I want to take my dogs somewhere before summer ends. Is there any places in Southern California?

I am curious to find some vacation spot to visit besides Big Bear, any other ideas? or even links would be a great help.

Vacation Planning Tips To Include A Child With Autism

A family vacation should be relaxing and fun.  It should be an opportunity for family members to connect and enjoy each others company.  All too often, a family with a child with autism finds taking a family vacation too stressful.  More and more, family vacations are vacations for everyone except the child with autism. 

I am the mother of two children.  My daughter is five and a half.  My son is ten.  My son is also nonverbal with a diagnosis of severe autism.  This does not stop us from taking vacations together.  I have found that, with well thought out planning, we have a terrific time together on family vacations.

The first thing parents need to do when planning a vacation is determining the destination.  For all families, this means concentrating on family friendly, children friendly destinations.  It is the same for a family with a child diagnosed with autism.  You need to determine what your child’s interests are and what kind of places bring your child the most joy.  If you have more than one child, choose the interests that they share.  Once you have determined one or two common interests, you are ready to select a destination.

Your next step is to determine how far you wish to travel to your vacation destination and whether or not you will drive or take a plane.  I recommend driving.  Once you are on a plane, you can not get off until the plane lands and is ready to disembark.  Children that are confined for a long period of time in a closed in environment, get bored, irritable, and may become unmanageable, depending on their age.  A child with autism is most likely to feel all those things and more.  Depending on your child, you could be looking at a full blown meltdown.

You want a vacation that is low in stress.  There is no such thing as a completely stress free vacation for any family.  If you expect one, you will be disappointed.  The key is to accept this fact and to minimize the opportunities for stress.  Driving to your vacation destination allows the parent control over their environment that riding on a plane does not.  You can stop at any time and allow your child to get out and stretch his/her legs.  There are a lot of rest areas on Highways that have picnic areas.  These are perfect for giving your child an opportunity to run off excess energy and for everyone to eat and grab a drink.

Now that you know how far you want to go for your vacation, whether to drive or take a plane, and what kind of vacation destination will interest your child, you are ready to pick a destination.  The internet is a great resource to start with.  You can search on your area of interest.  If you are looking at a vacation that includes a theme park, contact the theme park guest relations and ask them their specific policies for children with Autism.  Theme Parks may not post on their site their specific policies, but do have one in place to accommodate a family with a child diagnosed with Autism.  One of the common accommodations is to allow Front of the Line Passes for our families.  In order to get one, they usually require a letter of diagnosis from your child’s doctor.

Below is a list of Autism friendly vacation destinations.  For more specific information about each, please refer to my Autism Friendly Vacation Destinations  post on my blog.

1. Sesame Place, located near Philadelphia in Langhorne, PA, only 90 minutes south of Manhattan.
2. Challenge Aspen in Snowmass, Colorado
3. Disney World
4. Busch Gardens
5. Sea World

6. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana .
7. Vacation Home Rentals
8. Smugglers’ Notch Resort in northern Vermont.
9. Surfer’s Healing Based in San Diego, 2009 camps will be held in California (several locations); Virginia Beach, VA; Wrightsville Beach, NC; Belmar, NJ; Montauk, NY.

10. Autism on the Seas
11. Leaps…n…Boundz – ” ‘Community Adventure Weekends’
12. “Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa (in conjunction with Hickory Hill Family Camping Resort)
13. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, FL.

Another important consideration when planning your vacation should be where you are planning to stay.  You can stay at a hotel or rent a vacation home or condo.  I prefer renting a suite at a hotel that has a kitchenette and separate bedroom for the adults.  It costs a little more, but it allows me to fix meals for my picky eater and a separate bedroom allows me a place to go when I need time for myself.  

Now you can plan a great vacation for your family.  I would like to finish this article with a few final suggestions to help you. 

1. Pack some favorite items/toys for your child 2. When traveling by car, take a lot of breaks. Make use of the Rest Areas along the Highway. 3. Prepare your child for your vacation. Talk about it and show pictures of your destination to your child. 4. Make sure you have a letter of diagnosis from your doctor. Also make sure you have all emergency medical information packed. If you have medicines, make sure you have enough for the whole trip. 5. If you use a schedule at home with your child, make one for the trip. 6. Pay attention to the cues your child has for alerting you how he/she is feeling. It is always better if you can head off a meltdown before it starts. This is not always possible, but just one less is a good thing.

Related Northern California Family Vacation Articles

Ok next week Im going to cali for a vacation!! We going to sea world 1 day, san deigo zoo 1 day , disneyland 3 days and universal studios 1 day !! My dad is paying for the hotel, rental , food and amusment park tickets .. but how much money should I bring for spending ?? It is my 5 yr old daughter and I !! fyi money is kinda sorta tight right now cuz my hubby is laid off thats why I am asking !

California B and B’s Offer Many Choices

While bed and breakfast means anything from staying in someone’s spare room to a lavish waterfront condo, careful research will help you find just the right bed and breakfast for you.

The truth is bed-and-breakfast inns vary wildly from house to house and from inn to inn, and it makes good sense to do some research on the property you’ll be visiting. We all have our preferences and it’s not hard to find a bed-and-breakfast that will suit your particular tastes. In our case, we’ve always preferred the bed-and-breakfast that is more inn than house, more private than communal. And here are a few of the bed-and-breakfast stays we have enjoyed the most:

Casa Tropicana Inn

If you want to tie in a beautiful Southern California beach with your bed-and-breakfast experience, the Casa Tropicana Inn in San Clemente is the place to go. Situated across the road from a gorgeous beach and San Clemente Pier, Casa Tropicana really couldn’t be in a better location if the main purpose of your getaway is relaxation.

Known as the beach community where former president Richard Nixon had his Western White House, San Clemente is an oceanfront city of red-tile-roof Spanish style homes built with commanding views of the Pacific on land that almost seems like it was created to provide homeowners the best panoramic views on the Southern California coast. Spanish-named streets wind and weave their way down to the waterfront below where one of the most charming areas is the tiny enclave of shops, restaurants and vacation properties next to the San Clemente Pier.

It’s there that you find the Casa Tropicana Inn, a five-story inn that is ideal for couples and fits right in with the Mediterranean motif of this quaint beachfront area. Each of the eight guest rooms is designed with many special attributes that include romantic touches like fireplaces, over-size Jacuzzi tubs, the highest quality linens and bed treatments and cozy robes, as well as more practical amenities such as refrigerators, flat screen televisions, DVD players and high-speed internet. Beyond that, the rooms each have individual amenities such as the ocean views and four-poster bed in the room we enjoyed called the Casita Arena.

We especially enjoyed the second-floor terrace just in front of our room that features tables where you can enjoy a cocktail or chairs where you can read a good book, all with the beach, pier and seemingly endless ocean horizon in full view.

Although the service in general was excellent, the Casa Tropicana is not where you go to have your innkeeper prepare a gourmet breakfast. In fact, the inn’s breakfast is continental style with pastries, yogurt, orange juice and various snacks available for you anytime in the room. Even wine and champagne were available for us anytime and, unlike most mini-bars, these came at no extra charge.

But gourmet food is not very far away: On the first floor of the inn you’ll find the White Horses Restaurant and Bar which boasts numerous dining awards, including being named the best gourmet restaurant in Orange County. Based on our dinner, we completely agree with the judges.

Our time spent in this beautiful beachfront environment was a feast for the senses – unbelievable views, small markets, sidewalk cafes, long beach walks and upscale shopping only minutes away in downtown San Clemente. Friends who joined us on this getaway also pronounced the Casa Tropicana the ideal couples getaway.

For more information on the Casa Tropicana Inn, phone 800-492-1245 or visit www.casatropicana.com.

MacCallum House

When you visit Mendocino for the first time, this Northern California seascape just reaches out and touches your spirit. Perched high on a bluff overlooking the vast Pacific, Mendocino is not a big town – it’s just what you might imagine a New England fishing village to look like. The town has a mixture of Cape Code homes and historic buildings, making it almost look like a theme town. Windswept trees, rolling grassy hills and steep cliffs are footsteps from the Village by way of several miles of coastal trails that are perfect for hiking and photography. Down below are remote beaches and the cragged, rocky shoreline.

