Travel Tips — The Vacation Gals

Best Summer Travel Destinations

April 30, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

The best summer travel destinations offer great outdoor activities and a break from the everyday. Summer is the peak travel season for most of us. Whether a late summer holiday in the UK, a wild trip to Vegas, or a romantic exploration of Tuscany, the truly best summer vacation is whichever one is right for you. Everyone has their own top places to go. The Vacation Gals asked some of the top travel experts about their favorite places to go in the summer. Their added insight adds a level of personal expertise to their picks.

British Columbia - Jessica Spiegel mans the Italy ship at BootsnAll, but especially recommends British Columbia for non-US summer travel destinations. Much of Canada is often cold for a fun winter vacation, but perfect in the summer weather-wise. Jessica told us, “British Columbia was all over the news leading up to the most recent Olympics, and I think it’s an excellent summer travel destination. The province beefed up its tourist information offices and literature, the roads are in great shape and (in some places) almost entirely empty, and the scenery is breath-taking. I was particularly enchanted by the islands off the northern coast of British Columbia, the Haida Gwaii. There’s a stillness on those islands you can almost taste, some ancient native totems slowly being reclaimed by the earth, and an interesting collection of people who call the islands home. Even if you don’t make it all the way up to Haida Gwaii, however, a drive into the northern reaches of British Columbia is something I’d highly recommend for any summer vacation.”

France – Amie O’Shaughnessy, who owns and operates CiaoBambino, loves France in the summer. From a cosmopolitan romantic trip to Paris, to the countryside charm of Provence and seaside ambiance of Cote d’Azur, it’s easy to daydream about a luxury vacation in France. Amie says, “We have a wonderful new hotel in our France family hotel portfolio, a 500-year-old property called Chateau de Saint Paterne. The family I interviewed about their stay raved about gorgeous grounds, exceptional food, and best of all, hosts that go out of their way to create a kid-friendly atmosphere. Located in the Normandy region, the surrounding area is filled with extraordinary attractions from Mont Saint-Michel to the D-Day Beaches to picturesque rural villages to grand chateaus in the adjacent Loire Valley.”

Ireland - Michelle Duffy knows a thing or two about Ireland, having grown up there. Wandermom considers Ireland a best summer family travel destination, as children are warmly welcomed everywhere (including the famous pubs, but only until 6:00 PM). There are family rates for most activities and accommodations: “For example, on our recent visit to Ireland, we spent a morning at the World Heritage Site at Newgrange in Co. Meath. The entrance fee for a family was 15 Euros “for two adults and a reasonable number of children”. The Celtic Tiger may have turned tail with the recent economic downtown, but the imprint of the boom years is visible in better roads all around the country making it significantly easier to explore the length and breath of the island in one trip. From the Giant’s Causeway in Co. Antrim to the beautiful glens of Wicklow and west to the remoteness of the Aran Islands, you will find Cead Mile Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes) waiting for you and your family in Ireland.”

Italy – Travel editor and writer Mary Jo Manzanares can’t get enough of Italy. She told The Vacation Gals, “Whether you choose to go to historical and fashionable Rome, the mega-fashion city of Milan, the art city of Florence, the ruins of Pompeii, or wander the hill towns, there is so much to experience. The corner cafe offers fantastic pasta, red table wine that is superb, and there’s a gelato stand everywhere you turn. You can have a slow paced rural vacation or experience the fast pace of major city. It’s all there. Except for the ridiculously priced air fares to Europe and the dollar to Euro valuation, it’s perfect!”

Ontario - Kim Mance, host of the popular GoGalavanting travel web series, chooses Ontario for a vacation that’s not in the US, but easy to get to. She says, “One of my favorites is Ontario Cottage Country. It’s drivable from states that border on Canada, or flights to Ottowa or Toronto will put travelers within striking distance. Many reasonably-priced lakeside getaway cottages can be found online nowadays. And it’s a roadtrip Mecca — stop along the way at one of the the blueberry pie stands, then visit local artists while passing through tiny towns that pop up between picturesque farms. Nearby Algonquin National Park also offers great remote canoe trips and wilderness experiences.”

