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One of the biggest reasons families don’t travel is cost. Lodging can be very pricey and sometimes, camping is just not a practical option. Luckily, there is still another inexpensive option- hostels. I will be honest, up until recently, I thought hostels were only for backpackers. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There are some wonderful hostels across the country that welcome families. Many of these hostels are small and quite popular, so its important to book them early.
Once again Lydie has put together a wonderful list of family friendly hostels. Many of these hostels are small but popular, which means they book up for the summer season early. But if you can plan ahead, these special spots can save you a good chunk of change. Here is a sample of some of the hostels that made the list:
Hedonisia on Hawaii’s Big Island:
Explore the Big Island without breaking the bank. Located in a tropical rain forest, this hostel focuses on eco-friendly practices and embraces the natural beauty of its surroundings. Kids will enjoy helping harvest fruits and vegetables grown on the property and adults will get a kick out of the solar heated outdoor shower.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel in Pescadero, CA:
Photo Courtesy norcalhostels.org
50 miles south of San Francisco is a hostel with a view worth planning your entire vacation around. Not only is this hostel situation on the dramatic Central California coast, it also sits at the base of one of the tallest lighthouses in America. Elephant Seals mate nearby, tide pools abound, and the sheltered beach provides gentle waves which are great for kids to frolic in. After the kids go to bed, be sure to sneak on over to the hot tub to enjoy one amazingly romantic ocean view.
Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab, UT:
The dramatic beauty and plethora of outdoor activities, make Moab a great destination for families who love to add a little adventure to their vacation experience. The Lazy Lizard is rustic and very inexpensive, with a kitchen, laundry, barbeque, a hot tub, and showers in site. Families can choose from private rooms or log cabins.
The Pirate Haus Inn and Hostel in St. Augustine, Florida:
This hostel just sounds like fun! With 5 private rooms in crazy themes such as the Pirate Room, the Jungle Room, and the Tropical Fish Room, you family is sure to have a one of a kind experience staying in this hostel. The private rooms include their own bathrooms, which is a nice perk that many hostel visitors don’t often get to enjoy. Be sure to enjoy some time on the rooftop patio and all the pirate themed fun in the surrounding community. Be aware that there are nineteen stairs which must be climbed in order to reach the rooms and no elevator, so pack lightly!
Interested to see what other locations made the list? Then be sure to check out the Family Friendly Hostels list here.
Do you have an outing that you would like to spotlight this week?
Perhaps its a post about a vacation you just took or a day trip that you think our readers should know about. Or maybe its a post about the vacation you are currently planning and going to book through Trekaroo! Link up something fresh from your blog using the Mr Linky below.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
From the first time I saw the GoHawaii.com commercial, I was obsessed. I turned to my husband and exclaimed “I want to go there!”. After a Google search for Akaka Falls, I knew where I wanted to head. Paradise was on the Hamakua Coast, just north of Hilo on he Big Island.
Photo Courtesy HawaiiStateparks.org
Sadly, we haven’t had the chance to make it to the Big Island, let alone walk through lush rain forest filled with orchids and bamboo, but other Trekaroo families have. They have raved about the majestic falls and the family friendly atmosphere. One mother suggested to our readers that families leave the stroller in the car if they want to complete the entire loop due to some stairs on the way back.
After further exploration on Trekaroo, I now know to head to the Hilo Farmer’s Market to pick up some goodies on our way up to the falls. Chich declares “we’re a pretty hardcore farmers’ market family, and this is our favorite farmer’s market that we’ve ever been to. they have lots of great tropic fruits — rambutan, lychees, mangoes and plenty of local fare like spam musubi”.
I also now know to include a side trip to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens while we are in the area. Trekaroo member Nene raved about them . She said “If this isn’t the prettiest place on the planet, it’s in the top twenty”.
I may not be able to get to Akaka Falls this summer but it will still be in my dreams. Its nice to know that when we are ready to plan our trip, we will have wonderful Trekaroo families to turn to for suggestions and advice.
Do you have an outing that you would like to spotlight this week? Perhaps its a post about a vacation you just took or a day trip that you think our readers should know about. Or maybe its a post about the vacation you are currently planning and going to book through Trekaroo! Spotlight your posts here by following the instructions here and filling out the Mr. Linky Form below.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
When most families visit the island of Oahu, they tend to stick to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Yes, this stretch of world famous beach can be a great spot to take a dip in the ocean or learn how to surf, but after a couple days in the land of high rise hotels and more ABC stores than I care to count, I need an escape from the hustle and bustle. My family loves the laid back vibe and natural beauty of the North Shore, so no trip to Oahu is complete without a day exploring the mellower side of the island. Want to add a trip to the North Shore to your next Hawaii vacation but don’t know what to see and do? Check out Trekaroo’s top picks for North Shore exploration:
Swim with the fishies in Shark’s Cove:
My absolute favorite spot to snorkel on Oahu is Shark’s Cove. It isn’t nearly as crowded as the extremely popular Hanauma Bay and there are no fees to park or swim. Park anywhere along Pupukea Beach and then walk down to where the lava rocks are plentiful and the water is shallow. The tide pool area is a great place for kids to learn to snorkel and more experienced swimmers will enjoy heading out towards the deeper depths. If you have reef shoes, bring them along because getting in and out of the water involves some rock scrambling. Adventurous types will enjoy jumping off the rocks into deep water near the entrance of the cove. If its winter and the water is too rough for snorkeling you may want to consider…
Watching the pros hang ten on the Banzai Pipeline:
Photo Courtesy Wikipedia
During the winter, when the conditions are right, the North Shore becomes an expert surfer’s paradise. Huge swells are common and watching the pros ride enormous waves is a thrill. Surfing competitions are held during the winter months so if you are lucky enough to be in town while one is going on, be sure to set a couple hours aside and enjoy the show!
