How to Have a ‘Sweet’ Vacation: Visit Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain Resort is a 'Sweet' Vacation Spot

Sugar Mountain Resort Accommodations and Resort Real Estate and Rentals are located in the heart of the North Carolina High Country. Convenient to Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Boone, Blowing Rock, Linville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Golf, Har-Tru tennis courts, hike, bike, lift rides, fishing, whitewater rafting, theatre, cultural events, antiques, museums and historic landmarks. Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, the Blowing Rock, Gem mining, Linville Caverns, just to name a few.

Fully furnished cabins, homes and condos offer the comforts of home at a modest price. Rent by day, week or month. 30% Discounts on daily and weekly rentals to June 15 on select properties. Call 1-800-438-4555 and mention GQ12 for discounts.* Some restrictions do apply.

Golf at Sugar Mountain’s 18 hole executive course designed by Frank Duane, longtime project manager for Robert Trent Jones, Sr. At an elevations of 4000’ with immaculate putting greens, lush MOUNTAIN SCENERY, COOL BREEZES AND CLEAR MOUNTAIN STREAMS,  the SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF COURSE is open to the public and is considered by many to be “second to none.

Sugar Mountain Resort Accommodations

3390 Tynecastle Hwy

Banner Elk, NC  28604

828-898-9746

800-438-4555

www.staysugarmountain.com  

Don’t we all want to do this? The best part about taking a vacation is meeting the locals. A family vacation is the perfect opportunity to teach children how to make friends. If your kids are shy, help them to be more extroverted. They may resist at first. But it’s up to moms and dads to be the catalyst for their children, if they want them to have a vacation they’ll remember.

Family Vacation: How to Make New Friends and Memories of a Lifetime

Make friends and memories on your family vacation. Ask someone to take the family photo. Photo credit: Herman Brinkman

Smile at people

Smiling is a great way to make new friends and memories on your family vacation. You’re on vacation which is reason enough to smile. Remember … a smile can brighten someone’s day!

Ask someone to take a picture of your family

Instead of mom and or dad taking a photo (they won’t be in the photo), ask a local to snap a photo of your family. This way everyone will be in the picture at the same time.

Start a conversation with people while you wait in line

Instead of sticking to yourselves, start a conversation with the people around you. Take an interest in the locals and their community. You never know, you may meet another family who has the same interests and values that your does.

Have your kids play with other kids at the park

Most U.S. and European cities have parks. Have your kids meet and play with other kids. Get to know other parents. Have a chat. Be friendly.

Enroll the family in a cooking class

It could be fun to learn how to cook different meals, and kids will benefit from learning how to cook. Remember, kids grow up. They’ll be moving out and heading off to college and will need to learn how to cook their own meals.

Ask for directions

This is another way to meet the locals. It’s okay to stop and ask for directions during your family vacation. Sometimes, GPS doesn’t provide accurate directions. It’s better to stop and ask someone before you and your family gets lost.

Find out where the locals eat

If you want to know where to take the family to dinner, ask the locals where they take their families. Not only will your family have a great time and enjoy delicious meals, but you could save money when you eat out.

Connecting with others on your family vacation spices up your travel experience; kids learn how to meet and greet people. This is a good way to get them and you out of your comfort zones. If you journal or create a scrapbook about your family vacation, you may be surprised how much fun everyone had. These are memorable souvenirs the whole family will enjoy year after year.

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

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Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

CRUISE CONTEST: Win a free cruise! 

Related Articles

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It’s easy to plan your family vacation, right?

Not so fast.

Families are diverse. Everyone has their favorite travel vacation destination. Teens may not want to go on a family vacation because they think they’re too old to hang out with the family. Ugh! What are parents to do?

Never fear, GuestQuest Vacations is here. We take the stress out of planning your family vacation.

5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation

"5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation" Photo credit: Irina Naumets

Don’t wait until the last minute

It’s not a good idea to wait until the last minute to plan your family vacation. Why? You could miss out on fantastic deals and specials that only last for a limited time.

Most families take a family vacation each year. Right?

Think about next year’s vacation a few weeks after you come home from this year’s family vacation. Why?