In the Village you’ll find a variety of eclectic shops – unusual records, one-of-a-kind musical instruments, vintage toys, you name it — mingled with historic homes, inns and fine restaurants. One of those homes is the popular MacCallum House bed-and-breakfast inn, which has a strong connection with Mendocino history. The house was built in 1882 by Alexander MacCallum, a relative of one of the town’s first settlers. Eventually the house was turned into a bed-and-breakfast inn

Our stay at MacCallum House was quiet and restful, and gave us a great chance to just walk down the block to visit the local merchants or to hike on over to the headlands where the trails offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the town itself. We stayed in the “Upper Barn Suite,” a second-floor unit in a building across the lawn from the main house. This is the largest room on the MacCallum property and enjoys views of the ocean. The unit features a private deck as well as a stone fireplace, wet bar, refrigerator and a large living room in addition to the bed, bath and kitchen areas. Furnishings are generally antique ‘ or approaching antique.

Of course, dining at MacCallum House is a big part of the treat and, fortunately, we elected to have dinner there in addition to the breakfast that normally comes with your room. Both meals were well up to expectations. Breakfast might include a Butternut Squash Omelet or Red Potatoes with Cremini Mushrooms or, the entree we tried, Lupe’s Breakfast Burrito, a delicious combination of apple-turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, white cheddar, onions, peppers and salsa on a fresh tortilla. Most of the dinner menu items highlight entrees that are regional and fresh.

You’ll want to walk off those ample portions and there is no shortage of places in and near Mendocino to get some exercise. In addition to the previously mentioned trails, there are lots of areas where you can walk by rivers and streams and even enjoy Redwood forests.

For more information on MacCallum House, phone 800-609-0492 or visit www.maccallumhouse.com.

Whispering Pines Lodge

Those people raised on TV westerns like Bonanza will feel like they’ve stepped right onto the Ponderosa when they take the one-hour drive northeast from Bakersfield to the town of Kernville. There’s good reason: dozens of TV and movie westerns have been filmed in the immediate vicinity.

We spent a couple of nights in Kernville at a place that we would consider a “find.” While most lodgings in town seem to be rather typical motel units, we stayed at one of three bed-and-breakfasts in town, the Whispering Pines Lodge. The Whispering Pines is a series of wood-frame buildings, each with several separate units. Our room was nicely appointed for a lodge that felt like it was out in the wilderness ‘ modern cedar and oak furniture, a king bed, double vanities in the bathroom, hardwood floors, framed paintings and flowers strategically positioned throughout the over-size room. The curtains opened to reveal a woodsy view of the riverfront, a deck with table and chairs and, of course, a panoramic view of the churning Kern River.

The constant sound of the river reminded us of a riverfront cabin we once owned and this just bolstered the feeling that we had truly escaped from the city. Downtown Kernville was perhaps just a quarter mile away but we felt like we were holed up in our own remote mountain cabin. It was ideal for relaxation — or just reading a good book — and we also loved walking the local trails.

After a restful night’s sleep, we discovered one more reason that the Whispering Pines fills up quickly on weekends for the full breakfast that is served, buffet style, every day of the week. Bed-and-breakfasts seem to run the gamut from those offering a roll and some coffee to those priding themselves on both the quality and quantity of food they present. The Whispering Pines falls into the latter category with its bacon, sausages, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, quiche, fruit, rolls, juices and coffee all served up tasty and fresh in an atmosphere that encourages you to go back and fill your plate again.

For more information on the Whispering Pines Lodge, phone 877-376-3733 or visit www.kernvalley.com/whisperingpines.

Been at the computer too long? Need a little break? Take this 1-minute vacation. Look, listen and imagine yourself docking ship at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, California. Then you can get back to work.

im fourteen but i dont know what place would be the best for me and my family to go

Great American Beach Towns

America is filled with wonderful places to visit. Some may visit with their families for adventure and fun, while others may take a different route for rest and relaxation. Many vacation for business reasons and others hit the road for the sights they will see along the way. No matter what your reason for getting away there is one place that always strikes a chord for every member of your family, the beach. There are good and not so good beaches to visit throughout the states. For example, if you visit a beach that is terribly overcrowded, you certainly won’t experience what you came for, relaxation, but it you find a beach that is quaint and spacious, you will feel like you have the entire beach to yourself. Across America there are specifically four little beach towns that meet the criteria for family vactions, romantic getaways, business retreats, and sight-seeing. Beware: reading about these getaways just might make you want to pack your bags and get away as soon as possible.
Boca Grande, FL

Boca Grande is located on the Grand Barrier Island called Gasparilla. If you are looking for a step back into “old Florida”, you’ll find it here with its carefully preserved history and beauty.  You’ll find this quaint little island on the Southwest coast of Florida, Southeast of St. Petersburg between Ft. Myers and Sarasoto where tourists and fishermen find their solace.

