CRYSTAL & CLEAR TRAVEL
  • Home
  • About
    • Why use a Travel Agent?
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
  • Destinations
    • Weddings
    • Luxury Villas
    • Tours
    • Anything Disney
  • Featured Promotions
  • Cruising
  • Payment Plans
    • Honeymoon Registry
  • Contact
    • Vacation Request
    • RESOURCES
  • Home
  • About
    • Why use a Travel Agent?
    • Blog
    • Testimonials
  • Destinations
    • Weddings
    • Luxury Villas
    • Tours
    • Anything Disney
  • Featured Promotions
  • Cruising
  • Payment Plans
    • Honeymoon Registry
  • Contact
    • Vacation Request
    • RESOURCES

10 Must-Visit Family Destinations Before School Starts: Make the Most of Summer with Adventure, Relaxation and Fun!

8/11/2024

0 Comments

 

If you are looking for the perfect family vacation before the school year begins, here are some of the best destinations that offer something for everyone!

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
1. Orlando, Florida
Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other world class theme parks, Orlando is the ultimate vacation spot. You can mix adventure, entertainment, and relaxation with plenty of options for everyone. 

Pro-tip: Visit theme parks mid-week and arrive early to beat the crowds and take advantage of shorter wait times, especially for popular attractions.

This trip is best for families with children of all ages who love theme parks and entertainment! 
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montano/Idaho
Yellowstone offers incredible natural beauty with geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. It's an educational and adventurous experience that's perfect for nature-loving families.

Pro-tip: Start your day early to explore Yellowstone's major attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring before the crowds arrive. Be sure to pack layers for the park's varying temperatures.

This trip is best for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, and learning about geology! 
​3. San Diego, California
With its beautiful beaches, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and attractions like Balboa Park, San Diego offers a mix of relaxation and family-friendly fun. The weather is typically perfect, making it great for outdoor activities. 

Pro-tip: Purchase a Go City San Diego pass to save on multiple attractions and plan beach visits in the morning to avoid afternoon crowds and catch the best weather.

This trip is best for families looking for a mix of beach time, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities!
4. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is packed with educational opportunities, from the Smithsonian museums to historical landmarks, like the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol. Plus, many of the attractions are free to visit. 

Pro-tip: Visit Washington, D.C.'s most popular museums and monuments early in the day to avoid crowds and take advantage of the free admission to Smithsonian museums for a budget-friendly experience. 

This trip is best for families who want a vacation that is both educational and fun, with lots of history and culture!

5. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offer a relaxing beach getaway with plenty of water sports, wildlife refugees, and historical sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It's a quieter alternative to some of the busier beach destinations.

Pro-tip: Book accommodations well in advance and consider staying in less crowded areas like Oracoke or Hatteras Island for a more serene Outer Banks experience, while still enjoying easy access to popular attractions. 

This trip is best for families who want a laid back beach vacation with a touch of history and adventure!

6. Niagara Falls, New York/Canada
Niagara Falls is an awe inspiring natural wonder that offers boat tours, scenic views, and family-friendly attractions on both the U.S. and Canadian sides. It is a great spot for creating lasting family memories.

Pro-tip: Experience Niagara Falls from both the U.S. and Canadian sides for different perspectives. Consider taking a boat tour early in the day to avoid long lines and capture the best views. 

This trip is best for families looking for a mix of natural beauty and thrilling experiences!

7. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a beautiful destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and swimming in the summer. The clear blue waters and surrounding mountains make it a picturesque retreat. 

Pro-tip: During the summer, arrive early to popular Lake Tahoe beaches and hiking trails to secure parking and enjoy the serene beauty before the midday crowds arrive. 

This trip is best for families who love the outdoors and want a mountain-lake experience!

8. Maui, Hawaii
If you are looking for a tropical paradise, Maui offers stunning beaches, snorkeling, whale watching, and the scenic Road to Hana. It is a bit more of a splurge, but the experiences are unforgettable.

Pro-tip: Book popular activities like the Road to Hana, snorkeling tours, and luaus well in advance. Plan to explore early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

This trip is best for families who want an exotic getaway with a mix of relaxation and adventure!

9. Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee 
The Great Smoky Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking to zip-lining, as well as attractions like Ripley's Aquarium and Dollywood nearby. Gatlinburg has a charming small-town feel with lots of family-friendly fun. 

Pro-tip: Visit the Great Smoky Mountains early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy the best chances of wildlife sightings. Consider staying in Gatlinburg for easy access to both the park and family-friendly attractions.

This trip is best for families who enjoy mountain scenery, wildlife, and a mix of adventure and relaxation!

10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a classic summer destination with charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for whale watching and exploring historical sites. It is perfect for a quintessential New England summer experience.

Pro-tip: Explore Cape Cod's charming small towns and beaches early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid heavy traffic and parking challenges. Make reservations for popular restaurants and activities in advance. 

This trip is best for families looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a touch of history and quaint charm. 

These destinations offer a variety of experiences, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, education, or all of the above. 

As you plan your ideal family vacation, whether it is exploring the wonders of Yellowstone, soaking up the sun in San Diego, or discovering the charming beauty of Cape Cod, Crystal & Clear Travel is here to make your journey seamless and unforgettable. We specialize in crafting personalized travel experiences that cater to your family's needs, ensuring every detail is taken care of - from finding the best accommodations to securing exclusive access to top attractions.

Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating cherished memories. Contact us today and let us turn your dream vacation into reality with ease and expertise. 
0 Comments

Top 8 Things Successful People Do Each Morning

1/24/2020

0 Comments

 

How successful people start their days

If one were to take a wild guess as to the things successful people do each morning, you might assume their days start pretty chaotic and full. Do they jump right into their huge to-do lists, check emails, and run out the door with their phone in one hand and a protein bar in the other?
​

It might surprise you that some of the world’s most successful people start their days with a very calm, low-key routine. Sounds boring, huh? The key is not necessarily in copying someone else’s specific routine, but in creating time in your morning to start it well. Waking up to chaos and rushing to the office doesn’t get your productivity off to a great start.

Here are a few things you can do to start your day well and put you on the road to greater success.

Read More
0 Comments

Get the Best Price on your Flights

9/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
When booking a flight you don't want to book only a couple days before and miss out on the best deals. Prices on tickets change on average every 4-5 days on a average of $33 up or down. In these nest few paragraphs I have complied tips on tricks on how you can save money as well as when the best time to book a flight is. 
The most important thing to remember is don't wait till the last week. Prices usually go up about 25% during that time. According to cheapAir international flights...."stay fairly flat for a few months, then start to creep up slowly, until abut 90 days before departure when the place of starts to accelerate." The cheapest time to book a flight is within five and a half months and one month prior from departure. Think about it as hitting the sweet spot, trying to book a flight 7 months in advanced you wont get good prices and waiting till the last minute you will get very expensive prices but getting it right in the middle is when the price will be at it's best. 
In closing some of the last tips I have is always look for deals and savings! Within the 6 months of looking always be checking up for deals and special sales your airline may be having at the time. You wont always get the cheapest flight or the best deals but there are always ways to get the long end of the stick. The very last and maybe the most important tip I have is when is the best day to book a flight? This always depends on the airline and where you are traveling to but the cheapest day and time is Tuesday at midnight. You can save about 6% on your flights. I hope these short tips can help you next time your booking a flight! 

