Summer fun with children

The week after the Holy Week will be the official start of summer in the Philippines. Despite the frenzy of exams, term papers, theses and the extra-curricular rehearsals jammed into the agenda, young people are now geared for summer fun.

So, what are the seemingly infinitesimal options out there?

With a comfortable budget, one can consider Europe for a month-long land excursion package. One can start in London, then crossover to the mainland; or start in Madrid for a southern trek. Spring is the best season to be in the Old World, with the weather no longer too cold. Having young ones in tow, one must consider the versatility of spring wardrobe. Layering is the key, with a light sweater always handy when the weather turns nifty.

There are good bargains for hotels in early spring – like in mid-March – and that also goes for airline special offers. However, a strong word of caution on those gypsies: they are more dangerous than the most notorious pickpockets/thugs hereabouts. They swarm around tourist destinations at the onset of summer, when travelers are coatless, and their handbags/belt bags/bulging back pockets are easy targets.

For the truly adventurous families out there, the call of the wild is at its best from March until August. Africa is most comfortable in March, still cool but with no more rains, so the savannah becomes a wonderful safari land of lions, leopards, giraffe communities, elephant families, fierce white rhinos, brooding hippos, nocturnal cheetahs, as well as the wide array of bush birds and antelope species. However, going there in summer can be a trying experience! Remember, we are talking about Africa. (I was in Kenya in June. It was really hot and dusty, yet very cold in the evening and early morning!) Private game reserves in South Africa and in Kenya (East Africa) offer a variety of accommodations – from tents to luxurious cabanas – to fit every budget. Cathay Pacific has a daily flight to Johannesburg from Hong Kong; Kenya Air has a regular flight out of Manila. For Cebu travelers, one can take Cathay Pacific from Cebu, then connect with Kenya Air in Hong Kong.

America is always a consideration for a long vacation because we are so familiar with the places there – Disneyland in Los Angeles, Universal Studios, Disney World in Orlando, Epcott Center, the Rockies, Yosemite, water parks and theme parks in almost every state. The US dollar is also considerably lower than the euro. Add to that the presence of close friends and relatives who are willing to put you up at their homes. With little ones, however, it is best to stay in budget hotels or family style motels that dot the American landscape.

For those with a set yet comfortable budget – or those whose schedules don’t permit a long vacay – Universal Studios in Sentosa Island (Singapore) and Disneyland in Hong Kong can be good alternatives for your family vacation. There is a slim volume by Cindy Miller Stephens on “Hong Kong for Kids: A Parent’s Guide.” It is supposed to offer more than 70 suggestions for a fun weekend for kids in Hong Kong. (http://blog.hongkongforkids.net) Sentosa Island, on the other hand, offers adventure for the older children, like learn how to windsurf at the Wave House and numerous other invigorating activities like bungee jumping and zip line from the top of Imbiah Hill down to Seloso Beach (about 34 storeys high!).

And for those with a tight budget, head to Moalboal (southern Cebu) for some fine diving at still affordable prices, including family style accommodations. Or, maybe, some Mactan’s public beaches can still be cheap enough for a big family to enjoy a day-long splurge in the sea.

One thing to consider: the enjoyment barometer of the little ones. For as long as they have oodles of fun, then your vacation is a success! Enjoy summer with your children!

Have a fun-filled summer!