Ty’r Chanter – Powys

Kiddos will love this place.  They’ll fall in love with the pony or lamb they help feed at the barn and will love collecting eggs from the hens. Books and sofas are available  for quiet nights in and the homemade cake is a great midnight snack.  Enjoy the gorgeous grounds and views while you fish, canoe, or go for a nice family walk.

Mine Hill House – Banbury, Oxfordshire
Mine Hill House has lots to keep both kids and parents busy, with a trampoline and table tennis.  Located on a hilly area of Banbury, this hotel is blessed with lovely views of the natural beauty.  In addition to delicious food, the inn also boasts enormous rooms and spacious bathrooms, perfect for a family vacation!

Captain’s Club Hotel – Christchurch, Dorset

A super chic hotel that also caters to children?  That’s what the Captain’s Club Hotel offers.  Located close to the beach and right on the water, this is a great summer retreat that offers babysitter service, early children’s dinners, and spa treatments for adults!

Higher Lank Farm – Cornwall
The Higher Lank Farm is great if you have kids under five years old.  With a farm-themed playground where  kids can play with chicks and piglets, ride a pony, and help gather eggs, there is plenty to keep little ones busy.  In the evening, drop your kids off with the in-house sitter and enjoy some adult-only time in the on-site pub.

New Park Manor – New Forest, Hampshire

If you want to take your kids on a nice vacation but don’t want to give up on a luxurious stay, then the New Park Manor is the perfect choice for accommodations.  Once King Charles II’s preferred hunting lodge, the manor now houses a spa, a kids-friendly restaurant, afternoon tea, and lots of lawn games to enjoy as a family.  The manor also has two fully-staffed areas devoted to children–one for children 3 months to 8 years and the other for older children.

Hooks Cottage – Devon
The Hooks Cottage is nestled in the middle of the woods and offers a scenic panorama and spacious grounds for both families and their loyal pet best friends to enjoy.  With a top-notch breakfast cooked by the owner herself and unique cottage accommodations, this is a great choice for families looking for a non-hotel experience.

Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
More of a vacation in and of itself as opposed to a nice way to spend an afternoon, a hike along the entire Pacific Crest Trail will take you along the western coast of the United States from Canada to Mexico.  On the way, you’ll pass through California, Oregon, and Seattle; make your way through seven national parks and 24 national forests, including Yosemite, Mount Hood National Forest, Crater Lake National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park; and experience six different ecozones, from desert to wet forests.  While the entire trail should be left up to serious hikers, great day trips of shorter segments are doable from San Diego, San Francisco, LA, Seattle, and Portland.

Appalachian Trail
Another long-distance hike if completed in its entirety, the Appalachian Trail spans across six national parks and eight national forests from Maine in the north to Georgia in the south through 12 states over 2,100+ miles, which means it’s the longest trail in the country.  Hiking the whole thing will take you between five and seven months, but shorter hikes can be enjoyed along its entire route, including from major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is an absolute must-see.  Being one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is an amazing display of colors, flora, fauna, and multi-color rock that is a feast for your eyes.  Hiking the nearly 2,000 square miles of national park that surround the gaping canyon will keep you busy for weeks, but if you want to make your way to the canyon floor, you’ll have to plan at least one overnight camping trip.  There are 15 trails that lead to the bottom, and you should choose wisely.  There are two things to remember before you make your trip down the canyon—get a permit first and conserve your energy so you’ll be able to make the trip back up to the canyon rim.  It’s for that exact reason that attempting to do the down-and-back trek in a single day is not advised.

Kalalau Trail
If you make it down to Hawaii, you’ll be overwhelmed by the stunning vistas and gorgeous scenery all around you on the various islands.  One of the most popular, and most beautiful, islands for hiking is on Kauai, the northernmost of the main Hawaiian islands.  The cliffside Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile stretch that hugs the island’s north coast, lined with lush green plants and amazing ocean views.

Beach Hiking
Everyone loves going for a stroll along the beach, but if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging, try a hike along two of the east coast’s national seashores.  In Maryland, the 24-mile (roundtrip) hike along the Assateague Island National Seashore leads to Virginia, with fantastic views of dolphins, birds, and wild ponies.  Steer clear of the sand dunes!

A perfect morning hike while you’re vacationing on Massachusetts’ Cape Cod is along the Great Island Trail on the Cape Cod National Seashore.  The 7-mile hike, which will likely take you about three hours, goes through all kinds of landscapes and passes popular fishing spots.

From the Cape to California, the United States is full of fantastic hiking destinations, and there are plenty of hotels near to all of these spots if camping out under the stars is a little too nature-loving for you!  Start looking for one now on ProntoHotel.com!