It’s a good way to jumpstart your vacation planning. This way you won’t stress out about it next year. You don’t have to book your family travel immediately but start thinking about it.

Do whatever you must to alleviate the stress of planning your family vacation.

Ask your family for travel ideas

Moms and dads involve the kids with planning the family vacation. As children get older, they may not want to keep visiting the same places over and over again. It’s fun to travel to a new destination.

Ask kids where they’d like to visit. It’s a great opportunity to education them about the U.S., Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Africa, etc. Children can only learn so much from books. By experiencing new places, they’ll have a better understanding of the culture and history of a location.

Visit family

How long has it been since your kids saw grandma and grandpa? Many parents retire to warm and sunny areas such as Arizona, Florida, California, etc. If it’s been a while since the kids visited their grandparents, book a flight or take a road trip.

Read the travel section of your local newspaper

Most newspapers have a travel section and invite readers to submit photos and travel articles. This is a great way to plan your family vacation. Find out where other families traveled and what they liked about their destination and accommodations.

Purchase or read travel magazines online

Thanks to the internet, most travel publications can be found online. Choose one or two magazines and read the travel articles and reviews. Keep an open mind when you read reviews which could be biased for one reason or another. You may want to participate in Twitter chats or forums to find the best family vacation destination.

What’s your “hot” tip for planning a family vacation? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

There’s no doubt that frequent family travelers have a list of must-haves. But you can’t squeeze everything into a suitcase, car, or carry-on bag. Below is a list of must-haves for families that are ‘seasoned’ travelers and those who are taking their first trip.

7 Frequent Family Travel Must-Haves

A first-aid kit is a must-have for your family travel and vacation. Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Healthy family

You probably already know that it’s important to get regular checkups. Your health is a MUST-HAVE for your family travel. Traveling when you’re sick is never a good idea. You won’t have any energy and you can make the people around you sick.

It’s never a good idea to travel with with sick children.

Make sure everyone sees the doctor before you leave on your family vacation. It’s important that your family is in good health to travel. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with sickness on your vacation, and you trip will be a short one.

Toys

Family road trips can be fun! However, it’s important to bring your children’s favorite toys. Allow kids to choose one or two ‘special’ toys to bring with them. This is a great way to keep your children entertained in the air or on the road.

Snacks

Bring plenty of snacks with you. Kids often say, “I’m hungry!” This isn’t something you want to hear while you’re traveling 30,000 feet in the air. Shop for and bring nutritious snacks that will satisfy and make your kids happy.

Comforts from home

Family travel can be a pleasant experience when you bring comforts from home with you. Bring your MP3 player, iPod, iPad, favorite robe, beauty products, etc. Don’t pack too much because you don’t want to be weighed down by your luggage. Bring the essentials that will make you travel more enjoyable.

Medicines

It’s important to bring your medicines with you. Before you take your family on vacation, see your doctor and get ALL medicines refilled. Bring your doctors’ contact information with you in case you need to call your children’s pediatrician or your heart doctor.

First-aid kit (pets too)

Accidents can happen on your family vacation. Bring a first-aid kit that includes the following:

• Band-aids
• Eye care
• Antiseptic
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinyl gloves
• Burn ointment
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Cotton balls
• Styptic pencil
• Safety pins
• Thermometer
• Blankets
• Cold packs
• Splint
• Soap
• Calamine lotion
• Emergency phone numbers

Some families travel with their pets, it’s important to bring a ‘pet’ first-aid kit as well. Include the following in your ‘pet’ first-aid kit:

• Antiseptic
• Pet first-aid book
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Vinyl gloves
• Styptic pencil
• Tapes, wraps, and dressings
• Tweezers
• Sharp scissors
• Safety pins
• Pet thermometer
• Blankets
• Cotton swabs
• Splint
• Soap
• Veterinarian phone number
• Pet alert card

Camera

Family travel wouldn’t be complete without a digital camera or video recorder to capture your travel memories. Keep your camera or video recorder and its accessories in a protective case. Bring enough memory cards. Of course, you can always purchase more as you need them.

Review these “7 frequent family travel must-haves” before you take your family vacation. Happy travels!

