Bubblehead's Best Family Vacations 2024 === Speaker: [00:00:00] Ladies and gentlemen, wanderlust enthusiasts, and fellow globetrotters, welcome aboard the thrilling journey of the Bubblehead Talks Vacations Podcast. Get ready to fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a virtual adventure filled with travel tips, upcoming vacation events and deals, and riveting travel reports. Speaker: Hosted by the one and only travel guru, Dave Bryant, the Bubblehead. This podcast promises to be your own. to exploring the world and making the most of your wanderlust. So, let's see where the bubbles take us. The Bubblehead: Welcome back to Bubblehead talks vacations today we are exploring the best family vacation destinations for 2024. Whether you're planning a trip to an all-inclusive favorite, like Disney world or looking for that hidden gem. We've got you covered. Stay tuned. Speaker 3: Hey, travel enthusiasts, do you feel lucky? Because we have an incredible opportunity just for you. Are you dreaming of the Emerald [00:01:00] Isle? Well, dream no more. Enter for your chance to win a fabulous 5 day Ireland vacation with CIE Tours. And let us help you experience the stunning beauty of Ireland. Speaker 3: Imagine yourself exploring lush landscapes, ancient castles, and charming villages with your favorite travel partner. From the majestic Cliffs of Moher, to vibrant streets of Dublin, every corner of this enchanted country holds a new discovery waiting for you. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and breathtaking scenery of Ireland. Speaker 3: Whether you're walking through the picturesque countryside, We're enjoying the lively atmosphere of Irish pubs. This trip promises unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity. Enter win a five day Ireland vacation for two, by July 14th, 2024, simply visit the link on the screen or go to BubbleheadVacations.com/contest to submit your entry. Good luck. And we can't wait to see who the lucky winner will be. May the luck of the Irish be [00:02:00] with you. The Bubblehead: Hey there everyone. Dave Bryant, the Bubblehead here, your host of Bubblehead Talks vacations. Yesterday, Nicole and I had an, an incredible time down in New York city. We decided to visit central park. And while we're there, we scored entrance to the New York Rangers Eastern conference finals game three watch party. It was a fantastic experience. The Bubblehead: Atmosphere was unbelievable. I tell you, it was almost like watching a live hockey game. But we were there with a bunch of fellow New York ranger fans. And it was unbelievable time. We got all kinds of swag. From the team t-shirt. Blankets towels. I mean, I'll be honest with you. The Bubblehead: Unbelievable experience. I MSG does it right. Madison square garden. I tell you, it was unbelievable time. We enjoyed the heck of it. We were down in New York city to have lunch with our daughter who just happened to fly up. For the weekend with a friend to catch some shows on Broadway. And she said, Hey, why don't you come down and see us? The Bubblehead: So we took that opportunity to travel by train. That was an adventure in of itself. We opted to do that instead of [00:03:00] driving. Instead of trying to figure out parking down in Manhattan. I'll be honest with you from here in Groton Connecticut. That was an unbelievable, great suggestion. From some people we've met here. Takes the headache of driving in traffic on a holiday weekend. The Bubblehead: Plus parking down in Manhattan is incredibly expensive, especially for a day trip. So we just parked. In the morning. caught the train down, grab lunch with Hannah, and then went to central park, watched the Rangers win an unbelievable game. Went to overtime. Rangers ended up pulling the game out over the Florida Panthers. Which leaves into the series. The Bubblehead: Now, two games. To one, which is great from a ranger fan perspective. And we're ready to go. But I'll tell you the trip reminded me of the importance of finding vacation destinations that offer something for everyone. For instance. Central park was a hit for us, Nicole of the tranquil walking paths and beautiful spring gardens. While I enjoyed, well, that's not really true. We both enjoyed the excitement of the Rangers event. The Bubblehead: It's these kinds of experiences that make a destination great for families. At great [00:04:00] family vacation, destination needs to appeal to everyone in some way. For example. My family, we always enjoy Walt Disney world. Nicole, and I love the shows. And dining at unique places. Our kids each have their own favorites, but it didn't always have to be Disney world. It could be camping. It could be a trip to Tokyo. The Bubblehead: It could be a family cruise. Like the one the family is doing next month to celebrate my 50th birthday. And Nicole and I is 25th. Wedding anniversary. These experiences highlight the variety of activities