Family Travel

The weather has finally warmed up after a brutal cold snap, and I can’t help but look forward to spring. And with spring break quickly approaching, I know that plenty of vacationers will be making their way down to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Beach vacations are a popular choice for families looking for a spring break getaway, and make great first memories that the youngest family members will always remember. I can still recall being amazed by the blue water and the crashing waves the first time I saw the ocean. As an adult, I always enjoy seeing young children experiencing the beach for the first time. Their awe when they see the ocean for the first time and their excitement as they play in the sand is priceless.

Families can really enhance the vacation by participating in other activities like hiking, fishing, or visiting an amusement park for a day. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have lots of excursions to offer—just visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to start planning.

Standing on the white-sand beaches of the Alabama Gulf Coast can be an awe-inspiring experience. With the sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see, the call of the ocean becomes strong. Why not give into the sense of adventure and explore what the waters of the Gulf have to offer?

Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the open sea. Charter a boat for the day and take the family deep sea fishing; the various fish that live off the Gulf Coast make this excursion exciting and educational. Add to the fishing fun with some dolphin sightseeing.

For those who are really adventurous, parasailing might be the way to go. Discover the ocean from a bird’s eye view as you cruise through the air high above the water.

Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to explore the options for ocean adventure.

Did you know that New Orleans is not where Mardi Gras originated? Although the city and celebration are closely associated, Mardi Gras has its roots in Mobile, where it has been celebrated for more than 300 years.
Most people have a preconceived notion of what Mardi Gras in New Orleans is, or at least could be, like. Mobile's celebration is more laid-back, a family friendly affair that involves trinkets and Moon Pies.
From Mobile to the Alabama Gulf Coast, cities and towns plan their own ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday and the weeks leading up to it. From now until Feb. 24, there are numerous parade featuring the many krewes in the area and the elaborates floats and costumes they have come to be known for.
Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have parades planned for the big day. The benefit to choosing these celebrations over their big-city cousins is the small-town, family atmosphere to be found in each location. And with one parade in the morning and the other planned for the afternoon, you get twice the fun in a single trip!
Visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to find out about Mardi Gras events.

The holidays have passed, school is back in session and life is about to settle into familiar routine. The next big occasion for parents and children to anticipate is spring break.
So, when is the best time to start looking for – and booking – spring break trips?
NOW!
Why rush, you might wonder. It's pretty simple, really. Booking early gives you the chance to choose from the widest range of options. The selection is at its peak, and there are some super bargains out there for those savvy enough to find and secure them.
Even more important than price, at least for some families, is the first rule of real estate – and, apparently, vacations – location, location, location. By booking now, those with a preference for certain amenities have the luxury of being able to pick among locations.
Whether it's access to the beach, a pool, a destination, shopping, dining or other recreation opportunities, booking early means having the chance to get the most out of your spring break adventure.
If you are ready to answer the siren call of the Gulf of Mexico, visit www.thebeachiscalling.org to see what opportunities – and amenities – await!

You know how some other beach locales promote themselves as “gone-wild” destinations for spring break? Well, if it's a wild time you're looking for, the Alabama Gulf Coast has plenty to offer:
• The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo – In June, the zoo will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. It has gained national fame when Animal Planet filmed a documentary, “The Little Zoo That Could,” showcasing the staff and volunteers' efforts to evacuate the residents of the zoo as three separate hurricanes approached. The zoo is open 362 (or 363) days a year, frequently welcomes guest animals from other facilities and is home to more than 300 residents year-round.
• Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge -- The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is 7,000 acres of habitat for protect threatened and endangered species. It was established almost 30 years ago by Congress “to preserve the coastal dune ecosystem, to protect threatened and endangered species, to provide compatible recreational opportunities, and to serve as a living laboratory for students and scientists,” its Web site states.
• Dauphin Island – Steeped in history, Dauphin Island is pretty wild in itself. Once the cradle of French colonization in the New World, it was dealt a destructive blow by a hurricane in 1717. Now among its attractions is164 acres comprising the Aubodon Bird Sanctuaries. The island also is home to the Sea Lab Estuarium/ Public Aquarium
• Gulf State Park – Not many places can boast of having a fresh water lake so close to saltwater, but that's exactly what visitors will find among the 6,500 acres of Gulf State Park. And there are sure to be a few native – and very wild – specimen in there.