0 Comments

Baby Travel Tips for Flying

8/27/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
​5 Tips for Flying with an Infant1) Book an aisle and a window seat
Baby travel can sometimes be complicated, but it’s actually a simple task. Most aircraft’s are equipped with 3 seats on each side. If your traveling as a couple with an infant and you don’t want to pay for an extra seat (infants travel for free until 2 years of age if sitting on a parents lap) book the aisle and window seat.
Unless the plane is completely full, nobody’s going to choose a middle seat. If a passenger does end up with the middle seat, they will be extra happy when you offer them the window or aisle. But more often than not, you will end up with the middle seat empty giving plenty of extra room for the trip.
2) Check with the airline about baggage allowance
Flying SouthWest Airlines who allowed us 2 free checked items with an infant (even without paying for a seat for Baby B). This allowed us to bring his stroller and car seat (we have a Peg Perego stroller/car seat combo) without any additional cost. I put all Baby B’s clothing with mine totaling 4 checked items for our family. We’ve never had so much stuff to bring on a flight!
International flights tend to allow more free baggage but it’s best to ask the airline before you start packing.
Disclaimer: This car seat is installed incorrectly. It should only be rear-facing. On this flight we were not allowed to have it rear-facing and after much fighting and arguing, we were only allowed to have it installed forward facing.
3) Get a check-up with the doctor
Infants are prone to ear infections. If a baby has an ear infection while flying, it can make for a very unpleasant flight. There are some signs to look for like grabbing at the ear or redness around the inside of an ear. But, if you have the time, make a doctors appointment a couple days before your trip so they can do a quick physical.
We had friends who went to Mexico with their little one and they didn’t realize their son had an ear infection. He was crying the entire 5 hour flight and they needed to seek a doctor in Mexico to get some antibiotics. It all could have been avoided if they had done a check-up with the doctor before traveling.
4) Prepare for the weather
This may sound obvious! Of course everyone plans for the weather. We thought we did. It was winter here in Vancouver so Baby B didn’t have any summer clothes. In preparation I went to the mall to find a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit. It was actually very difficult finding these for an infant in the winter!
Turned out the hat I bought was too big so it was kind of useless and I forgot about sunglasses. If your renting a car, also consider bringing something for the back window. During our trip, I needed to sit in the back shielding the sun out of Baby B’s face.
5) Do I need a consent letter when traveling with a baby?
Yes. I stayed a little longer in Palm Springs with Baby B. Cameron needed to come back home for work. I knew if I planned to travel with our son without Cameron I needed documentation to get out of the country. I didn’t realize, I would need it to re-enter. I was scolded by the immigration officials because I didn’t have an authorized letter by Cameron to bring Baby B back home. I thought because our son had a Canadian passport I could bring him back to Canada without any problems. Apparently not!
Anytime you plan to travel internationally with your child without the other parent, you need a letter stating you are able to do so.

Picture
0 Comments

Using Your Best Travel Etiquette

8/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Elbows off the table? Clean your plate like your mother taught you? Not so fast. Food etiquette varies widely from culture to culture and can sometimes appear to have no rhyme or reason. In the Middle East, India, and parts of Africa, keeping your elbows off the table isn’t enough—you’re not supposed to touch anything at the table with your left hand (it’s considered dirty). In France, it’s considered more polite to put your slice of bread on the table than to rest it on your plate. Slurp soup in Japan and no one will bat an eye. Slurp soup in China and you’ll be the Ugly American. In China, eating rice with chopsticks is expected, but in Thailand it’s considered inappropriate (there, you should use a spoon). In Brazil and Chile, don’t eat anything with your hands (no, not even fries). In Italy or Cuba, putting your cutlery on the right side of your plate means you’re done with the meal. But in Spain, you’d place it on your plate to indicate that you’re finished. Clean your plate in Ecuador and you’ll be given seconds, but in Peru cleaning your plate is just considered polite. And remember whenever you sit down to eat in a group outside the U.S., there’s a good chance you should wait for either the host or the eldest person at the table to start eating before you tuck into what’s on your plate.

0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Becky H.

    From the desk of
    your travel advisor...

    Archives

    April 2025
    August 2024
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All
    Inspiration

    RSS Feed

Crystal & Clear Travel logo

Contact Us
(916) 761-9591


TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY | JOB OPPORTUNITY​
Copyright Crystal & Clear Travel, 2024| CST #2104889-40
Photos from Bob Linsdell, pestoverde, Sera Tü, Port of San Diego, Azri Azahar, miguel.discart, Miguel Discart (Photos Vrac), elraphabr, JeepersMedia, marcoverch, capt_tain Tom, erocsid, HarshLight, Thanks for over 2 million views!!, marcoverch, hans-johnson, Kirt Edblom, jikatu, Clay Gilliland, CDCobra, Kirt Edblom, marcoverch, Miguel Discart (Photos Vrac), wwarby, spbda, moneybright, Benedikt Lang