What is your number one family travel must-have? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

Related family travel must-haves articles

• 12 Travel Apps You Must Have (www.familyvacationcritic.com)
• Relaxing Family Vacation Must Haves (www.ciaomom.com)
• Why Travel Insurance is a Must-Have for Your Family Vacation (www.takingthekids.com)
• How to Take Your Family on a Family Vacation That Pleases Everyone (guestquest.com/blog)

A family vacation is when a family comes together to share a wonderful travel experience; to create memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes, it works out that way. And sometimes you have travel memories you’d like to forget.

“Are we there yet?”

“I’m hungry!”

“I have to go to the bathroom!”

How many times have you heard those phrases while you’re speeding down the highway in your SUV or RV with the entire family? What about when you’re 30,000 feet in the air?

Let’s face it; taking the family on vacation can be an adventure in and of itself. Please everyone and you’ll have an enjoyable family vacation.

You can please everyone on your family vacation. Photo credit: Billy Alexander-Stock Exchange

Have a meeting about your family vacation

Before you surprise your family with a family vacation, hold a meeting to discuss it instead. Hear and listen to what your kids have to say about ‘suggested’ family vacation destinations.

Teenagers may not be thrilled to travel during the summer if they look forward to attending summer camp. Toddlers may not be ready for whitewater river rafting.

Ask everyone for their feedback. Hint: This shows your children that you care about what they think and feel.

Once you’ve gathered the data, choose a family vacation destination that receives the entire family’s seal of approval.

Ask family members to write (help younger kids with this) down their “top 7 vacation destinations”

This piggybacks on Point #1 about holding a family meeting about your vacation. Asking all family members to write down their top 7 travel vacation destinations is a good way to see where everyone would like to go on vacation.

Review all of the selections and narrow it down to the best location for your vacation. Keep the list of vacation destinations for next year, or plan a vacation over the holidays when kids are out of school.

Request travel brochures and guides

You can get plenty of family vacation ideas from travel brochures and guides. Most travel websites such as GuestQuest.com offers free travel brochures and guides. With a click of a button, you’ll have plenty of travel information that will help you find the best family vacation for everyone.

Speak with relatives and friends

Speaking with relatives and friends is a great way to discover a family vacation that will please everyone. Ask questions such as:

• Where did you vacation last year?
• Did you stay at a hotel or resort? Other accommodation?
• How ‘kid friendly’ was your vacation destination?
• How ‘pet friendly’ was the lodging?
• Did you have a good time?
• How much did it cost?

Read online travel reviews

TripAdvisor provides readers with reviews of vacation destinations along with ratings for accommodations. Reading reviews about family vacation destinations can help you plan yours. But, it’s important to read reviews with a keen eye. One family may have had a terrible experience, while another had the time of their life. This is where your ‘mother or father’s intuition’ kicks in. Follow your gut instinct.

Always choose the family vacation destination that’s best for you and your family. Use the above tips as a guide to planning your next family vacation. Whatever you do … have a fun family vacation. Bon voyage!

How do you choose your family vacations? Share.

Free Download: Travel Brochures. Start planning your family vacation now!

Related family vacation articles

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Take Advantage of Seasonal Specials from Country Road Cabins in West Virginia 

Getaway to Country Road Cabins in West Virginia

Country Road Cabins provides scenic, deluxe lodging near the New River Gorge and Gauley River National Recreation Areas. Whether it’s the cozy Almost Heaven to the spaciousJackson…there is a perfect cabin available for a romantic getaway, a family reunion get together or a weekend with friends. Amenities include large deck, gas grill, full kitchen, Dish Network, fireplace, hot tub and more. We also furnish extra amenities and provide all bed linens and towels to make your stay more convenient and enjoyable.

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in our area and we will be happy to provide information and help set up any activity needed. Check out the whitewater rafting, tree canopy/zip line tours, paintball, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, two state parks and nearby Summersville Lake for boat rentals. During winter months, we are a convenient 50-minute drive from Winterplace Ski Resort.

Call today for more info and seasonal specials!

Country Road Cabins
Toll free: 888-712-2246
www.wvcabins.com