Grab lunch at a shrimp truck:
One of the best parts about heading to the North Shore is grabbing lunch off a shrimp truck. Nothing is more refreshing after a dip in the ocean than a plate full of fresh shrimp over white rice. My favorite truck is Giovanni’s. The garlic shrimp is tasty, but I love my food spicy and the hot and spicy shrimp on this truck is the stuff of legends. Be sure to sign the truck after you eat your lunch, its a Giovanni’s tradition! Here’s a list of Shrimp Trucks on the North Shore. (Review your favorite!)
Cool off with some Hawaiian Shave Ice:
After all that spicy shrimp, you need something to cool down those taste buds. No trip to Hawaii is complete without savoring a big cone of shave ice. Most stands offer every flavor under the sun, from bubblegum to lychee. Matsumoto Shave Ice, on the North Shore, is an island favorite. My recommendation? Ask for the Hawaiian Special: pineapple, coconut, and banana.
Take a swim beneath a waterfall at the Waimea Valley Audobon Center:
We stumbled upon this beautiful place during our honeymoon and I have been in love with it ever since. The Waimea Valley Audobon Center is a preserve for birds, tropical flora, and sacred Polynesian sites. Feed the birds, play traditional Hawaiian games, and take the 3/4 mile trail to a waterfall that cascades into a freshwater pool, perfect for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty and life jackets are provided (and required for children under 12), so hop on in and enjoy the water!
Related:
- 128 Fun Activities for Kids on Oahu, Hawaii
- Kid-friendly Hotels on Oahu, Hawaii
- Top Kid-friendly Snorkeling Spots in the Hawaiian Islands – by DoubleAdventure
- Kid-friendly Tide Pools on Oahu, Hawaii – by TravelPangs
- Hot Spots for Families on Oahu, Hawaii - by ebickford
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
One of my favorite things about the Hawaiian Islands is the water. Its so clear, blue, and best of all- you don’t need a wetsuit to swim during the winter! Whenever I visit Hawaii, I always make time to snorkel. There is just something so tranquil and beautiful about entering an underwater world full of vibrant fish, docile sea turtles, and delicate coral. Of course, some beaches are better for underwater exploration than others. Here are seven of Trekaroo’s favorite beaches for family friendly snorkeling:
1. Molokini Crater, Maui:
Photo courtesy Mauiguidebook.com
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This snorkel hotspot is located 3 miles offshore and is world renowned for its clear waters full of marine life. Everything from parrot fish to Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii’s state fish) can be found swimming around this ancient sunken volcano. The only way to reach this spot is by boat. Lucky for you, there are plenty of outfitters ready and willing to give you a ride (for a fee). Be prepared to share the water with plenty of other snorkelers and scuba divers. This beautiful spot is definitely no secret.
2. Kahaluu Beach Park, Hawaii :
Photo courtesy Letsgo-Hawaii.com
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Kahaluu is a shallow cove on the west side of the Big Island is full of fish and is a popular sea turtle hangout. Since most of the cove is only neck high and the waters are usually calm, its also a great place for first time snorkelers to learn the ropes. Here you can swim amongst eels, porcupine fish, tang, and many other brightly colored fish. During low tide, there are also great lava rock tide pools for the family to explore.
3. Hanauma Bay, Oahu:
Photo Courtesy Haunama-Bay-Hawaii.com
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I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favorite beach in Oahu. I don’t like to have to pay to snorkel and I certainly don’t like sharing the fish with a crowd. That being said, you can’t beat the proximity to Waikiki, the scenery, or the amount of fish in the bay at this popular spot. Hanauma Bay really is a great place to learn to snorkel and get to know the fish that call the Hawaiian Islands home. Small children can play at shores edge and enjoy the small break. Older children can swim with sea turtles, glide past triggerfish, and float above the urchins.
4. Anini Beach County Park, Kauai:
Photo courtesy Alohaclubhawaii.com
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Not only is this beach Kauai’s safest beach for swimming, it is also one of the best snorkeling spots on the island! The shallow waters framed by emerald cliffs create an idyllic snorkeling paradise. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy exploring the tranquil, fish-filled waters. Be sure to leave some time to do some beachcombing. Rare and highly valued Niihau shells have been known to wash ashore.