and attractions have been catered to all family members. Rather it's a bustling city, like New York city. The magic that can be found at Walt Disney world. A peaceful camping trip or an exciting international adventure. The Bubblehead: The key is to find something that everyone in the family will enjoy. And speaking of family vacations today. We're diving in the best family vacation destinations in 2024. As we turn to our topic, please don't forget about our ongoing contest to celebrate our temporary relocation to Connecticut. The Bubblehead: Here's more [00:05:00] details. The Bubblehead: Hey all fellow Bubblehead travelers and adventurers, this is Dave the Bubblehead, your go to person for all things travel here at Bubblehead Vacations. We've got something super exciting for you. Our Welcome to Connecticut contest is in full swing. If you haven't joined yet, you're missing out on daily chances to win amazing prizes. The Bubblehead: From Amazon gift cards to exclusive luggage sets, we're making every day a winning opportunity. And here's the best part, participating allows you to get expert insights and offers for your next vacation. Whether you dream of sunny beaches or snowy slopes, we're here to make it happen. Entering is easy. The Bubblehead: Just visit tinyurl.com/bbhwcontest to sign up. Or, look at the link on the screen. Each entry brings you closer to fabulous daily prizes and who knows the next winner could be you. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to tinyurl.com/BBHWContest. Sign up for the [00:06:00] contest and stay tuned for more updates right here. The Bubblehead: Remember the fun continues until May 31st. So keep listening, keep entering, and let's make your travel dreams come true. The Bubblehead: All right. Let's get started with our top five family vacation destinations for 2024, after some personal research, any experience working with clients and people. They're in the bubble head family on vacation for the last couple of years, let's get into some ones that are really catching a lot of interest. The Bubblehead: This year. The first one is going to be Orlando, Florida, home to Walt Disney world universal studios in a variety of other attractions. Orlando is always a hit with families while Disney world alone offers four theme parks. Magic kingdom. Epcot Hollywood studios and animal kingdom. Each with its unique. Attraction and experienced. Beyond the theme parks, you have options like SeaWorld, Orlando, and Legoland Florida. As well as a plethora of dining and entertainment options and Disney Springs, any universal city walk, not to [00:07:00] mention. Universal theme parks are unbelievable to Orlando's extensive variety of family, friendly hotels and resorts. The Bubblehead: Many offering shuttle services to the parks. Make planning a trip, easy and convenient. And if you get with the right person who can help you with the right tips, And that trip can be unbelievable Orlando and not break the bank either. If you're interested, Hey, let me know. Second one. Yellowstone national park, Wyoming. The Bubblehead: Perfect. For families who love the outdoors with its stunning landscapes, wildlife and countless hiking trails. Yellowstone is not just America's first national park, but also a treasure trove of natural wonders. Families can explore geothermal areas like old faithful and the grand prismatic spring. Take scenic drives to those breathtaking vistas of the grand canyon of Yellowstone and observed wildlife such as bison, elk, and even bears. Camping ranger led programs and educational visitor centers provide in this opportunities for learning and adventure. It's not just a TV show folks. Is unbelievable time for [00:08:00] families. Nearby towns like Jackson hole offer additional activities such as whitewater rafting, horseback riding. And cultural experiences. The Bubblehead: Trust me. It's a very powerful destination right now. Make sure you get ahead on that one. Tokyo Japan is going to be number three on the list. And I'll tell you we've been there a couple of times as a family. There's a lot of fun. The city that blends. Ultra modern with rich traditions, offering something for everyone. The Bubblehead: Tokyo, Disneyland, and Disney sea are most visits for theme park enthusiasts with unique attractions not found in any of the other Disney parks worldwide. Beyond the magic of Disney. Tokyo offers interactive museums. Vibrant neighborhoods such as, sukkah and Singhi temple, and the bustling shopping districts that you just can't find anywhere else. Families can also experience traditional Japanese culture through tea ceremonies, Sumo wrestling matches and visits to historical sites like Tokyo, Imperial palace. The Bubblehead: I'll tell you one of the things we enjoyed or I have enjoyed in my time in Tokyo is catching a couple [00:09:00] baseball games. So that's a topic for a different time. Number four on the list