The Moses Mabhida Stadium hosted five group games during the 2010 World Cup. (Photograph by Ben Robinson, Flickr)

But if you’re looking for an itinerary with a little more variety, few places can match South Africa for its mix of culture, beauty, and wildlife adventure.

As I prepared for my sixth visit to the country (the second with the entire family in tow), I wanted to move beyond what we’d already seen while keeping it age-appropriate. So, working with DSA Vacations, we decided to build in a few days in and around the beaches of Durban before heading into the bush.

Here’s a sample of the kid-friendly activities we experienced in South Africa’s third largest city:

Durban is an essential stopover on any in-country itinerary. Located along the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal and renowned for its year-round warm weather, the city is a beach lover’s paradise. The water was a bit too rough for the surf lessons we had planned for the boys, but there are miles of soft sand to explore, along with convenient snack bars and restaurants when tummies start to growl.

Although it’s tempting to stay on the beach, plan to spend at least half a day at uShaka Marine World, South Africa’s version of Sea World. There’s a nice aquarium and dolphin show to check out in between the Wet ‘n Wild Water Park rides. And if your hotel is located along the promenade (I’d recommend a family room at the Southern Sun Elangeni), you can walk, rent bikes, or even skateboard to get there and back.

The five-star Zimbali Lodge. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

One of Durban’s newest attractions, Moses Mabhida Stadium, built especially for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, offers a SkyCar that takes you high over the arena for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Spoiler alert: We didn’t think it was all that exciting. On the other hand, if your family has a teenager (or parent) who’s an adrenaline junkie, you can always take the plunge on the Big Swing, a 660-foot arc that swings you through the stadium itself. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

If you have the time (and money), it’s well worth spending a few extra days at the Zimbali Lodge nestled in a coastal forest reserve 45 minutes northeast of Durban. While the five-star resort’s many pools will dominate your child’s attention, an on-site golf course provides a challenging diversion for active parents. You can also rent bicycles and cruise around the grounds exploring the diverse flora and fauna on display. The boys were excited at their first wildlife sighting — some vervet monkeys — which got them in gear for the second leg of our trip: a return to the South African bush.

Follow Rainer’s story on Twitter @JenssTravels.

Becoming an expert on family travel has pretty much mandated that we vacation with the children at every opportunity. Not that I’m complaining, but Carol and I haven’t traveled together without the kids along in quite some time. This occasion would be an exception – or so I thought.

“You can’t go without us,” the kids protested. “We were with you on your 15th anniversary!” (Five years ago, our family traveled around the world for more than a year.) Touché, boys.

Whenever people ask me to name the best place we’ve ever traveled to, I’m quick to rephrase the question to where is the one spot we’d most want to go back to. And that’s Botswana, hands down. So we decided to ditch the bucket list this year, and – yes, together as a family – honor our anniversary by going back to Botswana and some of our other favorite places.

Zebras migrate twice each year in Botswana. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

Why Botswana?

One word: Safari. We sampled a wide variety of safaris throughout southern and eastern Africa in the course of our yearlong trip. Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, and Namibia all have terrific wildlife-viewing options with plenty of outstanding family-friendly programs. But if you asked me which country offers the best and most authentic overall experience, I’d say Botswana.

For starters, most of the camps and lodges are only accessible by air. Yes, this makes the journey to and from more cumbersome (and expensive), but the thrill of flying over the African plains is unforgettable. And if it feels like you’ve landed in the middle of nowhere, you have! Savor it. The animals and sheer beauty of the African bush are guaranteed to hold your kids’ attention — even without WiFi access.

Is Botswana Child-Friendly?

If there’s one thing most kids have in common, it’s their love of animals. Have you been to a zoo lately? But what’s the appropriate age for taking your children all the way to Africa? Most outfitters that cater to families (not all do) suggest waiting until they’re at least 8 years old. If you’ve had experience traveling as a family, this age is definitely ideal. This is probably when kids are at the peak of curiosity, so everything will interest them.

Where to Go?

