FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
United

What’s the Best Kids Club? Ask a Kid!

by Carley Wade

Nov 15, 2017

© Dmitriy Shironosov | Dreamstime

Age Specific / Kids

Eight-year-old Aanya Chakravarthy has more passport stamps than most adults dream of in a lifetime. In her short lifespan, she’s lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and now Massachusetts, which she calls home with her parents, Pratap Chakravarthy and Priya Jagannathan. Someday soon Aanya would like to add a dog to the brood, but for now, their globetrotting would mean having to kennel the pup, so it’s a popular topic around the dinner table. Here’s what Aanya has to say about her adventures.

 

So what’s your favorite subject in school?

I like art, but I’ve been a bit upset because art is on Mondays and we’ve had a lot of Mondays off. You can win prizes for it, too!

 

Do you like seeing art around the world since it’s different in different places?

I think my favorite part is just hanging out and having fun, especially with my mom and dad. But sometimes, if we’re sightseeing, my feet get tired.

 

Then what advice would you have for other kids so that doesn’t happen to them?

Sometimes I bring my Ugg boots, sometimes sneakers, maybe once in a while sandals. If it’s fancy like a restaurant I can bring my sparkly shoes with flowers. It really depends what temperature it is.

 

What’s your favorite kind of temperature?

I love beach vacations! We used to go to Cancun every year, but last year we went to Thailand instead.

 

That’s a much longer flight!

My mom and dad did it so we could fly and stop and get a day of rest in between. So the first day we got there we got to relax. When we get in early or really late, we just like to hang out or walk around the hotel. This time we got club level and even if it’s closing you can ask for some of the leftovers. If you get club level, you can get stuff like that and just chill out.

 

Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico

Photo: Carolina K. Smith M.d. | Dreamstime

What are your favorite hotels for kids?

The Four Seasons in Firenze, Italy, The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun, Mexico, and the Four Seasons in Thailand. In Thailand, I got to have a massage on the beach, and there was a bowl of flowers beneath my face! In Thailand there’s a good kids club with yoga and a bunch of activities on different days, but in the yoga class, it was only me and one other kid.

 

Do you like making new friends on your travels?

I like to spend time in the kids clubs, but I like spending time with my mom and dad more. When I was 6, we went to Cancun, of course, and this girl who could only speak Spanish became my friend, but other kids could speak some English. In Mexico, Carla babysits me in the kids club there and, one time, I even got to choose which piñata we got to use. We watch movies there, too. But when I’m with parents, l like digging a hole on the beach and seeing the water fill in, and how the ocean takes the water back.

 

Do you like trying new foods when you’re on vacation?

One time we went to a Korean restaurant in New York and, some of the stuff, you smelled it and went, “ewwww.” They made me eat food I wouldn’t normally eat but in some ways it made me want to eat there if we ever go again — I may even do seven courses, and my mom and dad only did five. They had these dessert bananas that were actually milk chocolate, and my mom thought they were all candy fruit.

 

What’s been your biggest adventure so far?

I’ve been to India many times because my parents are from there, but that’s when I was younger. It’s quite different and it’s like, wow you have no idea when the power’s going to go out. I could be sitting in my grandparents’ house and the fans could be slowing down and speeding up, or the lights could be going on or off. My mom still cooks all Indian foods and some of my grandparents live here now and I go to eat over their house. They cook like vegetarians, though, so sometimes they let me go to Chick-Fil-A. That’s how I get my meat.

Hershey Park, Pa.

Photo: Angie Westre Wieand | Dreamstime

 

What’s your dream trip?

I want to go to Hershey Park. Or China. I want to see what they eat and drink. My dad used to go to China a lot for work and he’d bring me stuffed panda bears.

 

Is that your favorite animal?

I really want a doggie. Maybe a labradoodle. But if you have a dog you have to call a babysitter or something when you travel.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Destinations / Europe
Jun 17, 2025

3 Castles to Visit on an England Trip

Castles hold a romantic fascination for all of us, but especially for kids. You’ll want to include at least one during your family travels in England. Many of these are also among the best places to learn about England’s history and culture, with expertly curated exhibits and activities for young visitors.

Destinations / North America
Jun 17, 2025

Save Up to 30 Percent Off at Discovery Cove, Orlando, This Summer

Splash into summer with unbeatable savings at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. Family travelers can get up to 30 percent off 2025 reservations for any stay through Dec. 31. What can you expect at Discovery Cove?

Destinations / Europe
Jun 16, 2025

3 Underrated Greek Islands for an Uncrowded Summer Vacation

The Greek Islands have attracted visitors for as long as humans have been traveling, but, in recent years, they’ve gotten quite a bit of publicity for overcrowding. It’s understandable, with amazing culture, incredible cuisine and stunning landscapes at every turn, the islands’ popularity is well-deserved. But no one particularly enjoys not being able to enjoy a vacation because a destination is practically too crowded to move.

Destinations / North America
Jun 16, 2025

8 Scenic and Affordable U.S. Summer Vacation Spots for 2025

Budget-conscious family travelers need not sacrifice experience for affordability. These eight affordable destinations make for excellent family vacations, with options for all budgets.

Destinations / North America
Jun 16, 2025

Fort Mose Historic State Park, in St. Augustine, Florida, Opens New Replica Fort

In time for summer and the annual retelling of the Battle of Bloody Mose in St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Mose Historic State Park debuts a new replica fort for family travelers to immerse themselves in the historic settlement.

Hotels
Jun 13, 2025

Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Launches New Family-Friendly Experiences

This summer, Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, an all-inclusive beachfront resort in Los Cabos, debuts its new lineup of family-focused experiences, perfect for toddlers, teens, grandparents and parents alike. Highlights of the new programming include: