Travel Mom: Mother-Daughter Trip Tips
March 4, 2005 — -- Emily Kaufman, also know as the Travel Mom, and her 12-year-old daughter, Gabby, appeared on ABC News' "Good Morning America" with some tips on great getaways for mothers and daughters to share. You can find out more about the Travel Mom at www.thetravelmom.com.
Grand Teton National Park -- Wyoming
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park boasts stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. The central feature of the park is the Teton Range -- a 40-mile-long mountain front. The range includes eight peaks over 12,000 feet, including the Grand Teton at 13,770 feet. Seven lakes run along the base of the range, and more than 100 alpine lakes can be found in the backcountry.
Elk, moose, pronghorn, mule deer and bison are commonly seen in the park. Black bears are common in forested areas, while grizzlies are occasionally observed in the northern part of the park. More than 300 species of birds can be observed, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons.
Almost all outdoor activities are popular at Grand Teton National Park. In summer you can hike, walk, view wildlife, take photographs, backpack, camp, climb, fish, swim, boat, float, canoe and bike. In winter, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sleigh rides are popular activities.
Some activities (such as overnight backpacking, boating, floating, canoeing, fishing and snowmobiling) require fees, permits, licenses or registration. Special regulations may also apply, so take the time to become informed at any visitor center or ranger station.
For more information on Grand Teton National Park, visit www.nps.gov/grte/
Surf Diva -- California
Recognized worldwide as the first all-women's surfing school, Surf Diva in San Diego introduces women and girls to the sport and spirit of surfing in a fun and encouraging environment. Surf Diva provides surfing instruction with enthusiastic and qualified role models as instructors.
Single Lesson: $65 per hour (includes board and wetsuit).
Weekend Clinic: $130 (includes board and wetsuit plus four hours of instruction).
Boarding School for Adults and Teens: 5 nights from $1,250; 7 nights from $1,695 (includes equipment, food, lodging).
For more information, visit www.surfdiva.com
The SPAhhhT & Windflower -- Texas
The SPAhhhT opened as Hyatt Resorts' pilot youth spa in May 2003, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio. Separate from its adult Windflower Spa, The SPAhhhT features three treatment rooms, offering services such as facials (addressing the special needs of teen skin), clothed massages (with parent in room), henna tattoos, manicure and pedicure, skin care for guys, nail detail for guys, Mai Tai knots and updos, hair wraps and braids, haircuts, and airbrushed nail enhancements.
The SPAhhhT is currently open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Moms can relax in the Windflower Spa while daughters are pampered at The SPAhhht.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort: Room rates range from $150 to $2,250 a night.
For more information, visit http://hillcountry.hyatt.com
American Girl Place -- Illinois
American Girl Place in Chicago is the company's first retail and entertainment site. Hotel rooms are filled with dolls, doll clothes, accessories and more. American Girl Café serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and at the American Girl Theater, you enjoy an original live musical. Girls can treat their dolls to a new 'do at the Doll Hair Salon, and dolls in need of repair can visit the Doll Hospital. There are also café cooking classes for moms and daughters.
Room rates:
Courtyard: $119-179
Embassy Suites Lakefront: $109-169
Fitzpatrick Hotel: $109-149 and $169-209 (suite)
Holiday Inn City Center: $109-135
Marriott: $129-189
Omni Suites: $155-239
Park Hyatt: $310-445
Wyndham: $109-$169
Note: All rate changes are due to time of year.
For more information, visit www.americangirlplace.com
The Eloise Experience -- New York
The Plaza Hotel in New York City has created an "Eloise Experience" package for their young visitors, allowing them to stay in a Fairmont room with extra-special rates. Package includes complimentary ice cream sundaes in The Palm Court; choice of complimentary valet parking or a $30 food and beverage credit per night; and a signed photo of Eloise. The Eloise package ends on April 29, 2005, when The Plaza will close.
Room rates (good through April 29, 2005):
One night from $409 per night.
Two nights from $359 per night.
Three nights from $319 per night.
The Plaza Hotel is located in Manhattan at Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. For more information, call 800-441-1414.