Tourism and fishing are the life-line for this 7-mile long island, which boasts no high-rises, no traffic lights, a 104 year old lighthouse, and pristine white sand beaches that stretch the entire length of the gulf side of the island. These beaches will give you the opportunity to go shelling, swimming, or to just relax in the hot summer while a cool westerly breeze provides you with welcome relief. While relaxing on your own boat or a tour-guided boat you will have the opportunity to see many unusual sea-life creatures like dolphins, white pelicans, osprey, and manatees.

While visiting Boca Grande, make sure to stay at the Gasparilla Inn, which is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This resort is just that, a resort, complete with golf course and luxurious accomodations. If you are planning on visiting Boca Grande during the hottest months of the year, you will find that this resort is closed, but its sister resort, the Innlet, will provide the same fantastic experience for you and your travel companions. Featuring a waterside restaurant and a relaxed environment, you will feel at peace when you stay here.
Chincoteague, VA

Chincoteague Island, which is Virginia’s only resort island, is one of many, but perhaps the most beautiful island that dots the Virginia Eastern Shore. The island has become world famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals. When you visit the island, you will find that adventure awaits you everywhere as history and legend blend uniquely with the loveliness of the shore.

The island is also known for its abundance of migratory birds and wild horses, and truly is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and get away from it all. Whether your taste is to be among the hustle and bustle of a crowded beach or to relax in solitude, you will find that you are satisfied. Some of the unique and fun activities that you will find include, bird watching, surfing, swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating.

On Chincoteague Island, there are also many land activities offered as well. From hiking and bike trails, to lighthouse tours, to guided wildlife tours and exhibits, you will find that there is plenty to do here.

While visiting the island take advantage of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, cool summer breezes, animals in their natural habitat, and beaches that go on forever, and truly friendly people. When you leave the island, you will be sure to leave with memories that will last you a lifetime.
Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz is the ultimate relaxing seaside destination. The city offers an array of attractions from the beach boardwalk, to breathtaking redwood forests, arts and cultural events, and award-winning restaurants. This beach city is a recreation and tourist destination that boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year, and many shopping and entertainment opportunities.

You will find this great city situated along the Monterey Bay about 74 miles south of San Francisco. It really is a little beach town, boasting 12 square miles of city and housing about 56,000 residents. Locals and visitors have been visiting the beach to ride waves ever since Hawaiian royalty first introduced surfing to the mainland. As you relax on the beach you will hear laughter and music coming from the boardwalk, which boasts the west coast’s last remaining seaside amusement park.

In Santa Cruz’s recently renovated downtown area, you will find yourself among tree-lined streets that are designed to be pedestrian friendly. Feel free to visit the many vibrant shops and galleries, outdoor bistros and sidewalk musicians. Not only will you get a great beach experience in Santa Cruz, but you will receive an immense history lesson as well.
Rehoboth, DE

Rehoboth is a very welcoming and charming community boasting many all-American classics; salt-water taffy, ice cream on the boardwalk, and days of tanning yourself in the sun on Dewey Beach. Continuing on into the evening, visitors stroll down the boardwalk or dance at places like the Rusty Rudder or Shag. Even though the city is only one mile square, it supplies all of the modern amenities. If you like the small town feel, you will love this town. It will be apparent that everyone knows everyone, people stroll down perfectly tree-lined streets, and children play outside amid their diverse community. The cities charm and unique character prove to be the selling point when visitors come to town.

Often citizens and visitors will spend most of the day down at the beach soaking in the warm rays of the sun. If you are wanting to get away from it all, this is another place that you can do that. There’s something about a small town, even a small town like Rehoboth, that brings out the good neighbor in all of us. When you leave your wonderful trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, you will be sure that you had a good time.

Taking a trip to the beach is an All-American pasttime. In many old movies we see every age flock down to the beach to play on the beach or soak in the ocean. Why not continue that American tradition today? When you visit one of these small beach towns you will get the treatment that you expect and deserve. No big-city hassles to worry about, just a calm and serene atmosphere to help you unwind.

my family doesnt know what to do were’re bored and were’re looking for something cheap and fun.