One of Africa’s fiercest predators takes a rest before hunting for her next meal. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

There are about a half dozen regions in Botswana that offer unique safari experiences. The Okavango Delta is easily the most popular, thanks to an abundant year-round water supply that attracts wildlife like a giant magnet. During the dry season (May to October), giant herds of elephant, antelope, buffalo, and zebra migrate to these permanent watering holes. For a fun change of pace from the traditional four-wheel drives, you can explore the Delta’s lily-covered channels in an old-style dugout canoe called a mokoro.

For something completely different, there’s the Kalahari Desert. The animals that reside here — including healthy populations of lion, cheetah, and jackals — seem to have adapted quite well to the  semi-arid environment.  These vast plains of central Botswana are also home to the San Bushman, local guides who can take you on a bush walk or tour to find rock paintings that date back thousands of years.

When to Go?

If you plan to visit Botswana when the kids are off from school, remember that June through October is the “high and dry season.” It’s also winter in the southern hemisphere, so nights can be quite cold. Their summer, or  ”green season” might be a good bet if you’re on a tighter budget and can get away during the holidays or over winter recess.

Where to Stay?

A ranger from the Little Kwara Camp showing our group an elephant skull. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

All safaris are not created equal. There are several different environments, accommodations, and activities to choose from. Lodging options range from permanent luxury camps to tented mobile safaris.

For a good mix of comfort and adventure, I would recommend Kwando Safaris, a company that has camps in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti wetlands, Nxai Pan National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. In addition to offering a nice variety of environments and family-friendly activities, the staff is especially welcoming to children. The rangers are terrific storytellers who make finding elusive predators almost look easy.

More Information?

Planning an African family safari might seem daunting, but don’t let that dissuade you. I always suggest contacting a country’s tourism board directly. And while an initial web search is a good way to start, don’t be afraid to make some phone calls.

Do you have tips for planning a safari? Share them with the Intelligent Travel community by leaving a comment!

Rainer Jenss is a special correspondent for Family Time and the founder of Smart Family Travel. Follow his story on Twitter @JenssTravels.

Related:

• More Tips for Taking Your Kids on Safari
• Explore Africa with Nat Geo Experts
• Learn more about our Big Cats conservation initiative

Though it’s no secret that Brooklyn has become New York’s hot new hang out, I know relatively little about the borough. My family and I once took a tour of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, but that was a few years ago. It was high time for another trip to this part of the city, but I needed something kid friendly? That’s when I stumbled upon Turnstile Tours.

My older son is very much into engineering and has a keen interest in ships and old military boats, so touring the Brooklyn Navy Yard was not going to be a hard sell. We set out on a beautiful spring day and joined Turnstile’s founder Cindy VandenBosch to spend a couple of hours exploring this 300-acre historical landmark.

Cindy VandenBosch leads a tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. (Photograph courtesy Turnstile Tours)

In all honesty, if I were to drive by the place on my own, I probably wouldn’t have paid it much notice. Old dry docks that once thrived during the Civil War are mostly empty, industrial cranes surround the skyline, and a creepy-looking old naval hospital annex stands frozen in time.  So what’s the big deal?

Like the rest of Brooklyn, this area is going through an aggressive transformation. Yes, there is still some maritime business going on, but what makes this place so intriguing is the progressive new “green” architecture and industrial development that’s happening here. And if we hadn’t had a guide to explain everything, we never would have appreciated the full story.

Ultimately, the highlight of this excursion, and the key to any successful tour, is the guide. Cindy was not only extremely knowledgeable about all things Brooklyn Navy Yard, she’s a passionate and engaging storyteller.

As we cruised from one location to the next in our special Navy Yard bus, Cindy told us about what life had been like for the immigrants who came here to build a new life. Listening to her made me realize that sometimes it’s really the history of a place, rather than the attractions itself, that makes it truly worth visiting.

If you have younger children (ages 6-13), the company offers a special hour-long tour for families that makes learning fun and interactive. Basically, it’s one big scavenger hunt with a series of hands-on demonstrations to help kids understand what the Brooklyn Navy Yard is all about. Given the company’s hyper-local focus, it came as no surprise that most people who take the tour are from NYC.

John Lee and his Bapcha Korean food cart on 49th Street. (Photograph by Jennifer Strader)

As we said our goodbyes, Cindy told me about some of Turnstile’s other unique offerings, including an “Immigrant Foodways Tour“of Brooklyn and a “Food Cart Tour” in Midtown. When my son, who like many teenage boys eats his parents out of house and home, heard the word food cart, his eyes lit up.