is Cancun, Mexico, known for it's all inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches and family friendly activities. Cancun is a great spot to relax and have fun. The Bubblehead: All inclusive resorts in Cancun, cater to families with amenities such as kids, clubs, water, parks, and organized activities that keep children entertained while parents enjoy some relaxing time too. The stunning beaches provide opportunities for snorkeling paddle-boarding and building sandcastles. Families can also experience ancient mind root. Visit the interactive aquarium and take the date. The nearby island. Just swim with dolphins in seats. There were five on the list. I've gotten four so far. Number five is London. Packed with historical landmarks, museums and parks. London offers a rich educational and entertaining experience for families. Iconic sites such as the tower of London, Buckingham palace, and the houses of parliament provide a glimpse into the city's rich culture. Museums like the natural history museum, the science [00:10:00] museum and the British museum offer interactive exhibits to engage children and adults alike. London's numerous parks, such as Hyde park and Regis park are perfect for picnics and outdoor activities. Additionally families can enjoy a ride on the London eye. Catch a Western theater show or explore the Warner brothers studio tour for behind the scenes. The Bubblehead: Look. At the making of all the Harry Potter films. We're choosing a vacation spot. It's crucial. Look for activities that allow the group to connect. Whether it's a family hike, shear meals, or exploring new places together. These moments create lasting memories. Now that we know what's popular in 2024, let's try to get some travel gear for you for that upcoming vacation. The Bubblehead: Hey travel enthusiasts! We have a fun and easy way for you to win a set of two exclusive Bubblehead Vacations luggage tags. All you have to do is share your favorite travel photos or memories on social media using the hashtag BubbleheadTags. Show us where you've been, your dream destinations, or even your best travel tips.[00:11:00] The Bubblehead: By using this hashtag, you'll be entered for a chance to win a stylish set. A bubblehead vacation luggage tags perfect for your next adventure. It couldn't be easier This is an ongoing giveaway and we'll be drawing a winner each month For example, we'll draw the winner of may on june 1st. So keep sharing and tagging your travels Thanks for participating and don't forget to follow us for more exciting travel opportunities and giveaways. Happy travels The Bubblehead: Hey, welcome back. We got all three of those contests go and remember, we've got the five day trip to Ireland. That contest is going to run through July 14th. Make sure you sign up for that one. The second one is our welcome to Connecticut contest, which runs through this Friday, May 31st. $500 in prizes given away in these last four days of the contest. The Bubblehead: So let's make sure you get an entry into that. And then the last one is the luggage tags. We're always giving away something for bubblehead every month. We're going to try and make a drawing just to make sure you share. The podcast. With the [00:12:00] #BubbleheadTags anyways. Back into the main content. But what we're here to talk about. The Bubblehead: That's family travel. And family vacations. So if you're on a budget, consider staycations. Most of us haven't even explored our own towns that were living in neighborhoods. From a tourist perspective. And you might be surprised at the fun and affordable activity. You can, find close to home. The Bubblehead: Local parks, museums and attractions often offer family friendly activities that are both entertaining and educational. Take advantage of free or low cost community events, such as outdoor concerts. Farmer's markets or seasonal festivities. The Bubblehead: Some budget, friendly family vacation destinations that are on my list. The Bubblehead: Whenever anybody asks me for recommendations, the first one is national parks and state parks. Exploring the great outdoors is an excellent way to bond as a family without breaking the bank. Parks like the great smoky mountains. Grand canyon and Yosemite The Bubblehead: offer affordable entrance fees. And our, [00:13:00] why raid your activities such as hiking? Wildlife watching and camping. Many state parks also have family friendly programs and facilities included, guided nature. Walks fishing and educational centers. Were any of the cabin or And he kept ground to be memorable and it talks effective option. Second one is a beach vacation. You don't have to travel far to enjoy a beach vacation. Coastal towns across the United States, like Myrtle beach, South Carolina. Gulf shores, Alabama and the outer banks of North Carolina. Offer beautiful beaches and affordable lodging options. Many beach destinations also feature boardwalks