Macaroni Kid loves Atlantis!  And with their new kids club opening in time for the holidays, Atlantis aims to keep its crown as an ultimate family travel destination, adding a dedicated kids club to its many pools, gorgeous beach, super fun water slides and amazing dolphin encounter.  We will be reviewing the sparkling new Atlantis Kids Adventure club later this winter, but you can get there before we do with a last minute 4-night visit up until 12/23 starting as low as $727 and including special “kids eat free ...

This is not the Club Med of the 70s.  This is Club Med family-style.  The all-inclusive that first mastered the all-inclusive concept, Club Med has several resorts that are dedicated to families.  And they have some rockin’ deals for the holidays.  Among other great last minute deals is a 3-night visit to Sandpiper in Florida (not their most elegant Club, but all about families and easy to get to) for $349/adult and $180/child, which includes all meals, activities, kids clubs, etc.  If you feel a bit more adventurous ...

Located just outside of Austin Texas, Horseshoe Bay Resort is all dressed up for the holidays and is inviting your family!  We especially love their Watch the Ball Drop and Take the Elevator Home New Year’s Celebration.  Room rates start at $99/night and there are countless activities and events planned for the entire family including New Year’s Eve celebrations for moms, dads, kids and teens with great activities continuing January 1st and 2nd.  www.hsbresort.com and click on Packages.

Macaroni Kid knows that spontaneity and family travel don't often go hand-in-hand.  Family trips should be booked long in advance.  Matching kids bathing suits ordered from J.Crew.  Books and DVDs for the flight carefully selected.  Lists made and checked twice.
 
But wait.  Sometimes, you just have to let a little spontaneity back in your life.  And great last minute holiday travel opportunities might just make this year the year.  Add in some flexibility as far as dates for these offers and you can spend the holidays with family ...

The recently renovated Roosevelt New Orleans' holiday decorations are an attraction to all who visit New Orleans during the holiday season and the Waldorf Wonderland Lobby offers the perfect backdrop for holiday family photos.  Our favorite is the "Teddy Bear Tea," a special tea party featuring a holiday menu catering to little ones and adults with teddy bears for each child, storytellers, trumpeters and time with Santa Claus, his elves and Mrs. Claus.  Special “Papa Noel” rates through Dec. 29, 2009 start at $139 for a deluxe guest room and ...

How would you like to find a 2-night cruise to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral, Florida in your stocking?  This one leaves on Boxing Day, December 26, with a starting price of $140!  Or 4 nights out of Florida, cruising through the Western Caribbean starting $229?  Not long enough? Okay, 6-nights for under $600.  Seriously, this might be the year to cruise.  Check out www.royalcaribbean.com and click on Hot Deals.

Photo: Copyright, Royal Caribbean.  All Rights Reserved

Those of you who know us know that we love the Canyons.  What the Resort lacks in on-mountain amenities, it makes up for with huge open terrain, limited crowds, excellent daycare for the little ones and a deeply committed ski-school team.  Right now, there is availability from December 26 through the end of the kids' school holiday starting at $460/night per room, with walk to lift accommodations, two lift tickets daily and an amazing buffet breakfast.  www.thecanyons.com and click on Ski, Stay and Play Package.

We totally want to go here.   The Resort at Paws Up is offering an amazing Christmas family escape that seems to have everything a family needs to make the holidays magical, from your own tree, complete with all the trimmings, to your very own Santa Claus.  This all-inclusive holiday special package includes way too many activities and amenities to even begin to list here, but it is sure to be a memorable holiday spent in a winter wonderland.  All inclusive rate starts at $5,032.25 for a family of ...