London is full of sights to see, activities in which to partake, and locations steeped in history.  There’s no better time to visit London than in the summertime.  During this season of beautiful weather and a little less rain, you’ll have a chance to check out all kinds of things before the cooler temperatures of the autumn and winter fall upon the city.

Outdoor Activities

There are many activities that just you or the whole family can enjoy in London during the summer.

Biking

Bike tours are a great way to get out and see the city, taking you past some of London’s more popular stops, including Buckingham Palace and the Southbank of the Thames.

Toddler Jam

For wee ones three and under, Toddler Jam is a great event at Stratford Circus theater featuring dance and movement where kids can get out their energy while taking a break from sightseeing.

Covent Garden Market

Ninety-seven acres encompass the Covent Garden area.  On these grounds you’ll find the Market along with venues for music, theater, opera, family activities, retail shopping, and history dating back to Roman times. The Covent Garden Market is a world-renown mecca for all ages.

Hyde Park

In the 16^th Century, King Henry VIII obtained Hyde Park from the Catholic Church and turned it into his private hunting ground.  In the 19^th Century, the Royal Park was opened to the public, and today it’s best enjoyed during the summer with swimming in the Serpentine, cycling through the park, or relaxing at a picnic while enjoying the beautiful landscape.  You’ll also find a sports center, tennis courts, boat rentals, hiking trails, and coach rides in the 360 acres that make up Hyde Park.

Bermondsey Square Antiques Market (New Caledonian Market)

In operation since the mid-19^th Century, this market has tons of historic antiques for sale.  If you love to go antiquing, this is a must!

Theater

The theater scene in London is tremendous! Some of the shows that have graced the many stages in the London area include: The Hothouse by Harold Pinter, The Book of Mormon from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Matilda the Musical, and War Horse. The choices are limitless, so grab yourself dinner and a show for a great summer evening out on the town.

Museums

Another way to while away a day in London in the summertime is to go indoors and view some fabulous exhibits at a myriad of museums located throughout the city.

The British Museum

This iconic museum houses a remarkable array of interesting items that you may want to consider leaving a whole day open to pay a visit. From the Americas through Africa, start your way from the ground floor up and be introduced to millions of objects.  These delicate glimpses into our past provide the history of the world to all who enter.

Museum of London

The Museum of London takes you from London’s beginnings in prehistoric times through to the 21^st Century. Interiors and street scenes have been reconstructed within to add to the experience.  Many artifacts found in archaeological digs are on display.

Wellcome Collection

Sir Henry Wellcome was a revolutionary pharmacist and entrepreneur from the 19^th Century.  This collection houses a massive assortment of unique implements and curios in relation to his medical trade.

Royal Museums Greenwich

On the grounds of Greenwich Park, you’ll find a nice variety of museums to choose from.  They include the National Maritime Museum, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory. The latter two have existed since the 1600s.

Sights to See

Discover Children’s Story Centre

Within the Centre is an indoor story trail for children 11 and under.  Characters help them on their journey through stories that they themselves create. Finger puppets, art materials, and dress-up outfits are available to enhance the storyline.

British Library

Speaking of stories…. The halls of the British Library is the perfect place to hang on in London in the summertime for any booklover.  Every single publication that ever was or is to be within the United Kingdom and Ireland is stored here. With that in mind, there are over 150 million items to choose from with a few million new ones added every year.

Hampton Court Palace

To be entertained by the King or Queen, you would come to Hampton Court.  This is one of several palaces that Royalty has graced.  Hampton has been home to Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and James I just to name a few. Operas and dramas, among other things, have been performed here.

Summer Festivals

London in summertime would not be complete without a festival or two, and there are quite a few.  There is the London Literature Festival held every year wherein international poets and authors get together to share their works.  Or perhaps you would enjoy a family event with art, dance, and music such as the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival. Since you are in London, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss the annual City of London Festival, which includes a myriad of events based upon the themes of city walls, trees, and conflict and resolution.  And then there’s the Notting Hill Carnival, a colorful, super-fun, over-the-top event that includes a giant parade filled with feathers and headdresses and occurs every August.

There is much more to be had in London in the summertime—this is just a sampling.  No matter your interests and itinerary, there are thousands of London hotels convenient to all of your plans.  From off-the-beaten-path to right in the middle of neon Piccadilly Circus, hotels in London run the gamut from tried and true chains to amazing locally-owned inns.

Spring is a time when life blossoms anew. The sweet scent of petals wafting across the gentle breeze.  Beaches begin to fill with sun worshippers as a festive feeling welcomes all. Spring in Barcelona follows suit and is a favorite amongst many travelers.  Summer in Barcelona is also a great time to visit, with glorious beaches and beautiful open-air restaurants to dine in on a beautiful, warm night.

Barcelona has several activities in which one may partake.  These include water activities, those on land, and some foodie adventures. And as spring rolls into summer, Barcelona hosts a series of festivals.

