Santa Express
All aboard! The Grand Canyon Railway will once again run their Polar Express train through January 3 from Williams, AZ to the “North Pole”. The Polar Express is a holiday-themed excursion that follows the storyline of the children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburgh. The experience this year will begin with a new light show at the historic Williams Depot. The train travels through the starlit countryside to the North Pole and features a special reading of The Polar Express while passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers are welcomed by Santa Claus and Elf Bernard. Santa then boards the train for the return trip to Williams, making his way through the passenger car, greeting every child and presenting each one with a special gift. Grand Canyon Railway also offers an overnight package featuring a one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and breakfast and dinner at the Grand Canyon Depot.
Nashville by Disney
Starting in 2015, Adventures by Disney will add Nashville to its roster of Long Weekend Trips, a series of three-night getaways. 
Highlights of the Nashville Long Weekend itinerary include a private dinner and show at the Grand Ole Opry; recording a song at the RCA/Studio B; a backstage tour of Ryman Auditorium; dinner at the Bluebird Cafe; and a ghost tour, dinner and entertainment at the Hermitage, the former estate of Andrew Jackson. Departures are available from June 4 through October 8 with a stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Other Long Weekend trips in the US include Jackson Hole/Yellowstone, New York City and San Francisco.
The Gift of Travel
Give the gift of travel this winter. Enjoy the holiday season at the Salamander Resort & Spa 
in luxurious accommodations and receive a $100 gift card per room, per night! Gift cards are provided at the time of checkout which can be used towards your stay or to give to friends or family for the perfect holiday gift. This year-round and 340-acre property resides at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the outskirts of historic Middleburg, VA. It features 168 spacious guestrooms, a comprehensive equestrian program, spa, tennis, golf, hiking trails, gym, fitness classes, indoor and outdoor pools, zip line and hanging bridges, several dining options, cooking classes for adults and children, vineyard and more. A variety of family activities include geocaching, star gazing, night vision goggles, animal tracking, family games, etc. Unique to the property is equestrian yoga. A truly special experience that includes a sunrise yoga class held in the stables followed by a session of yoga poses done on horseback. Pets are also allowed and when the weather is just right, Yappy Hour (happy hour for dogs) will make all pet owners wish they had brought their furry friends.
Margaritaville Comes to Hollywood
Attention Parrotheads! Next summer Margaritaville Beach Resort will open in Hollywood Beach, Florida with tropically influenced rooms that overlook either the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway. The large pool area will offer watersports and activities including dueling FlowRiders—a simulated surfing experience, cabanas and poolside food trucks (love that!). And for parents looking for a relaxing escape, the 11th floor will offer License to Chill—an adults-only area—plus additional sneak-away spots where one can swing in a hammock. There will also be a kids’ club, family program, spa, gym and several live entertainment venues. For dining and drinking there will be seven bars and restaurants including an all-new Margaritaville-inspired fine dining venue. Other dining venues include LandShark Bar & Grill, License to Chill Rooftop Bar, Changes in Attitude Lone Palm Bar, 5 o’clock Somewhere Bar, and JWB Prime Steak & Seafood. Room rates will range from $198 to $350 depending on the room type.
Dora In Orlando
Dora the Explorer fans will love the Dora and Diego Adventure package at Nickelodeon Suites Resorts in Orlando. 
With a minimum two-night stay, your family will receive a treasure trove of Dora-themed gear including backpacks, a Diego Frisbee and Dora and Boots plush toys and more. Explorers age 5 and under also eat free at Nicktoons Cafe and The Buffet and receive complimentary tickets to Dora and Diego’s 4-D Adventure film. Two adults get free passes as well. Also the hotel’s $30 per night resort fee grants families entrance to live shows and a great water park plus transportation to nearby theme parks and parking. The package is available through December 20.
Learn to Ski at The Homestead
Looking for a family resort getaway that also includes skiing? The Omni Homestead in Hot Springs, VA is offering a Family Learn to Ski package from January 2-March 29. It includes lift tickets and skis each day and group lessons for ages 6 and up at the Sepp Kober Ski School. The resort showcases 45 acres of wide, well-maintained ski trails and their slopes are perfect for beginners and not-so-beginners. Snow tubing, ice skating or a guided snowmobile tour round out the winter activities. And at the end of the day, enjoy fireside s’mores at the firepit on the Casino Lawn. The resort also showcases a hot springs pool for year-round use, indoor pool, plenty of dining options, kids club, spa and several different accommodation options. This historic resort has welcomed guests, including 22 US Presidents, since the early 18th century!
Attention Aunts and Uncles
Are you a PANK or PUNK? Short form for “Professional Aunt (Uncle), No Kids,” the term applies to a wide audience across the board. Aunts, uncles, cousins, or moms’ best friend. Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, SC is offering a special package for you. Their three-night PANKS/PUNKS Beach Vacation Package for one adult and two children starts at $309 per night through December 31 and includes a two bedroom resort condo, two hour guided kayaking excursion through Morgan Creek to a small hammock island with a scenic swimming hole and a one hour narrated Historic Charleston Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour. Wild Dunes offers a large variety of amenities and recreation for all ages including great golf, tennis, beach, watersports, pools, children’s programs, spa, gym, bike rentals and more. The package rate is inclusive of taxes and fees and blackout dates may apply.
Holidays in Oregon
Santa Fe Treasure Hunt
Embark on an Indiana Jones style adventure with the Inn and Spa at Loretto’s Treasure Hunting Family Package. 
You’ll begin your journey at the historic inn, a property riddled with mystery and ancient folklore. Upon arrival you’ll receive a copy of the book The Thrill of the Chase by noted author and archeologist Forrest Fenn. The clues contained inside this legendary book lead to an actual treasure hidden within the Rocky Mountains. Spend the day following Forrest’s clues to see if you can unlock the secret location of this highly sought after treasure, valued at more than two million dollars. After your day of thrilling adventure, return to find a sweet reward waiting in your room. Your package includes accommodations for two nights, $50 per day food & beverage credit, book and Luminaria Restaurant’s signature chocolate treasure dessert at turndown. The package requires a two night stay and is available through December 31. It must be booked three days in advance of arrival and doesn’t include the hotel service fee.
California Dreamin’
The Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, CA is a fun and upscale year-round resort for families. Save up to $350 with their Splash and Stay 
package which includes a choice of accommodation options (rooms, suites and villas), breakfast for two at Bistro 65, dinner for two at Bistro or Diversions (upgrade to the BlueFire for additional $60), Kidtopia Kids Club including lunch or dinner for 3 hours (for up to 2 children), s’mores experience, splash landing pool kids welcome bags, self-parking, high speed internet, Athletic Club access, in-room coffee and daily newspaper upon request and the resort service charge. This legendary resort offers golf, tennis, spa, pools with waterslides, kids club, variety of family activities, gym with fitness classes (including a kids fitness boot camp), a new sport court, wellness lectures, falconry and more.
