Trips With Kids

There are a few trips in particular that stand out for me. Since I now have children myself, I’m planning a series of educational getaways that we can enjoy as a family. With the experience of my childhood trips still fresh in my memory, I’m looking forward to  helping my daughters  creating  lasting memories of their own. The next time we pack a Samsonite wheeled garment bag, we’ll be checking out one of the following adventures — all of which I had the privilege of enjoying as a youngster.

Getaway 1: Gettysburg
Set on more than 10,000 acres and criss-crossed by more than 40 miles of battlefield avenues, historic Gettysburg is home to hundreds of monuments, markers and plaques. For an overview of the highlights, take a guided tour of the battlefield and hear fascinating true stories about the famous Battle of Gettysburg. The Historic Tour Company will even include an extra stop with some unique activities designed to help kids understand “The Life of the Civil War Soldier.” Best experienced by children ages 8 and older, the battlegrounds are rich with history and invoke feelings of pride in our country. Younger children might rather enjoy the Explore and More Children’s Museum, complete with seven rooms of activities just for little ones.

There’s plenty more to do in Gettysburg outside the battlegrounds, too. Here are a few favorite activities:

• Jennie Wade House Museum — View life through the eyes of Jennie Wade, a heroine of the Civil War era, in the house-turned-museum that remains much as she would have known it more than 140 years ago.
• Eisenhower National Historic Site — Kids ages 7-12 can join the “Junior Secret Service” and earn a badge and certificate as they explore the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
• Gettysburg Ghosts, Haunted Gettysburg Candlelight Walking Tours and Paranormal Investigations — If your kids aren’t afraid of the supernatural, check out a walking tour of some of Gettysburg famous “haunts.” The nightly 90-minute ghost walking tour concludes inside a “haunted house,” while the Paranormal Ghost Hunt will put you on the chasing end of ghost adventures.
• Entertainment — Fun, laughter and suspense await throughout Gettysburg, with various types of entertainment to keep the family busy. Try the live two-and-a-half-hour adventure through the streets of historic Downtown Gettysburg, where you will be sent off to piece together hidden clues purported to lead you to the location of treasury gold that’s been lost for more than century. Younger kids might prefer the Land of Little Horses Farm Park, with its animal shows, races, pony rides and seasonal events.
• Kayaking excursions — Catch a shuttle at the Land Launch Location 2 miles west of Gettysburg Square, and join an introduction to kayaking with a leisurely tour around the perimeter of the reservoir.

Getaway 2: Lighthouses of New Jersey
Moving farther east, you can plan an entire trip around exploring the lighthouses of New Jersey. These lighthouses, spanning 127 miles of coastline, have played a significant role in maritime history — enabling safe navigation of ships since the 1700s. The following lighthouses are open to the public:

1. Absecon Lighthouse — This is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse and one of the nation’s oldest. Climb the 228 stairs to soak in amazing views of the Jersey Shore and the Atlantic City skyline. And don’t miss the educational museum, gift shop and expansive grounds.
2. Barnegat Lighthouse — Here’s the nation’s second tallest lighthouse, known as “Ol’ Barney.” It’s operated as a historical museum, and visitors can climb 217 steps to the lightkeeper’s catwalk for a view of Island Beach State Park, Barnegat Bay and Long Beach Island.
3. Cape May Lighthouse — Located on the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the United States. Standing 157 feet high, it still serves as a navigational aid, beaming its light 24 miles out to sea.
4. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse — Enjoy both guided and self-guided tours at the Hereford, a picturesque lighthouse that’s the only one of its kind on the East Coast. Open year-round, the Hereford is both a functioning lighthouse as well as a museum and is surrounded by lush gardens.
5. Statue of Liberty — No lighthouse tour would be complete without a tour of the Statue of Liberty, which functioned as a lighthouse from 1886 to 1902. Standing 305 feet above New York Harbor and 2,000 feet from the Jersey shoreline, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as the World Heritage List.

Other lighthouses of interest include East Point, Twin Lights, Sandy Hook, Sea Girt, Tinicum Island Range, Tucker’s Island and Finns Point Rear Range. Be sure to check on hours of operation for any lighthouse you wish to visit so you be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Getaway 3: Washington, D.C.
Whether your children have been to D.C. with their class or never have had the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital, this is one getaway you simply must add to your list. There’s nothing quite like exploring America’s past, present and future to help kids understand and appreciate the country in which they live.

There is much to explore both within the walls of the government buildings and monuments as well as in the surrounding areas. We’ve listed several ideas to keep you busy:

• Sightseeing — Hop on a guided tour for a quick view of D.C.’s main attractions in and around the National Mall. Some noteworthy tours include Tourmobile Sightseeing, Spy in the City Tours, OnBoard DC Tours and Old Town Trolley Tours. Rather stay active as you explore? Try Capitol Bike Tours, where you’ll use 21-speed mountain bikes to explore the most popular sites.
• Attractions — There are countless museums, galleries and monuments throughout D.C., so pick and choose according to the ages of your children. Older kids will likely appreciate the Smithsonian Institution, the National Air & Space Museum, and the museums of American and Natural History. Kids of all ages will get a charge out of seeing money and stamps being made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, while the entire family will enjoy the National Aquarium — the nation’s oldest aquarium — featuring dozens of exhibits and more than 200 species of marine life.
• Theaters — There are plenty of theaters in D.C., too, including the Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater. This live theater is geared toward children, with classic stories and folktales told through puppet shows, storytellers, dancers, actors, musicians and mimes.