By Land

Biking
In the midst of this gleeful city, you may find yourself on a quieter and more flowing journey by bicycle.  There are several routes you can take through the city and its outskirts that allow you to see the sights at your own pace.

Art
Spring in Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without a gander at the beautiful open-air art and architecture on display.

Walks
Take time out to stroll on the tree-lined La Rambla toward the Catalan coastline (pictured above).  Barcelona also has many parks, including Parc de la Ciutadella, where you can take a walk along the paths within. Nearby, Grácia offers the beautiful narrow avenues of Old Town, Gótico, and Born for walks into history.

Other Activities
The parks of Barcelona also act as the setting of many fun spring and summer activities.  The previously mentioned Parc de la Ciutadella has the Barcelona Zoo, row bow rentals, and a well-known fountain where you can simply watch the world go by.  Laberint d’Horta is a park with a number of statues, fountains, and a giant maze.

By Sea

Barcelona Jazz Cruises are available starting in late April.  So sit back and watch the sunset while listening to the jazz music played throughout the 1.5-hour cruise.

Nearby Santa Susanna offers Family Water Day where you and the kids have the chance to try catamaran rides, windsurfing, or kayaking.   Beach Games is a great group experience.  You’ll have a chance to sail, snorkel, and kayak through different courses.

Festivals

Semana Santa
This is eight-day event takes place during Easter Week beginning on Palm Sunday and finishing after Easter. Parades and processions keep faithful revelers happy. A few things not to miss include the Virgen de la Marcarena procession and the El Paso de la Borriquita parade.

La Feria de Abril in Barcelona
This is a Barcelona version of an Andalusian festival that runs for a couple of weeks at the Parc del Forum.  See Sevillana flamenco dancers, visit casetas with treats, or take your kids to the amusement park.

La Diada de Sant Jordi
A takeoff on Valentine’s Day, “The Lovers Day” is an excuse to get romantic during the spring in Barcelona.  Jordi is the patron saint of Catalonia and this festival brings a slew of rose and book vendors to help the celebration.

Eats

Platja Ca la Nuri
Seafood specialties include tuna carpaccio and fideua with clams.

C3Bar
A peaceful outdoor terrace looking out over Placa Joan Corominas square offers delicious lunches.

Cavamar
This seafront terrace restaurant has fish and rice dishes as well as a to-die-for tataki.

Where to Stay

There are hundreds of hotels in Barcelona that can keep you close to all the fun and excitement.  Here are a few great Barcelona hotel choices:
Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel Barcelona
Hotel Omm
W Barcelona
Hotel Soho Barcelona
Hotel America Barcelona

Spring and summer in Barcelona is the best time to revel in history, fun events, and to partake in some world-renown partying. Plan the trip well so you can get everything in!

Barcelona Official Tourism Site: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/

While traveling by air can be quick and convenient, every once in a while one should take it upon him/herself to venture out onto the road less explored and travel via railway.  By hitting the road in this fashion, you can make the journey to your destination a vacation in and of itself.  With top-notch dining options, luxurious accommodations, and enormous windows to take in all of the beautiful scenery, traveling by train these days is anything but uncomfortable.  At a slower pace and at ground level, some of the world’s most scenic train routes can take you into ancient-growth forests, along ragged coastlines, across plains and desert, and up to the highest of heights.  Here are some of the best routes:

The Americas

Rocky Mountaineer (First Passage to the West Route)

Vancouver to Calgary, British Columbia, Canada
This ride will take travelers along the 1885 Canadian Pacific train route through Canada and into the Canadian Rockies.  Untouched wilderness allows for glorious landscapes, taking you along black lava cliffs, through canyons, and past lakes formed by ancient glaciers.   This is a two-day trip with an overnight stop in Kamloops, British Columbia (included).  The best seats are found in the glass-domed top section of the first Gold Leaf train.

Official Site: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_US/#
Where to Stay
Vancouver
Loden Vancouver
          Opus Hotel
Calgary
Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel
          Coast Plaza Hotel and Conference Center

El ChePe

Interior to the Pacific Ocean, Mexico
Follow along the Copper Canyon Railway (Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico) on a 13-hour trip.  This journey takes the traveler through the mountains and six Copper Canyons inside Mexico to the Pacific Coast.  Dramatic canyon walls stretch upward to the sky as you witness stunning waterfalls that are contrasted by the desert plains.  Summers get rather hot, so the best time to take this trip is October to March.

Official Site: http://www.chepe.com.mx/english/index.html
Where to Stay
Chihuahua
Quality Inn Chihuahua San Francisco Hotel
          Wingate by Wyndham Chihuahua

Hiram Bingham Orient-Express

High Plains to Aguas Calientes, Peru, South America
A 1920s Pullman-style train journeys along a seven-hour roundtrip route starting in the high plains of Peru and going up towards the ancient lost city of Aguas Calientes.  Roll through mist-enshrouded mountains, over the powerful Urubamba River toward the Incan stronghold of Machu Picchu. Since the route goes over a mile above sea level, coca tea and oxygen are available if anyone suffers from altitude sickness.

