Seriously? Can this look any more wonderful? I don’t think so.

Whether you are taking a romantic sail beneath the moonlight, a solo trip around the world or an afternoon excursion with the entire family, it’s hard to beat a day of wind and water.

Not to be a downer, but there are some important things to keep in mind, especially if children are involved: Safety vests/approved flotation devices should be worn by kids at all times (and any adult that isn’t that strong of a swimmer), sunscreen saves skin and lives (plus it usually smells pretty good), know what you’re doing and where you are — this last one may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many three hour tours end badly. That said, sailing (and boating in general) is a great way to spend a family summer vacation. Have fun!

This post is part of our Friday Family Series.

Photo: crlbvi via Flickr

Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez, doing thier thing.

One day, about 5 years ago, my family and I took a vacation to Catalina Island just off of Los Angeles. It was a lot of fun and I’ve mentioned it numerous times over my years here at UpTake.

However, one thing that I’ve never gone into is how I was completely hosed on the dolphin experience that EVERYONE on the boat shared — except for me and my son. Turns out that his bladder also serves as an indicator to when something magical is going to happen, because he had to use the restroom, coming and going, just before pods of dolphins swam alongside our boat. Thousands of them, apparently. I hear it was fantastic.

Not that I’m bitter.

This post is part of our Friday Family Series.

Photo: lowjumpingfrog via Flickr

The weather is beautiful. Wish I was here.

The main difference between these people and the rest of us is that they are sipping Coronas on the beach in Cancun, Mexico and we are not.

Other than that it’s just a normal Wednesday for all of us.

That hardly seems fair.

Cancun beaches offer the best in family fun, romantic vacations, mancations, girls getaway or swingin’ singles (so I’ve heard). Many of the resorts in Cancun (and throughout the entire Mexican coast) have great all-inclusive deals that make a Mexican vacation much more affordable than you would think — unless you think it is free, then it would be more than you think.

Don’t think of this as today’s Wordless Wednesday post. Think of it as today’s Where I Need to Go post. And then open a Corona.

Photo by adpowers via Flickr.

Are you ready for some Pro Bowl?

This is big. Linebacker big. Here, try this on for size:

The HP Playmaker All Star Meet and Greet Sweepstakes

One lucky winner selected at random will get:
* Two (2) tickets to the 2010 Pro Bowl on January 31, 2010 at Dolphin Stadium in South Florida
* A brief meeting with a playmaker like Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis and/or New Orleans Saints Jonathan Vilma after Pro Bowl practice on January 29, 2010.
* Roundtrip air travel for the winner and guest to Miami, FL
* 5 days / 4 nights hotel stay in Miami, FL
* $500 gift card
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