Being curious, I found myself on yet another Turnstile tour less than a week later. Our guide Andrew Gustafson, a historical researcher, geographer, and cartographer, who also happens to blog about a wide range of topics relating to New York City’s history, led our small group (consisting mostly of tourists from Australia and Denmark) around Midtown Manhattan.

We spent two hours eating our way from Rockefeller Center to 42nd Street. Braving the cold spring wind was a small price to pay for the chance to sample street fare from Trinidad, Korea, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Belgium — with Gustafson’s take on the history of the New York City’s food-cart culture as a soundtrack.

As we walked and talked between “meals,” I was struck by just how many food carts I saw. Funny how I never really took notice before. I would learn that there are, in fact, about 2,800 legally licensed (and highly regulated) vendors around the city. That’s a lot. I would also learn more about the fascinating folks who run these small businesses and the unique set of challenges they face.

Andrew explained how the tour helps support the Street Vendor Project, an organization that provides legal representation and other useful resources to the nearly 20,000 people who make a living selling “street food.”

So after a tough (and filling) afternoon of research, I concluded that this very atypical tour was well worth the effort — for my family, and for others who want to dig a little deeper while they’re in New York. Best of all, if you’re in the city with the kids, besides maybe saving you some money, you won’t have to worry about finding a family-friendly restaurant and keeping the kids entertained –- at least for one afternoon.

Rainer Jenss is a special correspondent for Family Time and the founder of Smart Family Travel. Follow his story on Twitter @JenssTravels.

This year, however, there’d be no airline tickets wrapped in a bow owing to Superstorm Sandy.

Knowing that our first family vacation would have to wait until spring break, I reminded myself that you don’t have to board a plane or cross a state border to experience the joys that travel brings. That sense of exploration can be found right in your backyard, if you have the right attitude.

“The Lion King” in Las Vegas. (Photograph by Joan Marcus)

So, when my family and I found out about Kids Night On Broadway (KNOB), we hatched a plan to play tourist in nearby New York City (we live 25 miles north of Manhattan) to mark my “forty-somethingth” birthday.

The Broadway League launched the program in 1996 to get kids excited about live theater and make Broadway accessible to the next generation. For this year’s KNOB, they were offering a free ticket for a child age 6-18 with every purchase of an adult ticket from February 25 to March 3.

Not every on- and off-Broadway show participated, but, as you might expect, all the more kid-friendly productions did, including Annie, Mary Poppins, Wicked, and Cinderella. Given that we are heading to Africa in the spring, we acted fast and secured four seats for The Lion King.

In addition to BOGO rates, each KNOB ticket included free admission to a pre-theater “Fan Fest” at the Discovery Museum in Times Square, parking discounts, and some educational materials for select performances.

Some theater district eateries even offered specials for KNOB ticket holders. Since we were celebrating my birthday, I picked one of my favorites, Casa Nonna. As expected, my boys loved their pizza (with truffles, no less) while my wife and I savored some delicious seafood with a bottle of wine. Better yet, as part of the promotion, the kids ate for free.

To make our night out even more special, we decided to treat ourselves to a stay in the city. The newly renovated Affinia Manhattan Hotel, conveniently located across the street from Madison Square Garden, seemed like a good bet. Ideal for families, the larger guestrooms include handy kitchenettes and a Wii game system that kept the kids up too late. When the boys were finally ready for bed, they got to have their pick from the “Dream Pillow Menu.”

But if you don’t live in the New York City area or missed out on this year’s event, have no fear!

Theaters in as many as 30 cities across the country participate annually, with different shows and venues putting their own spin on the event at various times throughout the year. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

Follow Rainer’s story on Twitter @JenssTravels.

Industry trends suggest that this travel scenario is becoming more and more common. Multi-generational travel, broadly defined as three generations traveling together, is on the rise. In fact, one industry study reported that more than a third (37%) of all grandparents who travel, have done so with grandkids. “That’s not surprising when you consider that grandparents are healthier and more active than ever before,” says Kyle McCarthy of Family Travel Forum. “They’re eager to experience the world with their children and grandchildren.”

The Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard line. (Photograph courtesy Cunard Line)

The key to planning a successful multi-generational trip is making sure the itinerary offers something appropriate for everyone involved. After all, it can be quite a challenge finding a destination that satisfies both a slow-moving senior and a high-energy preteen. That’s precisely what makes cruises such an attractive option.

Being that my parents have attained the highest level of the Cunard World Club, the decision to go on the Queen Mary 2 was more or less predetermined. Although the company doesn’t exactly go out of its way to cater to kids the way some cruise lines do, the QM2 certainly kept our boys smiling. Though there were no water slides, zip lines, or state-of-the-art game rooms onboard, they had a fine time at the pool, checking out the planetarium, playing ping pong and shuffleboard, and — best of all — hanging out with their Oma and Opa.

The true test for us, and other families who cruise together with grandparents and their grandkids, was how to handle our time in port. We’ve never been big on organized tours, so the idea of pre-booking shore excursions Cunard offered didn’t hold much appeal.

While there are definite advantages to going this route, especially if you place a premium on ease and convenience, what about families where some members want high adventure while others prefer more casual activities? Given the nature of these uber-structured outings, the only real option seemed to be to divide and conquer. Or was it?

The beaches of St. Lucia. (Photograph by Heather Cowper, Flickr)

Most Caribbean islands can be easily navigated by taxi, so, if you do a little homework, there’s no real need to book a shore excursion. But the Caribbean has changed quite a bit since 1977 — there’s a heck of a lot more to do than sunbathing and shopping for jewelry.

One of our ports of call was St. Lucia, the island where my wife and I spent a week as part of our honeymoon. Only this time, we had our parents and kids with us — and just seven hours on land. There were options aplenty: ATV adventures, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, heritage tours, whale watching, hiking to waterfalls, the list goes on and on.

It all sounded great to us and the kids, but what about the grandparents?

If you really want to have everyone together, think about arranging a private tour with a land operator before you depart on your cruise. For our day in St. Lucia, we hooked up with Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, a company that works with cruise lines to provide land excursions to their passengers, but can also arrange customized day trips tailored to your specific interests — and physical limitations. (They also have operations in the Bahamas, Antigua, Barbados, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Turks and Caicos.)

So while my wife and I went horseback riding with the kids on the beach, our private guide could escort my parents around the famous Craft Market of Pointe Seraphine. Reunited, we had the option of taking an easy hike to a waterfall, touring Soufriere, or visiting the Hotel Chocolat, where everything on the menu is infused with chocolate, for a bite to eat. Now that’s an activity our entire extended family could easily agree on!

Follow Rainer’s travels on Twitter @JenssTravels.

Whether these prestigious lists are extracted from travel experts or the traveling public at large, the plain fact is that these “awards” matter, and the industry takes them quite seriously. After all, they’re read by millions of potential customers and undoubtedly influence some of the decisions we make when planning our trips.

But there’s one list you may not have heard about: the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association’s (RCRA) annual awards for excellence. Every year since 2008, this trade association has honored hotels and resorts that provide outstanding recreational programs and services — from golf courses to swimming pools to kids clubs.

This past year, the Premier Recreation Award went to the Sheraton Vistana in Orlando, Florida. It’s not surprising that a resort in the unofficial family-travel capital of the U.S. would walk away with this distinction, but this particular property’s activities and services deserve the acclaim.

Families take note: they offer miniature golf, tennis, volleyball, pool parties, scavenger hunts, teen jams, “tween time,” Wii tournaments, family game shows, trivia contests, and a scuba academy. With all this stuff going on, who has time for theme parks?

Kaiwah Island Golf Resort snagged the Excellence in Programming Award for resorts with 300-799 guests. Perhaps best known for its world-class golf course, this Low Country hotel has also been cultivating a reputation for its wildlife programs. Kids can learn to kayak in the salt marshes, search for animals with a naturalist, or rent a motorboat with mom and dad to go fishing or look for Kiawah’s own inshore dolphin pod.

If parents want some time on the golf course without the kids, they’ve got you covered with Kamp Kiawah. This top-notch facility, which includes a child-friendly disc golf course, is run by a staff of well-trained and dedicated counselors.

As for bigger resorts, Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas took home top honors. No surprise there, either. The resort’s parent company, Kerzner International, has invested millions of dollars into its kids and teens programs (and that’s not including the water parks and Dolphin Cay). The Atlantis Kids Adventure (AKA) and CRUSH program for teens – not to mention their summer camps — have set the bar quite high.

It’s also worth noting that previous winners of these prestigious awards have included the likes of the Omni Amelia Island Plantation, Diamond Resorts International – Grand Beach, Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, and Starwood Hotel Resorts.

Why are these recognitions important? For those of us who travel with kids, we know how important high-quality kids clubs and swimming pools can be. So when executives from around the industry get together and select what they think is the best in the business, it’s probably worth it to pay a listen.

Have you experienced a hotel or resorts with outstanding services for families and kids? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

Find the Right Fit

Not all tours are created equal. Operators specialize in everything from three-hour sightseeing bus rides to 28-day private jet trips around the world, so there’s a lot to choose from. So no matter what your preference, there’s probably a travel package that fits your style.

Don’t Worry

The biggest benefit of working with a tour operator is that they handle all the planning and logistics. (Well, almost all of it. In many cases, getting yourself to and from the point of embarcation is still your responsibility.) Organized travel packages are growing in popularity among families because of the convenience factor.

“Joining a group tour means not spending valuable vacation time confirming reservations, worrying about transfers or solving problems along the way,” says Lynn O’Rourke Hayes, editor of FamilyTravel.com. “Plus, families can rely on a trusted tour operator to uncover the best experiences so all they have to do is relax and enjoy their vacation.”

Exploring the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

Do Your Homework

Nothing in life is free. If you’re going to have others do the heavy lifting, it’ll cost you. But cost isn’t the only challenge when it comes to selecting a tour operator. Since most people aren’t very familiar with the names of even the most highly rated companies, it might be difficult to know where to begin. “This is not unlike finding a good doctor or a good contractor,” says Susan Farewell of FarewellTravels.com. And how do you do that? “Look around,” she says. “Ask friends, neighbors, or Facebook contacts. Then call or email the travel consultant and interview them.”

Take Your Pick

There are several outstanding operators that specialize in families. The biggest difference between packages is usually price, which, in turn, is often a reflection of the level of accommodations they offer. Otherwise, dates, length of trip, and featured destinations and activities are the other determining factors.

Here are my favorites among the most reputable:

• Thomson Family Adventures
• Tauck Bridges
• Collette Family Vacations
• Abercrombie & Kent
• Adventures by Disney
• Lindblad Expeditions (in partnership with National Geographic Expeditions)
• Smithsonian Journeys

Find Peace of Mind

For those who have the time and wherewithal, booking everything yourself will almost always save you money. But the premium you pay for a professional also includes the security of knowing everything will be taken care of if something goes wrong. “When traveling with kids, the unexpected is bound to happen,” says Sharon Bell of Tauck Bridges. “Whether it’s an overbooked hotel, losing travel documents, or something that might significantly affect your experience like an unsettling political situations, a reputable tour director can make the difference in turning around a potential disappointment.”

Go Home Happy

Exploring the caves of the Ganbaai coast in South Africa. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

Most family-tour specialists are experienced in making sure parents and their children are kept entertained and happy, not to mention well fed. They also take great pride in sending you home with an experience you never thought possible. Warren Green, a former safari ranger in South Africa recalls, “Africa really provides kids with an incredible respect and appreciation for wildlife. After just a few hours in the bush, they are completely transformed and suddenly understand the impact we have on our environment.”

Make New Friends

If sharing your vacation with a bunch of strangers isn’t your thing, consider the fact that most of the people you end up traveling with are like-minded and interesting people. Some might even become lifelong friends.

This is particularly true when traveling as a family because, let’s face it, most parents have a lot in common. According to Jean Fawcett of Abercrombie & Kent USA, “Group tours allow parents on a family vacation the flexibility to enjoy a relaxed meal or quality time as a couple, and have peace of mind knowing the kids are immersed in a fun activity with other children their age, and safe under the watch of the guides.”

Family Reunions and Special Occasions

One of the biggest trends in the travel industry is the increase in multi-generational travel, with more than a third of all bookings for family vacations now including the grandparents. If you’re thinking about planning a family reunion, or are a parent or grandparent who wants to treat your child or grandchild to a vacation, a tour operator might be a good way to go. “In today’s hectic paced society, with extended family living far apart from one another, many families are turning to organized touring to bring them closer together,” says Bell.

And isn’t that what traveling together as a family is all about?

Follow Rainer’s travels on Twitter @JenssTravel.

Though the shocking incident has shaken us to our core, the importance of “family” has been reaffirmed as our top priority.

Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer with his grandson. (Photograph courtesy Replay Sports Management)

It’s this sentiment that made attending the PNC Father/Son Challenge at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando that much more poignant.

First played in 1995, this event celebrates family as much as it does championship golf. So it was with extra reverence that I watched the likes of Jack Nicholas and Arnold Palmer share their love for the game and their children on the green.

It seemed only appropriate that a tournament pairing golf’s greatest legends with their sons (and daughters) be held in Orlando. After all, the sunny city is renowned the world over for bringing families together.

Traveling to Disney World with the kids has been a right of passage for generations. When my parents first took me to the Magic Kingdom in the mid-1970s,  Sea World had just opened, but construction on Universal Studios wouldn’t begin for another decade.

Animal Kingdom, Discovery Cove, and Hollywood Studios have since been added to the long list of attractions. Couple that with the proximity of the Space Coast and the the the Everglades, and suddenly a week in Central Florida may not be enough.

With so much for families to do in and around Orlando, the question becomes where to take up residence. Booking a room at one of the Disney properties is convenient if your sole purpose is visiting the parks. But if you’re planning for an extended stay, my time at the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes confirmed they’d make  a wonderful home base.

Spending time with nature at the Ritz Carlton Orlando. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

Inspired by watching some of the best players in the world, I signed up for a private golf lesson at their Golf Digest School. After spending just an hour with my instructor, Todd Casabella, I had a clear understanding of how to correct some of my mistakes. Todd shared with me that he often works with families, which I can appreciate since I wouldn’t want my boys picking up dad’s bad habits.

The resort’s location between the major theme parks guarantees you’re never too far away from the action. But there’s so much for families to do together, it’s tempting to stay on the hotel grounds.

Besides golfing, you can ride Surrey bikes, go fly fishing, play lawn games, float along a lazy river, or tackle their new adventure course. And for parents for a little alone time in the spa, Ritz Kids programs will take care of children ages 5-12 with a range of fun activities (including ice-cream making).

What’s more, the 300+ acres of native habitat that surrounds the resort invite you to spend quality time in nature. Since it’s easy to forget what Central Florida looked like before the theme parks and the fast creep of Orlando’s urban sprawl, I really appreciated their two-hour Eco Tour on Shingle Creek.

After spending a few minutes quietly paddling our kayaks along the headwaters of the Everglades, admiring dozens of native bird species and watching for gators, my guide and I started chatting about what’s kept him at the resort for more than four years. He told me he’s just as fascinated with the guests as he is with the tranquil surroundings.

“I’ve had some pretty high-powered executives completely open up to me about their lives while out on this river,” he confided. “How being on the water just listening to the sounds of wildlife reminds them of what’s really important.”

I responded by telling him how traveling with my children and sharing the world with them is what really matters to me.

We both smiled and continued paddling up river without saying another word.

Follow Rainer’s travels on Twitter @JenssTravel.

But just a few miles up the road, we were transported back in time to a period in American history when things looked quite different – and the holidays had a very different meaning.

A traditional 18th-century Christmas wreath. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

I had never been to Colonial Williamsburg. My wife and I often wanted to take the kids, but we just couldn’t commit to the long drive it would take to get there. Summer was a particularly tempting time, since Williamsburg is a veritable playground for families. Besides the revolutionary city center, there’s Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Great Wolf Lodge, and enough mini-golf courses to keep the kids on cloud nine for days.

We’ve made it a family tradition to travel somewhere to help us get into the holiday spirit. So, having already covered most of the options in our immediate area, we decided to bite the bullet and book a three-day stay at the Williamsburg Lodge.