Official Site: http://www.orient-express.com/web/hb/hiram_bingham.jsp
Where to Stay
Cuzco
San Agustin El Dorado Hotel
          Sol Plaza Inn

Alaska National Parks by Rail

Alaska, United States
This breathtaking, six-day trip takes advantage of one of the world’s most scenic train routes.  Unlike those opting for a cruise through the state of Alaska, train travelers have the opportunity to see old-growth forests, waters formed by ancient glaciers, and perhaps even glimpses of wildlife as they cross Alaska.  Travel through the Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks; visit Spencer Glacier and Mt. McKinley.

Official Site: http://www.alaskarailroad.com/Vacations/AlaskasNationalParksByRail/tabid/128/Default.aspx
Where to Stay
Anchorage
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa
          Hotel Captain Cook

Europe

Bernina Express

St. Moritz, Switzerland, to Tirano, Italy
If Alaska isn’t your cup of tea, then you should certainly try the alpine glaciers of St. Moritz. The snowy, ragged Alps are a sharp contrast to the flowing palms in the trip’s final destination of Tirano.  This is one of the steepest treks in the world and was built before the industrial age, meaning you’ll be taking a grand journey along a hand-carved path.  During the warmer weather, plan on watching the world from an open carriage for a couple of hours.  Reservations are strongly suggested.

Official Site: http://www.rhb.ch/Bernina-Express.2188.0.html?&L=4
Where to Stay
St. Moritz, Switzerland
Hotel Waldhaus Am See
         Crystal Hotel Saint Moritz
Tirano, Italy
Hotel Centrale
Hotel Bernina

Black Forest Railway

Offenburg to Singen, Germany
Still bearing the name given by the Romans, the Black Forest is a sight to behold with its thick trees along a 93-mile route.  Travel through nearly 40 tunnels and over viaducts, experiencing a storybook scenery of local towns and beautiful landscapes.

Official Site (in German): http://www.bahn.de/regional/view/regionen/bawue/spezial2/swb_index.shtml
Where to Stay
Offenburg
Lindner Golf & Wellness Hotel Maximilian
          Hotel Landhaus Rammersweier
Singen
Hotel Relax Singen
          Hotel Restaurant Jagerhaus

United Kingdom

The Royal Scotsman

Departs Edinburgh, Scotland
Do you like scotch and the Scotch? Then you’ll love this trip, as one of the world’s most scenic train routes takes you throughout Scotland while serving up over 30 single malts on board.  A five-day Classic Whisky Journey allows you to travel through some of the most stunning landscape in the country while sampling the products of many local scotch distilleries.  Stops include Glen Ord and your journey will take you past seaside villages, including Arbroath. Don’t miss a minute while passing Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains.

Official Site: http://www.royalscotsman.com
Where to Stay
Edinburgh
Blue Rainbow Aparthotel
          Frederick House Hotel

India

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Siliguri to Darjeeling
Board a Lilliputian train and cruise along the scenic foothills of the Eastern Himalayas and be awed by peaks stretching 7,400 feet into the sky.  Enjoy the deep jungles and sterling green valleys.  Feel alive as you observe forests full of many species of trees, including chestnut and cherry, pear and maple.  This is a narrow-gauge line with an end point in Darjeeling, a pearl of Bollywood movies.

Official Site: http://www.dhrs.org/page4.html
Where to Stay
Siliguri
Royal Sarovar Premiere Hotel Siliguri
          Sinclairs Siliguri Hotel
Darjeeling
Fortune Resort Central Darjeeling
          Hotel Seven Seventeen

Oceania

The Ghan

Adelaide to Darwin, Australia
A two-day, transcontinental route takes you from the north to the south of Australia.  Enjoy your trip through a gum tree grove in Clare Valley, the bushlands of Adelaide, Red Centre, and into the tropics of the Top End on into the Northern Territory.  This route follows the old Afghan camel path of the 19^th Century.  Platinum travelers get private cabins with en suite bathrooms.

Official Site: http://www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/site/the_ghan.jsp
Where to Stay
Darwin
Crowne Plaza Darwin
          Mantra Pandanas Hotel Darwin
Adelaide
Intercontinental Adelaide
          Hotel 208 by Constellation

Our planet is huge and this is just a very small sampling of the world’s most scenic train routes.  What you dream of when you think of exquisite perfection in nature can be found on a train’s journey.  Take the time to allow the grace of the land to entertain your senses and you will find that a train ride is so much better than a flight through the skies.