with amusement parks. Watersport rentals and family friendly dining. Building the same castles, collecting seashells and playing beach games are simple, yet fun activities that don't really cost a lot. The Bubblehead: Road trips would be my third one road trips can be a great way to explore multiple destinations at your family's own pace. Consider planning a route that includes a mix of cities, small towns and natural [00:14:00] attractions. For example. The trip along the Pacific coast highway offers stunning coastal views and stops at places like big Sur. Monterrey and Santa Cruz. Make use of apps and websites that find affordable accommodation, dining and attractions along the way. The Bubblehead: Or you can just reach out to a guy like me, who likes to plan travel and let me help you out. Pack your own snacks and meals to save money. And make the journey more enjoyable. City staycations is the last one in this list. Even if you live in or near a big city, there's often plenty to explore that you might have overlooked. Cities like Chicago, Atlanta and San Diego offer a wide range of family friendly activities. Museums and zoos to parks and cultural festivals take advantage of local tourism passes, which can provide discounted or free entry to multiple attractions. The Bubblehead: Additionally, many cities have free attraction. The public art installations. The Bubblehead: Botanical gardens and historical sites. The Bubblehead: Let's talk for a minute about all [00:15:00] inclusive resorts. All inclusive resorts offer some fantastic advantages for family vacations. With food and activities included. They provide a great value and convenience. Many of them also have kids clubs, giving parents a much needed. Alone time. My kids, for example. There were on a couple occasions that they would rather have went to kid's club because of some activity they were doing or some trip they were going to take. Then hang out with mom and dad. The Bubblehead: So I will tell you that's perfectly fine. Although, as a parent, sometimes it made me feel. Like I had done something wrong, but it was just something we had worked through the family. But that all being said, all inclusive resorts can be found in many accessible locations within the United States. The Bubblehead: So just club med in Florida. Or family oriented resorts in the Poconos. These resorts often feature on-site entertainment, pools, and activities that cater to both children and adults. It's a great way to ensure that everyone in the family has something to enjoy. Without constantly worrying about extra costs. That's why they get the name [00:16:00] all inclusive. Here's some top travel tips for families. The Bubblehead: Wouldn't be a great. Podcast list I gave you. At least four and thats the the number here four top travel tips for families. The first one's plan early. This includes making packing list and booking accommodations and activities in advance. I will tell you. And one of the first things. I do when someone reaches out to me, To plan a vacation for them is ask them how long we've got. The Bubblehead: And then. With my repeat customers, the people that have been with me for a while to do Bubblehead Vacations knows that the earlier we get into it and the more one I can get them, the resort they want at the price they want. The earlier we get into it, the more we can find the right time to take that vacation the right time that we can get there in the right resort for you to get into that always makes for a smoother trip. The Bubblehead: And then you can get into the packing list. Things you need to bring all of those things. Much earlier. Earlier is better. Second one is relax. Remember it's a vacation [00:17:00] building, some downtime to avoid over-scheduling and ensure everyone has a chance to relax and enjoy themselves. It's one of the biggest things. I've had to learn. Especially when the kids were at home, when we take these big family trips is I would try and get so much into one trip that I came to realize that we were all just so stressed out by day two, that we throw the itinerary out. And we weren't doing anything. So the more that we just program time for all of us to just chill and do our own thing. The more fruitful and beneficial. The Bubblehead: Those got to be, and those vacations started look more like vacations and less like a rat race. So I will tell you. Make sure you relax on vacation. You never want to be able to finish a vacation and feel like you have to take a vacation from your vacation. Number three is collaborate on planning. Involve all the family members who are coming on the vacation in the planning process, or try to that way. The Bubblehead: Everybody has something that they want to do. This collaboration can help prevent conflicts and ensure that everyone has something to look forward to on a vacation. [00:18:00] That you're going to go take. For example. We're