When we arrived, we made a beeline for the historic area to see the Fifes and Drums. Witnessing the procession of fully outfitted field musicians make their way down the Duke of Gloucester Street got us in the mood for what it was like in the 18th century. After the parade ended, everyone gathered on the steps of the courthouse to sing carols. With the spirit of Christmas starting to cast its spell, we made our way over the the capital building.

The Fife and Drums band on the march. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

“Cry Witch” wasn’t sanctioned as suitable for children, but our 13- and 15-year-old boys loved it. Inside the candlelit building, we witnessed a dramatic recreation of the trial of Grace Sherwood, a woman accused of witchcraft in 1706. The audience was invited to question the witnesses, weigh the evidence, and determine the fate of the “Virginia Witch.” To our surprise, the majority found her guilty (later, we were told the actual verdict was lost in a fire). So much for “good will toward man” with this crowd.

The following day, it felt like we covered most of the 300 acres that encompass this living-history museum. First, an impressive Thomas Jefferson held court with the public. Though the boys had a tough time comprehending his proper English, it’s this authenticity and attention to detail that makes Williamsburg such a special experience.

A cook prepares an authentic 18th-century meal. (Photograph by Via Tsuji, Flickr)

I was amazed with how almost everything in this town was made just is it was some 250 years ago – even the food. Done only once a year, we could barely watched as the kitchen staff butchered and salt cured a hog that was slaughtered two days earlier. Yes, boys, that’s where ham comes from.

After visiting a shoemaker who makes boots by hand, the printing office showed us how newspapers were produced before the age of automated presses.

And, though it was a tough sell after a long day of touring, we managed to check out the DeWitt Wallace and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller art museums. Thanks to the tall clock case and maps exhibits, the outing proved worthwhile for the kids.

As the sun set, we had just enough left in the tank for an hour-long Tavern Ghost Walk to learn about the spirits that many believe haunt the city to this day. Tired kids and full-service restaurants can be a recipe for disaster, but (thanks to the taverns we had just explored on our tour) we didn’t have to resort to fast food. With a menu of hearty fare, strolling musicians, and a visit from the proprietor herself at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, the boys were too distracted to fuss.

Inside the printing press shop. (Photograph by Rainer Jenss)

Although residents did bedeck their doors with wreaths, it was a far cry from modern holiday decorations. Nothing put this in perspective more than the illumination of the Palace Green. For some reason, I thought there was going to be some kind of countdown followed by a dramatic and simultaneous bursts of light on the buildings and trees. Silly me. How could I forget that was no electricity in 1778 – and this wasn’t a theme park. Instead, the Fifes and Drums led a slow march up the green as muskets blasted in front of each house as as it was lit up by cresset torches.

As we drove back north through Toano, the flashing lights and inflatable Santa Clauses somehow felt superficial. After taking a time machine back to the 18^th-century, we had certainly caught the Christmas spirit, but in a way we never had before.

Want to plan your own colonial Christmas next year?

Erin Spencer, a senior at the College of William and Mary and one of Traveler‘s star interns, shares her recommendations for making the best of the holiday season in Williamsburg:

Looking for a change of pace this holiday season? Start a new tradition and follow in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers. With its rich history and unique shops, Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect blend of the traditional and the contemporary. So, grab your family and friends and check out what this historic Virginia town has to offer for the holidays.

Historic Taverns

A slice of colonial life. (Photograph by Joe Ross, Flickr)

For a taste of colonial cuisine, visit one of the four historic taverns that line Duke of Gloucester Street, each of which is known for a different style of food. (For instance, head to Shields Tavern for traditional Southern fare, and Christiana Campbell’s if you’re in the mood for seafood.) But regardless of where you dine, you’ll be able to sample recipes that are straight out of 18th-century cookbooks. Enjoy traditional colonial instruments and songs performed by lively Williamsburg interpreters while you indulge in dishes like rib-eye steak with potatoes and bacon-molasses butter, and chicken breast with apple-cornbread stuffing. But don’t leave without sampling a beer from Alewerks, Williamsburg’s only microbrewery. Just remember to come hungry: these’s no such thing as a light meal (but don’t worry, it’s worth it).

Bruton Parish Candlelight Concerts

Immerse yourself in classical music at one of the oldest churches in the country. Bruton Parish currently boasts nearly 2,000 members and hosts five Sunday services, but you don’t have to be a member to enjoy a small slice of colonial tradition. With more than 120 recitals and concerts on tap during the Episcopal church’s Candlelight Concert series, from 18th-century-style organ recitals to performances by choral groups from all over the country, you’re bound to find something to fit your taste. The soft candlelight glow creates an unforgettable atmosphere as you sit where famous patriots such as George Washington, Patrick Henry, and George Mason once sat. A favorite of locals and guests alike, the concert series is a must for any holiday visitor.

Grand Illumination

Fireworks burst over the Governor's Palace during the Grand Illumination. (Photograph by Donnie Gladfelter, Flickr)

Thousands of visitors flock to Revolutionary City to witness a spectacular event inspired by the colonial tradition of placing candles in windows to celebrate holidays and other special events. Spend the day exploring the historic tree-lined streets and checking out the unique boutiques at Merchant’s Square. When the sun begins to set, follow the sound of fifes and drums to the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, where a spectacular fireworks show marks the official start of the holiday season. Once you experience this festive event, you’ll be ready to make it a holiday tradition for years to come.

Yule Log Ceremony

Join the students of the College of William and Mary as they celebrate the end of finals with the annual Yule Log ceremony. Gather in the courtyard of the Wren Building, the oldest academic building still in use in the U.S., to sing carols and hear stories of international holiday traditions. The highlight of the evening occurs when the beloved college president, Taylor Reveley III, appears dressed as Santa Claus and reads How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The students then file through the historic Great Hall to toss a sprig of holly into the fire, casting away their cares from the past year. Between the hot, spiced cider and the merry tunes of William and Mary’s oldest a cappella group, The Gentlemen of the College, it’s impossible not to get into the holiday spirit.

With the aftermath of the storm all around me, was this an inappropriate time to be thinking about traveling?

I hope not, since I’ve been doing it a lot.

For starters, I’ve been thinking about what would happen to my flight to Tampa out of LaGuardia Airport, which as we speak still has runways underwater? Natural disasters usually wreak havoc on air travel, not to mention roads and rails, so this wasn’t anything new. I would just have to deal.

But what really got my attention were the images of the scarred coastline, which got me thinking of days spent on the Jersey Shore in my youth, with annual family vacations to Wildwood Crest top of mind. I’ve never forgotten winning Queen’s famous Night at the Opera album on the boardwalk (this was in 1978, mind you) after managing to land a dime on a dinner plate; or diving for change that the manager of the Commander Motel threw into the pool every afternoon at 3 o’clock sharp.

I couldn’t help but reminisce about the countless hours I spent at the skateboard park on Long Beach Island with my best friend and watching Grease for the first time at the local theater in Beach Haven. Now, with a family of my own, I still head down to the shore every chance I get. My boys have grown particularly fond of taking day trips to Spring Lake to go skim boarding and admire the Victorian mansions with their immaculately manicured landscaping. Lunch at the snack bar on the beachside pavilion and a visit to Hoffman’s Ice Cream shop are also prerequisites for any Jenss family Spring Lake outing.

So as we sit around our candlelit dining room table preparing for our fourth consecutive “family game night,” we talk about how sad it is for people who have lost their homes and wonder if those communities will ever be the same. With the thermostat starting to drop and a forecast calling for temperatures in the 30s, we’ve also discussed where we should take refuge for the weekend. We could drive to Cape Cod, spend the weekend in the Adirondacks, or visit friends in Pennsylvania. The possibilities got our collective wanderlust flowing.

But it’s playing Banagrams with the family that really puts a smile on my face. Last summer while touring around Alaska, the kids wanted to play that game whenever we had downtime. They recruited several passengers aboard our small cruise ship to join in and had a game going nightly in the camper van we rented on the Kenai Peninsula.

I take solace in the fact that even in the aftermath of this devastating storm, the experiences we shared while traveling as a family could inspire us and warm our souls. I suspect that for many who have been affected by Sandy, it’s those precious memories of vacations past that will, at least in part, drive efforts to “restore the shore.”

Godspeed!

Follow Rainer on Twitter at @JenssTravel.