Taking the Kids: Twenty-one ways to show your love on summer vacation!
8. Organize something on vacation that you think the dad in your life would love but would never arrange (read pay for himself) -- a massage, a golf or tennis lesson, maybe a cooking class.
9. Get a gift certificate for something he's never done -- an intro to scuba, if you are going to be in tropical climes or maybe a surfing lesson in Southern California or Hawaii? Dad probably would never sign up for a lesson but likely would really enjoy himself. (Tip: Paddle-boarding is really fun and not that tough to learn!) If dad has always wanted to learn to scuba dive, he could do the coursework online through PADI and then complete the certifying dives at a tropical resort.
10. Get a gift certificate to a local brewery, distillery or winery where you plan to vacation. (We're going to check out Scottish distilleries in a few weeks, for example.) I'm sure surprising dad on vacation by bringing along his favorite spirits would also be well-received or bring along something new, like Haig Club Scotch Whisky, which was developed in partnership with David Beckham and Simon Fuller.
11. Get tickets to a Major League baseball game in the city you're visiting, if dad or grandpa is a fan. Consider a Minor League game, too, if there is a team where you are vacationing. On Cape Cod, everyone turns out to watch the country's best college players compete at the Cape Cod Baseball League. (Here’s what I wrote about joining the fun.)
12. Get tickets for an outdoor concert you know dad would love.
13. Organize a guided hike where he doesn't have to lead the way. (If you happen to be in Aspen, check out the hikes offered by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.)
14. Arrange a free tour in English based on dad's interests in many cities around the world and in the United States through the volunteer Global Greeter Network. (Here’s what I wrote about our fun experience in Paris.)
15. Connect with a local guide through a company like Tours by Locals where you can tailor the experience, whether in a museum or a city neighborhood, to dad's interest. These tours are also popular with cruise passengers who prefer to opt out of large cruise excursions.
16. If you can afford it, spring for either a VIP tour or express passes that allow you to go to the front of the line at the theme park you plan to visit. Less stress for dad!
You can never go wrong with some travel clothes to suit where you are going:
...continued
(c) 2015 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