Scotland - Andrew Hayes is a prominent travel writer and industry expert. He wisely points out that there are some excellent travel bargains to be had for the budget summer travel planner, and encourages tourists to get off the beaten track. “Given the economic downturn and ash related mayhem, the UK is going to be ripe for bargain shopping this summer – there were good deals to be had before everyone got stranded, and don’t let the volcano scare you away – there are far worse places to be stuck.” He continues, “Instead of spending your time on the popular choice of Edinburgh, why not rent a car and head into the Scottish Highlands? For those wanting solitude, head for Campbeltown. It’s in Scotland, but in many ways it is as far away from anything else as you can get.”

Spain – Jamie Pearson, publisher of TravelSavvyMom, points out that Andalusia, Spain, is a best destination for summer family travel. She says, “One of my best summer trips ever was a family vacation to Andalusia, Spain. We spent our mornings exploring Seville’s narrow, winding cobbled streets, gawking at the Alhambra, and touring the Bullfighting Museum in Ronda. Then when it became too hot to breathe, we lazed around the pool eating ice cream. Sadly siestas were not in the cards, but we tried. Other highlights included a lazy beach day at Conil (the Atlantic beaches are far better than the Mediterranean), the dancing horses show at the Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera, and the Mezquita in Cordoba (where we were astonished to find the grave of Christoper Columbus. Yes, that Christopher Columbus). It was a great family trip and you can easily see all the area highlights (and relax a little!) in two weeks.

United States - The Vacation Gals love to travel in our home country. In the US, Orlando and Las Vegas are among the top US summer travel destinations. Orlando likely gets more family travelers, what with Disney World, Universal Studios, and other theme parks all in close vicinity. Las Vegas, on the other hand, mostly appeals to single adults and couples taking a vacation without children. Hopefully, anyway; I’ve seen kids there, mouths hanging open in disbelief at the naughty sights, next to their parents walking the Strip at night, oblivious. New York City, Seattle, and San Diego are also some of the most popular summer travel destinations. This makes sense, as all offer many fun activities for family travel, romantic weekend, girlfriend getaways, and all other sorts of travel.

It’s a wonderful world, with countless wonderful places to go and explore. Whether you prefer to soak up the history and culture of a travel destination, or just soak up the sun, The Vacation Gals hope this year’s summer vacation is the best one yet.

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel Tips | 7 comments

Universal Studios Orlando VIP Vacation Packages

April 16, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida are two of the most popular theme parks in the theme park capital of the world. Discount tickets can be found online, but these are often harder to come by during the peak travel seasons. Universal Orlando VIP vacation packages, while not befitting a cheap Orlando family vacation, are a great way to help the vacation be a lot more fun.

A theme park vacation in Orlando over Spring Break – sounds like a headache for the parents, doesn’t it? When kids are out of school, the lines at Disney World and Universal Studios are, reliably, nightmarishly long. However, under most circumstances, it’s exactly school vacations that allow family travel to happen. The driving from hotel to theme park, the standing on line for over an hour for a 5 minute ride, the Florida heat and crowds; these are all aspects of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando that I was NOT looking forward to, unless “…with dread” counts. Fortunately, we were able to reduce that travel headache a thousandfold with a family VIP Pass as part of our Universal Studios vacation package. A VIP Pass does more than let your family cut in front of the lines at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure: A personal tour guide is yours for the day: He or she lets you in the back doors of the rides and attractions, regales children with fun stories and trivia about the theme park, and holds your stuff while you bliss out with the special treatment. The Universal Studios VIP Pass package is not cheap, but for people who cannot abide spending 75% of their theme park day standing on line, it’s worth every penny.

Disney World has its FastPass Program, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have Express Pass Plus tickets. Both allow theme park guests to cut their waits for rides to maybe 10 to 15 minutes. For a family vacation in Orlando with less stress and annoyance of those long lines, both are heartily recommended. The Universal Studios VIP Pass vacation package takes it one step further, to a complete avoidance of lines, plus a backstage look at some aspects of the the parks. Our guide, Robert, told us about his favorite restaurants, and we were happy to ask him to join us for lunch.

Another aspect I enjoyed at Universal Studios Orlando was staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel there. The harbor boats take guests (for free) to the Universal Studios theme park and CityWalk. By the way, the room key cards at the Universal Orlando Loews hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) all work as Express Pass Plus tickets. They even serve as charge cards, so visitors to the theme park can charge souvenirs and meals to their rooms back at Loews hotel. If we were to spend another theme park family vacation in Orlando, I can’t imagine doing it any other way.

Posted in: Destinations, Family Travel, Travel Tips | 3 comments

Santa Monica Pier’s Amusement Park Package: Family Fun in Los Angeles

April 15, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

The Santa Monica Pier is one of the best Los Angeles spots for an easy family day trip. Every summer, lots of families take their vacations in Los Angeles. Now, there are plenty of fun, cheap and free things to do in Los Angeles, California. Disneyland, Universal Studios, some terrific cultural experiences and hands-on museums all make Los Angeles a great place for family travel. But theme parks can be pricey; as much as children love them, a theme park vacation can really bust our travel budgets. The Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park is an old fashioned amusement park, with some rides, games, and the standard cotton candy/hot dog carnival type amusement park fare. My kids love it, and for a family looking to save money on a Los Angeles vacation, it’s a cheap option compared to the big theme parks.

Pacific Park, the family amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier, has 12 amusement rides (roller coasters and such), 21 games, and a separate area for younger children. My kids especially love the “Sea Dragon” ride which swings back and forth like a pendulum. Admission is free, and parents can decide whether to pay for each ride or buy wristbands. While Pacific Park is open from 11:00AM to 11:00PM (12:30PM on weekends), I’d recommend that families leave before it gets too late; a rowdier crowd frequents the Santa Monica Pier at night, particularly during the summer travel season.

For amusement park loving families that live in Southern California, the new “Inkie’s VIP Pass” package can save even more money. The amusement park package provides unlimited rides throughout the year – valid an a renewable, yearly basis – and can be bought online. Inkie’s VIP Pass package, just introduced this year, includes:

Unlimited rides wristband with no black out days
Two free “Family or Friend” wristband vouchers
$20 in game vouchers for any of the midway games
Four meal vouchers for Pacific Park’s newly cleaned up oceanfront food plaza
20% off any other meals at the food plaza (there are some “real food” options here)
Two additional free ride tickets at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel
20% off any merchandise bought at the Pier Gear store
15% off a birthday party package at Pacific Park

The VIP Pass at California’s only family amusement park on a pier is currently $125 for children ages 7 and under, or $175 for older kids and adults. While a family vacationing in Los Angeles from out of state should buy the one-day wristbands, those of us who live closer to the Santa Monica Pier year round can save a lot of money on this incredibly popular kids’ activity. I recommend it!

Posted in: Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Travel Tips | no comments

Travel Tips for the Smart Traveler

April 7, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

The best travel tips help everyone travel smarter. Some vacations are perfect from start to finish, but more often than not, at least one thing goes wrong. Because part of the fun of travel is often its unpredictability (for those of us that like serendipity, anyway), cutting down on big deal problems help ensure that the problems that do arise are small, and easily remedied. Consumer Reports’ ShopSmart (April/May) offers expert travel tips; these are The Vacation Gals’ favorites. All opinions herein are our own.

Best Luggage Tip:

There’s been a bit of an uproar; this week, Spirit Airways announced plans to start charging for carry-on luggage. Now, when US Airways charged for water, the resulting outrage quickly saw the airline put an end to this egregious policy — perhaps the same will ensue with Spirit. Nevertheless, it’s still a great idea to avoid checked bags. Carry-on bags can’t get lost or waylaid, and remain safe from unscrupulous baggage handlers. Some best carry-on luggage tips can be found on OneBag.com and travel blog posts such as this one!

Best Air Travel Tips:

Fly nonstop whenever possible. If you can’t, at least try to avoid the airports with the worst delays. A few especially problematic airports are Dallas, Miami, and Newark (NJ). Smart air travelers should use flightstats.com to research reliable airlines, and bts.gov for airport stats. The more we know, the better armed we are for wise flight decisions.

Choose an airline that has multiple flights to your destination each day. This way, should some unpreventable error occur with your particular flight, it will be easier to change flights and get to your vacation destination relatively unscathed. Switching airlines is much harder than switching flights, although neither are desirable!

Try to take the earliest flight of the day. Problems and delays have a domino effect, and a slight delay in takeoff for one plane affects the next, and the delays can get worse and worse throughout the day should new issues arrive on top of the old ones from previous flights. Similarly, do you best to avoid the last flight of the day, as a mechanical issue on that plane could leave you in the airport overnight.

Best Rental Car Tips:

Check the rental car before you leave the lot. Sometimes the company’s employees miss scratches or dents, and it would be a real bummer to get charged for someone else’s driving mistake. Also, check the tire pressure. It’s less safe to drive a car with tires low on air.

It’s probably best to waive the extra coverage. Consumer Reports has been preaching about declining the car rental’s on-site coverage for years. Before you decline that waiver, though, check with your credit card company, or your insurance agent, to see exactly what accident coverage you already have.

Best Hotel Tip:

Don’t fall for that gorgeous full-page ad in that magazine in your dentist’s waiting room. Before you make reservations at a hotel, do some online research. A lot can be learned from reviews written on trustworthy travel blogs, travel aggregators, and major review sites like TripAdvisor. Also, a few minutes of your time could save you a bundle; those rack rates listed by hotel reservations desks can often be beat by even the hotel’s own website.

The best travel tips help all of us have better vacation experiences. This short list of seven suggestions is, obviously, not all-encompassing. We’d love to hear your favorite travel tips as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a smart traveler?

Posted in: Budget Travel, Travel Tips | 6 comments

Travel Tips from a Road Warrior

April 5, 2010 | Author: SpunkyGal

As a professional speaker and author, I log a lot of road miles. I try to avoid hotel stays whenever possible, though. This means I regularly spend as much as ten hours a day behind the wheel.

Often when we are taking short trips, we don’t think about essentials for the journey. Whether we are a thousand miles from home or only a hundred, we should always carry a few key items in our vehicle. Here are some travel tips:

Bottled water. It’s easy to grow dehydrated on road trips, even in the winter. Water can also be used for emergencies or an overheated radiator.

Caffeine or energy drinks. Driving is very tiring. We may be sleepy in the morning or weary in the evening. Even the afternoon sun beating on our vehicle can induce fatigue.

Cash and credit cards. Cash spends everywhere and is suitable for small purchases. Credit cards are safer than a debit card and necessary for emergencies.

Extra jacket and blanket. The weather is often unpredictable! Sometimes car engines are unreliable as well.

Cell phone and phone numbers. Most people don’t forget their cell phone, but we should bring the number of our destination(s), too. If we are running late, someone needs to be informed.

GPS and map. Many cars now come with a GPS, but they are not always 100% reliable. Travel with a road map or printout from MapQuest.

Simple and healthy snacks. Food bars, apples, carrots, etc. are healthier and easier on our digestive systems than fast food and far easier to eat on the road. Accidents and delays could also force us to miss a meal if we’re not prepared.

First aid kit, air compressor, and rags. For minor accidents, flat tires, and foggy windows.

Bath items. Road conditions could force us to stop for the night. Moreover, it’s nice to freshen before our arrival!

Other considerations include the state of your vehicle. Being stranded is the worst feeling in the world! We need to consider the last time we had the oil, battery, and washer fluid checked and if possible, fill our car with enough gas for a round trip.

All of these things will ensure a much more pleasant experience on the road, even if the weather and other vehicles don’t cooperate.

Which leads me to one final travel tip – never use washer fluid with your windows down! (Unless you really need a bath.)

Find SpunkyGal L. Diane Wolfe, a professional speaker & author, at Spunk on a Stick, The Circle of Friends and The Circle of Friends Books.

Posted in: Travel Tips | 15 comments

Free New York City Magic Shows for Fun Family Vacations

April 2, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

A family vacation in New York City sounds like an expensive trip, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of NYC activities and sights that children will love, and to budget a fun child-friendly trip to the city, parents should also consider looking into the many free or cheap magic shows. After all, kids love shows! I spoke with Brian McGovern, a New York City magician who goes by the name Hijinx who really knows the tricks of the trade (sorry ’bout that one). He agrees that New York City is one of the best US destinations for a cultural, fun family vacation, and gave the magical advice below.

Cheap Tricks: How to Catch a Magic Show in New York City for Free

New York City has been the home of many famous magicians, from Houdini to David Copperfield. While catching a show on Broadway is fun it can also be pretty expensive. Here’s how you can get front row seats to live magic shows in the city for free. There are several legendary magic shops in NYC. On any given day stage illusionists like David Blaine, Criss Angel, Penn and Teller and David Copperfield can be found rubbing elbows with dozens of amateur magicians at any one of these shops. They’re there to shop for new tricks and illusions, and are usually happy to pose for a photograph and do a trick or two.

Besides the occasional New York City celebrity drop-in, you can count on seeing a first-class magic show any day behind the magic counter. The magician behind the counter is known as a demonstrator whose job is to sell magic tricks. While these shops exist to sell merchandise, they love when non-magicians drop by just for fun (just don’t stay all day if you’re not going to make a purchase). You don’t need a reservation. Just drop by during normal business hours. Now, please be sure to turn off your cell phone and supervise your children. A trip to this kind of shop is not recommended for children under the age of six.

Magic Shop Shows in New York City

Tannen’s Magic Shop on 34th near Broadway is the oldest shop of its type in Manhattan. While the store’s décor lacks charm, it’s the first stop for any visiting magician. Fantasma, just a few blocks away on 7th Avenue and West 33rd is a great place to take kids. It’s part magic shop, part toy company and very kid friendly. Check out the Houdini memorabilia, magical bunnies and doves. When you step into the showroom on the second floor, prepare to be amazed. Rogue’s Magic Shop is located in Elmhurst, Queens and full of fun. It sells tricks as well as practical jokes and gag gifts. Rogue is jammed wall to wall with amazing merchandise and it’s always buzzing with young magicians. You can catch magic for free any day (except Wednesday), or attend a full evening Saturday night show for just ten bucks.

Hungry for magic?

A little known secret is that world-famous magicians have been gathering for a group lunch on Fridays for over 68 years. If you have a serious interest in magic drop by the Café Edison on 47th and Broadway and ask for the magician’s table. You’re in for an amazing lunch. No little kids please!

Street Magic

During the summer head on down to the South Street Seaport in the late afternoon to catch magicians, jugglers and other variety acts working the area. Uptown tourists can catch some world-class conjuring in Central Park — especially near the Children’s Zoo at 64th Street or the Alice in Wonderland statue by 74th. While the acts are free, donations are always welcome.

While it may be true that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, these creative ways to see a free magic show in New York City will stretch your travel dollars, and entertain your children.

Posted in: Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Travel Tips | 4 comments

Budget Tips for a Cheap Vacation in Paris

April 1, 2010 | Author: ParisGal

Ahhh Paris, city of light – it’s so romantic, so beautiful, so chic, so…expensive. Is a cheap Paris vacation even possible? Money’s tight for a lot of people right now, and ‘Old World’ tourist destinations can be notoriously pricey – but does that mean we must give up our long-awaited vacations? Of course not! Just get a little crafty, as there are plenty of ways to cut the cost of a vacation without feeling the pinch. Below are some of my Paris local’s tips for getting more with less.

Lodging in Paris, France

Youth hostels are a great way of saving money on accommodation and are also an easy way of meeting people if you’re traveling alone. Check the hostel policies carefully for annoying things like age limits or a curfew. Hostels don’t have to be Spartan, I recommend Village Hostel in Montmartre. Okay, it’s not a luxury hotel in Paris, but it’s clean, friendly and comfortable.

It’s also possible to rent a room in an apartment, rather than book a hotel. It often works out cheaper, under 150 Euro, and is comparatively larger than what you’d get for the same price in a hotel. More space for less money! What’s not to love? It also means you can self-cater and save a little that way, just frequent a local shop for the ingredients of a cheaper, simple lunch: the French trinity of bread, wine an cheese. Two top websites for finding Paris apartments are Rentals in Paris and Paris Apartments.

Eating in Paris, France

Restaurants must be chosen carefully- everyone wants to eat well on holiday, and you’re often more likely to if you travel off the beaten tourist path. Instead of expensive restaurants, try out a neighborhood bistro and go for the formule (the set menu is a cheaper option). It’s the best value for money around- 3 delicious courses for dinner, often under 30 euro. Sometimes they’ll even throw in a glass of wine too. Can’t say fairer than that. If you are desperate to test one fancy ‘name’ restaurant in particular, be smart and check it out at lunchtime-it’s a well known secret that prices double for dinner.

Oh, and it may be stating the obvious, but never breakfast at the hotel. You’ll get the same (coffee and a croissant, the French breakfast) for a third of the price at a neighborhood café or boulangerie (bakery) where a butter croissant will be 0.90 centimes, max.

If you just want a light, quick snack for lunch, head to L’As du Falafel on rue de Rosiers in the Marais. So it’s not traditional French cuisine, but it’s the best falafel outside the Mediterranean (and I’ve lived in Turkey).

Getting Around Paris, France

Avoid cabs. Central Paris is very compact, so it’s often possible to walk between sites, and cabs are very expensive in this city. Take the Metro if really pressed for time; a carnet of 10 tickets will set you back just over 11 euros.

When going shopping be sure to take your passport along for the trip. If you do spend more than 175 Euro in one place, ask the assistant to fill out the détaxe refund form, which entitles the customer to the entire VAT (value added tax) back. This can be a significant discount*. Don’t forget to go to the DÉTAXE (tax back) desk at the airport to hand in the form, before checking in. They will sometimes ask to see the goods.

Do a little research on the museums or galleries on your itinerary before you get there. Many places in Paris have certain days or times for free entry-perhaps the most useful one to know is that the Louvre is free the first Sunday of every month! Ask also about discounts, many places have senior citizen discount, under 25’s (you don’t even need to be a student), and a teacher discount.

ParisGal Amy Barnard is a writer passionate about dance forms, theatre, gig attendance and travel. A former resident of Istanbul, she currently resides in Paris, where it’s her job to profile the insider secrets of the city. She is a staff writer for www.girlsguidetoparis.com an online travel guide to Paris. Her work has also appeared in Blackbook, Suite101.com and Divine Caroline.

*around 15% at time of writing

Posted in: Budget Travel, Destinations, Travel Tips | 4 comments

Budget Family Vacation Tips From an Expert

March 29, 2010 | Author: SoCalGal

Wondering how to budget a family vacation? Playoutdoors is a useful site for parents who want to buy quality outdoor gear and clothing for their traveling kids. I admire the site’s ethos of getting our children outdoors and active; the best family vacations The Vacation Gals have involve a lot of outdoor adventure. The site also contains great information from parenting experts regarding how outdoor time and travel can create family bonding experiences, and tips regarding fitting travel into any family budget. Playoutdoors founder and budget travel expert Sarah Laufer sat for an interview.

1. What led you to start up PlayOutdoors.com?

I was really inspired by Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods where he coined the phrase Nature Deficit Disorder, and wanted to build a company around getting kids outdoors! I am lucky to live in Bend, Oregon and we want to share our lifestyle with the rest of the world, encouraging parents and families to spend more time outside because there’s just no substitute for fresh air.

2. Parents worry about expenses when budgeting a vacation for their families. What are the benefits of PlayOutdoors for the budget-minded family?

Because our focus is on the outdoors we are really offering ideas for an alternative to the resort/Disney style vacation. Camping and visiting state and US National Parks are just some of the ways to save money and still make awesome memories — which is really what family vacations are all about.

3. Was there one special trip you took with your family that you’d recommend to others?

We’re in the habit, in general, of joining up with another family or families and renting houses in different destinations. We did that last year on the in Cannon Beach at the Oregon coast. We stayed in a beautiful house beach front home that was half the cost of a week at a hotel, we had a kitchen so meals were cheap and easy, and the kids had friends to play with so it was easier on the adults too. Because we went with another family we got to split the cost of the house and groceries, and even traded an evening of babysitting so the other couple could go out! All in all, it was a week’s vacation at the beach for a family of four for a little less than $4,000.

4. What are a few of the most important tips you’d like to share regarding keeping a family vacation budget-friendly?

A) Try to avoid flying if you can, airline tickets can add up especially if you no longer have a lap infant. When you do decide to fly somewhere make sure you are spending the money on someplace you have been wanting to go for
awhile and stay for awhile.

B) If you’re staying in a hotel, try to stay someplace like an Embassy Suites or Marriott Residence Inn where you have a small kitchen. The rooms are bigger for a family, which means more privacy and you can hit the local grocery store and save money on eating out. I always like to make sure I have breakfast stuff and sandwich fixins’, then we splurge on someplace fun for dinner.

C) Keep the extraneous spending to a minimum. Do your research and try to find out where the locals go to eat. Usually these places are cheaper and better than the tourist traps. Also, explain to the kids that souvenirs are the pictures you take and the memories you makes not t-shirts, shot glasses or other knick-knacks. That stuff is just fluff and in reality, are forgotten about months later.

5. How do you recommend parents balance the travel needs of their differently aged children and themselves?

Really, just be realistic. If you have preschool age kids that still take naps, mom or dad can use that time to take turns exercising, shopping, or going to the spa. If you have older kids and younger kids, lets the kids each take turns deciding on the activity for the afternoon. Everyone gets to feel like they have a say and everyone is hopefully still spending time together. Outdoor activities are usually the best option for everyone, so go someplace beautiful, put on your walking shoes and get some exercise.

I think overall the key is finding balance, being open and listening to your kids, teaching them about compromise (because we all do it), planning and research. It may seem like a lot of work up front, but really it’s fun to plan your trip, and all in all its less stressful when you are trying to figure out what to do once you get there. But don’t forget to work in some free time for just hanging out reading a book, or a night in watching a movie. Just because you’re planning, it does not mean you have to fill every hour of every day you’re away.

Posted in: Budget Travel, Family Travel, Interviews, Travel Tips | 6 comments

Learn to Fly with Let’s Go Flying!

March 23, 2010 | Author: TwinCitiesGal

Aviation has always been in my blood, and while I have flown on my share of aircraft, I have never sat behind the controls. That is, until this past weekend when I had the opportunity experience a discovery flight hosted by the Let’s Go Flying! program which was launched by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the world’s largest pilot organization. The purpose of the program is to show the public how simple and affordable it is to learn to fly and obtain a pilot’s license. These introductory lessons are currently being offered for around $99 (depending up the flight school).

My lesson was through Twin Cities Flight Training at St. Paul Downtown Airport and my instructor was Torben Kiese, an experienced airline pilot. He explained that flying is like driving a car. It ends up, he’s right. The terminology is a bit more extensive, but once you understand the various controls and a few key words, like flaps, elevator, rudder and altimeter, you’re well on your way.

Our plane for the day was a Cessna 172. My instructor included me in the “walk around” of our plane, which means you’re visually looking at the aircraft for any problems or discrepancies. After we confirmed the plane looked safe to fly it was pulled out of the hangar and we hopped on, secured our seat belts and completed the pre-flight checklist. After that was complete, it was time to roll.

Believe it or not, my first time behind the controls I had the chance to talk to the tower and clear us for take-off. Then I did the most thrilling thing I think I’ve ever done in my life: I taxied and flew the plane. Yes, I flew the airplane the entire flight, except for the occasional moments when Torben demonstrated something and during landing when the crosswinds picked up. I felt totally comfortable knowing their was a professional at my side. After all, flying is second nature to pilots.

For me, the most challenging part of the experience was on the ground, taxiing the plane. Planes are “driven” on the runway with foot pedals and the goal is to keep the plane on the center line. Though I knew this, it’s instinct to want to use the yoke to steer, which Torben said is very common. Once in the air, my instructor pointed out which controls we should be reading and if we were getting too high (there are altitude restrictions when flying near a major airport).

It was a gorgeous, clear day and we were able to see Minneapolis and St. Paul, and during our flight we flew into Wisconsin and up and down the St. Croix River and Torben pointed out fun landmarks, including the high school he went to. The landscape photo is of Stillwater, Minnesota. By the end, steering the plane and reading the controls began to feel natural. Torben said the flying process becomes intuitive, and that’s a great way to describe flying. I had no idea the process would be so simple; as soon as the lesson was over I was ready to fly again.

Here are some facts from Let’s Go Flying about earning and keeping your pilot’s license:

One can begin training at any age, but you must be 16 years old in order to fly solo and 17 years old to hold a Private Pilot certificate.

Most flight students can expect to spend between $7,000 and $10,000 to attain their Private Pilot certificate. It’s an investment in a lifetime of fun and opportunity.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires a minimum of 40 hours flying time, including at least 20 hours with an instructor and a minimum of 10 hours solo practice flying. However, students often fly 50-70 hours before being licensed.

A Private Pilot certificate is good for life; the pilot just has to pass an FAA-mandated biannual medical exam.

Once you earn your Private Pilot certificate, you don’t have to buy an airplane to fly. In fact, more than half of all pilots rent planes, for as little as $65 per hour including fuel. And you pay only for the time the engine is running.

Do you want to learn more? Spend some time on the Let’s Go Flying website. There is plenty of information for beginner pilots as well as for those thinking about learning to fly, including a database of over 3,500 flight schools nationwide.

Speaking from experience, if you’re interested in learning more about flight lessons, and earning your pilot’s license, or you know someone else who is, contact your local flight school and schedule your introductory flight. I am sure you will love it and want to go back for more. If you decide to pursue your license, your time will count toward your FAA required 40 hours. As Torben pointed out, there is no time limit to earning your license – so pace yourself or fly as often as you wish. Just do what’s right for you.

Posted in: Travel Tips | 8 comments

Travel to SE Utah Beyond Monument Valley

March 22, 2010 | Author: BoomerGal

On my first trip to Monument Valley, I stood at the parking lot’s edge, surrounded by a traveling busload of tourists and Native American vendors, craning my neck to catch a glimpse of the sunrise lighting up the famous rock formations. Later, my husband and I paid the $5 per person fee to drive the 17-mile dirt road that loops through Monument Valley, along with a long line of traffic. Some travel adventure! What happened to the remoteness of the desert landscape, so familiar from the cowboy westerns that baby boomers watched on television and at the movies?

Drive north of Monument Valley and you’ll discover the real West — wide-open spaces bordered by mountain ranges, strange rock formations, prehistoric ruins, petroglyphs, and the best part, no crowds. We make Bluff, about 40 miles north on Highway 191 from Monument Valley, our headquarters for exploring southeastern Utah, including the 5 US National Parks and Monuments that are within a day’s drive. But before you go traipsing off to Canyonlands National Park or Hovenweap National Monument, let me introduce you to the off-the-beaten path adventures that are closer-by.

Explore a mini-Monument Valley

At Valley of the Gods, about twenty minutes south of Bluff, a 17-mile dirt road winds through a valley studded with red sandstone buttes and monuments. The road is passable for passenger cars although 4-wheel-drive vehicles are preferable. Drive at your own pace, park the car and explore, or photograph to your heart’s content – without fees, vendors, tour buses or hordes of tourists. Although there are no official hiking trails, it’s safe to roam and explore. But you won’t find any artifacts, petroglyphs or ruins as this valley was, and still is, sacred to Native Americans. Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast sits at one end of the valley. Book a room in the 1930′s era ranch house to experience life off of the energy grid. I couldn’t believe the night view of the Milky Way as it smeared a bright path across the dark sky.

Discover Vistas with Quirky Names

While you’re in the Valley of the Gods area, stop at Goosenecks State Park. The paved road leads to an overlook of a deep canyon carved by the San Juan River, with a little help from nature’s erosive forces. Although the San Juan flows for five miles in the canyon, the many twists and turns result in only one mile of westward progress for the river.

Of course thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the chance to drive up Mokie Dugway. Close your eyes if you’re afraid of heights, I did. The one-way gravel road with pullouts climbs a 1200 ft. cliff onto Cedar Mesa. At the top, take the 5-mile spur road to Muley Point, which crosses through open range and ends at the mesa’s edge. Trails skirt the lip of the cliff with dynamite views of Monument Valley and Goosenecks. Photographers will want to stake out a position at sunrise or sunset for a photo that will wow the folks back home.

Look for Ancient Clues

For thousands of years, the Anasazi called this part of southeastern Utah home. A dry climate combined with the remoteness of the area has preserved many rock art paintings, petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. Finding them is part of the fun. Center your search on Comb Ridge. The 1,000 ft monocline, a large fold in the earth’s crust, extends for about 100 miles. Both Comb Ridge Road and Butler Wash Road provide primitive access to hiking trails on both the east and west side of the ridge, with numerous opportunities to view rock art panels and cliff dwellings. If you’re not comfortable exploring this rugged area on your own, Far Out Expeditions in Bluff offers guided hikes.

Do you want to know a travel adventure that’s on my list? Join Wild Rivers Expeditions, headquartered in Bluff, on a guided San Juan River rafting trip. Choose journeys ranging from one day to a multi-day vacation excursion. You’ll stay cool while exploring petroglyphs and Anasazi ruins.

Find Life’s Necessities

Lodging and dining options are scarce in remote southeastern Utah. And, camping is not an option for this baby boomer princess. In Bluff, Desert Rose Inn provides clean, well-appointed rooms. My husband and I turned a southeastern Utah adventure trip into a romantic anniversary celebration by booking a cabin. After walking to Cottonwood Steakhouse, where the food is cooked outside on a barbecue and the best table is reserved for locals, we returned to our cabin porch to watch a late sunset, with champagne, of course. Another dining option, Twin Rocks Cafe, serves surprisingly good food and is the only restaurant open year-round.

So, if you’re a boomer who craves off-the-beaten-path western travel experiences, drive beyond Monument Valley. Be brave, visit in winter, when hot air balloons color the sky at the Bluff Balloon Festival. Not a boomer? Adventures in southeastern Utah are waiting for families and gal pals, too.

BoomerGal Donna L. Hull specializes in writing travel and human interest content for online and print publications. Her popular blog, My Itchy Travel Feet, explores the world of active travel for baby boomers.

Posted in: Budget Travel, Destinations, Travel Tips | 8 comments

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