taking this cruise this summer, we're in the process of trying to figure out what kind of excursions. We want to go do so we're trying to work through that right now. The Bubblehead: It's a group of about 12 of us. 14 of us. So we're trying to sort it out. The last one we're going into is safety. Make sure you understand completely how safe the things you're planning are and what kind of things you need to avoid. One of the things I always do. Is I go to the state department website for any country, even if I'm planning a vacation for people in the Bubblehead. A tribe. I go out, I look and try to figure out, make sure that wherever we're planning to go, wherever they're planning to go is safe. The world is not what it used to be. The Bubblehead: There are a lot of safe places in this world to go vacation. But every once in a while, somebody asked to go somewhere that I have to recommend. Hey, maybe we try this place instead of this place anyways. So remember plan early, relax, collaborate on the planning and safety first. And for those looking for hidden gem, consider [00:19:00] Portland, Maine. This charming coastal town offers great food. Scenic views and a variety of family friendly activities. You can visit the historic old port district. The Bubblehead: Explore the beautiful lighthouses along the coast and take a ferry ride to the nearby Casco bay islands Portland's children's museum and theater of Maine is a fantastic spot for younger children. And this city's numerous parks and beaches provide plenty of outdoor fun plus. I will tell you've been there. It's a great place to go visit. We did not explore it enough when we lived up by it and just life got in the way, but I will tell you. Looking back on it at the time, we were able to explore that area, unbelievable place, especially this time of year spring and the summer actually early fall is really nice, too. I will tell you it's a great place to go. The Bubblehead: And it is the hidden places. It's not as popular as it probably should be. All my friends up in Maine completely know that it's a great place to go. And really wish I wouldn't talk about it, but I will tell you it is a place to go. And one of the most memorable trips [00:20:00] we took as a family. Is. When I was in Guam, we were living in Guam for a period of time. We took the opportunity to catch a flight to Hong Kong. And then we went to Hong Kong Disney. It was the first year Hong Kong Disney was open. And I tell you, we really got to interact with the people in Hong Kong. It was a very highlight of a trip for us, our children. Engaging with other children from other countries everyone learning to speak a little bit of each other's language sharing food. The Bubblehead: It was it was a great time. And then another vacation we got to take is we got to go to the Australia gold coast for new years. And Australian hospitality. I tell you that there was this unbelievable. They just had a way of making. Your family and children all feel welcome wherever you were at. We would be at a restaurant. And you guys all know when your kids are younger. There are some restaurants that just . In some servers and some wait staff that really don't want to [00:21:00] deal with. Children. The Bubblehead: It's not that they don't want to deal with them. It's just, it can be a hassle at times for those. And we never felt that in Australia, they took about bringing us in and making this a part of the thing. And it was new year's Eve. So there were two separate times for fireworks. There's an earlier set of fireworks for the children. The Bubblehead: So they didn't have to try to step till midnight. It was awesome. We really enjoyed that trip. Where are the good actors? That was a great time anyways, but talking about memories. How about this January? You kick off the 2025 with me on a cruise to Bermuda real quick trip. It's going to be a short cruise. The Bubblehead: Perfect. The first timers cruise. Oh, come on, hang out with me. I'll be right there to help you out anyways. Hang in there for more details. . Speaker 6: Kick off 2025 with an unforgettable Bahamas escape with me, The Bubblehead. Join us on a three night group cruise with special rates, seamless planning, and amazing activities. Sign up for more information at [00:22:00] tinyurl.com/Jan25Cruise. Book now and let's start that adventure in 2025 in paradise. The Bubblehead: Hey, we're going to wrap this thing up. When you conclusion let's recap today's topic, which was the best family vacation destinations for 2024. We're threw in a lot of tips and things in there as well. Make sure you listen to the whole thing, especially if you're planning a family vacation this year. And always always reach out to me. Email, text. Message on social media. The Bubblehead: However you want to get ahold of me. I don't charge for advice. We get into booking things. Maybe we start talking about that, but my job, my goal in life is to get everybody out there on vacation. So please make sure you're reaching out to me anyways. Let's get back to the topic. We are summarizing. the topic, we explored a variety of destinations that cater all types of families from the magic Orlando, Florida, with. With its world renown theme parks to the breathtaking, natural beauty of Yellowstone national park. We also touched on the vibrant [00:23:00] cultural experiences in Tokyo and the relaxing all inclusive resorts in Cancun. But the rich history and educational opportunities in London. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences that can create lasting memories for your family. We also discussed some budget friendly options, like staycations of road trips, which can be just as exciting and fulfilling. As much more extravagant vacations. Exploring your local areas, visiting the national and state parks and enjoying coastal towns can provide great adventure without breaking the bank. The Bubblehead: Remember the key is to find activities that allow your family to connect. And enjoy their time together. The Bubblehead: Now let's summarize our current contest and promotions. Cause we've got a lot going on. First we have the exciting five day tour of Ireland, courtesy of C I E tours. This is an incredible opportunity to explore beautiful landscapes and rich history of Ireland. Make sure you enter that contest before July 14th. The Bubblehead: Unbelievable trip there. Next, we've got our welcome to Connecticut contest. It's in its final five days. I'm [00:24:00] recording this thing on Memorial day, Monday. Which by the way Happy Memorial day. Let's not forget. What Memorial day's for realize this coming on Tuesday. Let's just take a minute. Remember. All those people that gave their lives so that we can do and love the country that we're in here in the United States. That being said, recording this thing on Monday. Last five days of the contest got about $500 worth of prizes. Grand prize is going to be a $300 luggage set. The Bubblehead: It's a two piece luggage set. It's really nice. One. Really excited. We're able to give this away. So anyways, if you haven't entered yet, now's the time so don't forget about our ongoing luggage tag giveaway. The Bubblehead: We're going to give a set away every month. It make you share the #BubbleheadTags for a chance to win a set of our stylish. Tags. We're really excited about those. And then we're also promoting this group cruise. To kickoff 2025. Join me on this exciting cruise. As we embark on a quick getaway before I run the dopey challenge in January, 2025. Cruise the [00:25:00] perfect way to relax, have fun while enjoying the company of fellow travelers. The Bubblehead: Plus, you're going to need a break from all that holiday stuff. Anyways, come on down to port Canaveral with this, we're going to take a few, day cruise. It's going to be quick. It's a great starter cruise. Make sure you check out the information there. On that. I'll also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the listeners and viewers. The Bubblehead: I know I took a break. I know I took a pause. We had to move up here to Connecticut. Trust me, the stress was, something that I wasn't ready for. So I had to take some time, make sure we got this thing right. And got back into it. So your support means the world to me and to us as we appreciate every person. Who reaches out and says, Hey, great job. Make sure you follow us on social media. Stay up to date on all of our latest news contest and travel tips. The Bubblehead: Don't forget to tune in next week. We'll be diving in the world of luxury travel. I'm going to see if I can get a friend of mine. To maybe do some of this with me. She's been just an unbelievable resource for me in luxury travel. And I tell [00:26:00] you. She's a former Navy sailor and just love talking to her. The Bubblehead: Don't get to talk to her enough anyways. Hopefully I can get her on. The Bubblehead: we're going to explore some more incredible destinations and experiences and make your travel truly unforgettable. That's all for today's episode here at Bubblehead talks, vacations. Thanks for tuning in. Don't forget to subscribe and share the podcast with fellow travel enthusiasts, safe travels, everyone. And remember, take a deep breath. The Bubblehead: Let's see where those bubbles takes. Speaker 8: And that, my fellow adventurers, wraps up another exhilarating episode of Bubblehead Talks Vacations Podcast. We hope you've enjoyed the ride, but the adventure doesn't end here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and catch every episode from Dave the Bubblehead. Share your travel tales and experiences with us too. Speaker 8: Connect with the Bubblehead on social media and be part of our amazing travel community. Thanks for tuning in, and remember every journey starts with a bubble. [00:27:00] So, let's see where the bubbles take us.