Wednesday, July 8, 2009

sunscreen: don't leave home without it


With July 4th behind us, we find ourselves in the heat of summer. The only accessory we need? A great sunscreen. Cetaphil--a name we've trusted on our kids for years--recently debuted its new UVA/UVB Defense sunscreen with SPF 50 ($13.99)--the highest SPF available for a moisturizer designed specifically for the face. Awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV facial sunscreen (thanks to micronized Titanium Dioxide) and as an effective aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin including sunburn and possibly, premature aging, it's great for you and your kids. Plus, it nourishes and hydrates skin for up to eight hours. The best part: The palm-sized tube fits neatly into your diaper bag or beach bag. Stock up at CVS.com, Drugstore.com and Walgreens.com.


Monday, July 6, 2009

the great escape


Summer is the perfect time to get away...and family travel is affordable and easy to arrange this summer, thanks to new and exciting deals from Trafalgar Tours. Whether you want to show your kids the castles of the British Isles or the great plains of the Old West, Trafalgar's specially designed Family Tours cater to your every need. With Trafalgar, you can save you up to 40% off the cost of putting together a similar vacation on your own. And kids 14 years old or younger who share triple or quad accommodations with two adults save up to an additional 40% off the adult fare (special savings are also available for children 15 to 17). Choose from these great packages...

European Adventures. Your clients will see it all - from the White Cliffs of Dover to the Toy Museum in Prague, the Glockenspiel in Munich, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is a 15-day journey for everyone and includes a sweep of England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France - nine countries filled with history and culture -- from $2,250 per person.

Castles, Highlands & Heritage. The vast beauty of Great Britain is revealed on a 15-day tour through England, Wales, and Scotland, with fascinating sites including Stonehenge, Shakespeare's home, a journey to Loch Ness, and a visit to St. Andrews. Rates start at $2,050 per person.

Gladiators, Gondolas & Mountains. Families can travel, dine and explore their days away within the breathtaking beauty of Italy, France, Monaco, and Switzerland on this 13-day tour that visits Rome, Florence, the Tuscan Hills, Nice, Geneva, Zermatt, Italian Lakes, and Venice. Rates begin at $2,175 per person.

If you want to stay closer to home, check out these amazing itineraries right here in the US...

Adventures in the Wild Northwest. Vacationing families will wander the great North Woods enshrouded in canopies of centuries old giant redwood trees. They will ride dune buggies in the sand, race jet boats on the Rogue River, zoom to the top of the Space Needle and more in a wild 9-day journey of the Northwest that runs from San Francisco to Seattle. Rates start from $1,935 per person.

Pioneer Adventures of the Old West. This sojourn in the vast high desert includes all the great American memories that kids will hold dear for the rest of their lives. They will see Montezuma's Castle, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, swim in Lake Powell and see the Old West in style on an 8-day escapade from Phoenix to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon national parks. Rates begin at $1,550 per person.

Wild West, Cowboys and Buffaloes. What child would say no to a chance to explore Cowboy Country - where the Wild West began. Children of all ages will have a rip-roarin' good time on this 8-day adventure through the true cowboy towns of Jackson, Cody, Sheridan and Keystone. Even the most reticent of travelers will want to ride a genuine 1880 steam train in Yellowstone and gaze up to the famous faces at Mt. Rushmore. Rates begin at $1,550 per person.

All rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include airfare. They include top quality hotel accommodations, luxury transportation by motor coach, rail or cruise ship, outstanding cuisine, daily sightseeing and optional excursions with expert local guides, and personal concierge services. For more info, see your travel agent, call 866.544.4434, or go to www.trafalgartours.com.