Pack Your Bags
If you only can choose one of these getaways for now, go with the one that sounds the most exciting to your family. Consider the ages of your children as you map out your adventures, and don’t fret if you can’t please all of the family all of the time. Each family member is likely to return home with at least a handful of memories that will last a lifetime.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton once packed a garment weekend bag without knowing where she was going, when her husband surprised her with an anniversary trip. They spent the weekend exploring the West Coast, perhaps foreshadowing their recent move from New Jersey to California. When Hannah isn’t writing about travel and leisure, she enjoys reading, attending her daughters’ sports events and testing out new recipes clipped from magazines.

My kids are a bit older now, and that means that traveling can really get interesting. Before, we had to worry about whether they could sit still on a plane for hours on end, or whether we had enough entertainment to keep them occupied on a long car ride. Now, though, they’re old enough to appreciate natural beauty, city life and everything in between, and I am compiling a running list of weekend trips to take with my kids. If you’re looking to enjoy traveling with your own children, then you can’t go wrong with any of the popular getaways I’ve outlined below.

Hershey Park
Located two hours west of Philadelphia, Hershey Park was built in 1907 by Milton S. Hershey of Hershey’s chocolate fame. He originally designed the park as a place where his employees could enjoy a Sunday afternoon — and that intention lives on in the form of a mega-amusement park filled with dozens of rides and attractions, live concerts and shows, and of course plenty of chocolate to go around.

Not only is this park one of the cleanest and most well-organized of theme parks, but it also has something for everyone. That includes rides ranging from a carousel and other kiddie rides to old fashioned wooden roller coasters, thrill rides like the Wild Mouse and even water rides. Different shows for all ages keep the whole family entertained, while various seasonal events allow you to enjoy the park even in some of the non-summer months.

In Halloween, for instance, you’ll find Hersheypark in the Dark complete with Creatures of the Night. And in December, you can pop in on a weekend at a deep discount to take in the sights of Christmas Candylane. Although the big rides are closed at this time of year, the kiddie rides remain open.

The Chocolate Tour will give you a nice overview of the park, while the Factory Works Experience will earn your children a worker’s hat and employee’s badge — along with a hands-on introduction to packaging chocolate kisses on an assembly line (see www.hersheychocolateworld.com for more information). To get the full park experience, consider a two-day pass so you don’t feel rushed trying to see everything.

Lake George
Lake George in Warren County, New York, offers endless opportunities for adventure as well as relaxation, making it a true family destination. There is almost too much to do, so it’s a good idea to map out your trip in advance to decide how much you can squeeze in and which activities sound like the most fun. Here is a quick roundup of popular activities from which to choose:

• Miniature golf: Help your kids hone their golf skills at Lumberjack Pass Mini Golf, Lake George’s largest miniature golf course with 18 holes tucked into a gorgeous Adirondack setting. A natural stone waterfall and meandering streams throughout the course provide an ideal backdrop for your kids’ mini golf games. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is another good option.
• Six Flags The Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom: Here you’ll find more than 135 rides, shows, an outdoor water park and roller coasters, including The Comet, ranked as one of the top wooden roller coasters in North America. The indoor water park provides a variety of fun activities for kids, while White Water Bay and the Lodge offer games, contests, arts, crafts and scavenger hunts throughout the day.
• Cruises: Choose from various historic tours, moonlight tours, fireworks cruises and more on Lake George. Check out the Lake George Steamboat Company for times and dates.
• Lake George beaches and parks: You can’t beat a day of building sandcastles at one of Lake George’s beaches. Usher’s Park Beach on Route 9L has a children’s play area and a kiddie beach. You also might try a picnic at Shepards Park on Band Night, or opt for a late afternoon jaunt to Congress Park in Saratoga, where the kids can ride a wooden carousel.
• Explore nature: There are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors at Lake George, including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking, rafting, tubing, an educational trip aboard the LGA’s Floating Classroom, mine tours, spectacular views of waterfalls and cave exploration. Check out Secret Caverns over the summer, the Northeast’s most natural cavern open to the public.

The Great Wolf Lodge
With 11 locations throughout the United States, from Washington to Virginia, Great Wolf Lodge comprises the largest family of indoor water park resorts. You’ll find a wide range of water play activities to keep the kids entertained, including roller coasters, swirling tubes, rafts, a wave pool, a lazy river, water basketball, spas and more. For younger kids, there are kiddie slides, a zero-depth recreation pool, interactive play toys, a dumping pelican and plenty of other squeal-worthy attractions.

Perhaps one of the best things about Great Wolf is that safety is a huge priority. With 120 lifeguards on duty, you can rest a little easier knowing there are extra pairs of eyes keeping an eye on your little ones. Plus, with 60 guest-activated water effects keeping you on your toes, you’ll be busy watching where you walk — so be sure to dress appropriately!

Let the Fun Begin
Personally, I can’t wait to take my kids on some new adventures. And with summer just around the corner, I’ve already started the planning. Now it’s just a matter of packing our bags and preparing for a healthy dose of summer fun.

About the Author
Hannah Hamilton writes frequently on travel and tourism for JetSetGarmentBags.com and other travel-related websites. Her reviews on garment bags for the weekend, for airline travel and for the frugal traveler help consumers make better, more informed buying decisions before embarking on their travels. Hannah spends her free time hiking, doing yoga and reading romance novels when her husband and daughters aren’t looking.