5. Kapalua Bay, Maui :
Photo Courtesy Virtualtourist.com
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On the northwest side of Maui, just past the resort sprawl of Kaanapali Beach is a cove that is perfect for beginning snorkelers. The beach itself does have gorgeous white sand and is perfect for sunbathing, but once you head out towards the rocky outcrops on the north side of the cove, you enter a world filled with tropical fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. The cove shelters the water from the wind, keeping the water calm; so pop on those flippers and hop on in!
6. Poipu Beach, Kauai :
Photo Courtesy igougo.com
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The most popular beach on Kauai’s south shore, Poipu Beach is ideal for families. You’ll find great places to lay out a towel, have a picnic, and enjoy the water. There is a small breakwater area where children can play and snorkel without the threat of large waves or strong currents. This beach always ends up on top 10 lists and its no wonder why, this stretch of sand is truly paradise.
7. Shark’s Cove, Oahu:
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This snorkeling spot with a misleadingly sinister name is my favorite place to snorkel on Oahu. There are some extremely shallow areas in the Pupukea tide pool portion of the cove that are great for kids. Two things to keep in mind before you visit: the entrance into the water is rocky so caution should be used, especially with young children and large swells can occur on the North Shore during the winter so this spot is best suited for summer exploration.
Related:
- 128 Fun Activities for Kids on Oahu, Hawaii
- Kid-friendly Hotels on Oahu, Hawaii
- Family Fun on Oahu’s North Shore – by DoubleAdventure
- Kid-friendly Tide Pools on Oahu, Hawaii – by TravelPangs
- Hot Spots for Families on Oahu, Hawaii - by ebickford
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Just yesterday, at the playground our 3 year old who normally would be clambering across the tree house playground was lethargically sitting on my lap in the shade. 
With beads of sweat trickling down his little face he sighed, “I’m roasted like a marshmallow!” One of the best things about summer is finding fun places to cool off our kids close to home or a road trip away.
Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/23826464@N04/3479116232
Beach Bumpkins
Kids and beaches are a winning combination. Tidepooling is a fun and educational way to cool off and explore the beach.
Kid-Friendly Tidepools Along the California Coast
Trekaroo families know which beaches are best for kids. Read their reviews:
Kid-friendly Beaches in Miami & Palm Beach, Florida
Kid-friendly Beaches in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Kid-friendly Beaches in South Carolina
Kid-friendly Beaches in Oahu, Hawaii
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Fun Escapes into Cool Museums
Not in the mood for getting wet? Escape to an air-conditioned museum instead! Get cool and develop new interests. Lydie Thomas tells us How to Make a Trip to a Museum With a Kid a Pleasant Experience.
Ready? Start exploring kid-friendly museum exhibits for summer 2009 Across the US | San Francisco Bay Area
Museum Free Days in the San Francisco Bay Area – GrandmaDot
Photo by: www.flickr.com/photos/emeryjl/1317616335
Wonderful Water Parks
River Head, NY: Splish Splash Water Park
Martap112 loves it because it has “a lot of rides to choose from”.
Denver, CO: Water World
One of the largest water parks in the nation with more for young kids than most.
Lydie Thomas reminds us to play hard, but stay safe:
Kid Safety TIps at a Water Park or Public Pool
Water Parks in Florida
Water Parks near San Francisco
Water Park in Washington
Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/papalamour/206475271
Livin’ it up at a Lake
Yosemite, CA: Lake Tanaya
Escape the crowds at this lake with it’s “stunning views, large beach and shallow waters” according to TravelPangs.
Oakland, CA: Lake Temescal
A neighborhood swimming lake that’s a “great place for kids” according to mitchguez.
Jim Thorpe, PA: Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Christine O’Toole recommends it because it “offers more than a vacation’s worth of activities”.
Photo by: Brennan Pang
Splash Pads, Fountains and Pools
Chicago: Splash at Millennium Park
asmpman says, “This whole park is fabulous!”.
San Francisco Bay Area Public Pools
The City | Peninsula | East Bay
San Francisco Bay Area Splash Parks
Peninsula | East Bay
Photo by:www.flickr.com/photos/brian-m/233359192
Unexpected Places to Cool Off
Jacksonville (Florida) Zoo & Gardens:
Splash Ground is a “perfect midday break” from walking around the zoo - BarnesFam
California: Universal Studios
Yes, there’s a splash park! Gretchen “took along swimsuits and watershoes and hung out in the splash park” with her kids all summer.
More Lists for Cooling Off By Trekaroo Familes:
• Places to Cool Off in Texas by romar
• Places to Cool Off in the Chi-town Area by asmpman
• Fun Summer Activities in the Tri-State Area by michipo
(This is an excerpt from our July 2009 Trekaroo Newsletter – Don’t miss any issues: SUBSCRIBE to the Trekarooo Newsletter)
Trekaroo is a reviews website dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
