Author Archives: Lansana Sylla

Flying With Kids Made Easy

There are some ideas that make you question their validity when suggested to you. As a matter of fact, I would not doubt if some readers of the travel blog question my credibility. That’s understandable. But what if I shared with you the best travel tips for parents flying with children written by a flight attendant? Not only that, she has a toddler of her own that she flies with frequently. Can’t find a better source than that! The flight attendant, whose name is Sharon, shares nine suggestions on how flying with kids can be made easier for the parents … Continue reading →

Harry Potter Tour in the UK

Summer time is quickly approaching. Are you overwhelmed by the stress of trying to find an interesting summer activity for your children? Well, this might be a stress reliever. How about sending your children to a Harry Potter Camp in England and Scotland? Parents are welcome too. You need to act fast because accommodations are made on a first come basis and July 11-18, 2006 is the only time this exclusive tour is being offered. For eight days and seven nights, you and your family will retrace the very steps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron throughout Oxford, England, the Scottish … Continue reading →

The Florida Beyond Disney World

If someone were to ask about places for families to go in Florida, the very first thing that comes to mind would most likely be Disney World. The grandeur of Walt Disney World overshadows the other attractions that are available. Let’s take a look at some lesser-known areas that are also just as family friendly. 1. Amelia Island Plantation Located about 20 minutes by car from Jacksonville. There are plenty of activities and places that are family oriented. For example, there are beaches that have lifeguards. At low tide, lagoons are formed that are gentle enough for toddlers. Also available … Continue reading →

Is That Bargain Really a Bargain?

If you did not stay with relatives or friends on previous vacations, then you most likely you rented a hotel room and a car to get around town in response to a bargain vacation package. You thought you knew beforehand, when you reserved your room, what you would be paying. Suddenly, at checkout time, you’re hit with a price that’s different from what you were quoted. Now you’re angry and questioning the customer service representative’s ability to do his or her job. According to an article written by Alfred Borcover for the Chicago Tribune (Philadelphia Inquierer1/22/06), these extra fees that … Continue reading →

Floating in Oregon

Have you already compiled a list of places to go for a family vacation? Tired of competing with huge crowds? Here is one idea you might consider adding to your list. How does a family vacation in a floating home sound? If you’re looking for something different for you and your family and would like to get away from the same old run of the mill vacations, then you might want to put the Floating Home Vacation as number one on your list. Portland Oregon is where you will find this 3-bedroom house, built on a floating platform, floating on … Continue reading →

Tipping: The Key Word is Discretionary

A frustrating and sometimes embarrassing part of vacationing is tipping. Whether you’re dining out, taking a taxi or tipping a luggage handler, it can be a bit confusing, especially if you don’t have an idea of what is expected or customary. There have been situations where I did not have as much money as I would have liked to have, so I just hoped for bad service. Therefore I would have a clear reason not to leave a tip. Unfortunately at times, there was good service. I felt obligated to leave a tip because I knew I would have felt … Continue reading →

See It With Your Own Eyes

Sometimes a little imagination and a television set can be just as valuable as a plane ticket to some far off destination. Although you will never know what a country is really like without visiting it, you can use your imagination to visualize what it is like. Watching a program that focuses on different travel destinations or even foreign films can be motivating factors to visit certain locations you may have heard of or you never knew existed. Since we all are from different parts of the country you’d have to check your local cable provider for local listings. Chances … Continue reading →

Old Tours, New Themes

If you’ve been putting the trip to the snow peaked Mt. Kilimanjaro Mountains on the back burner, I suggest you hurry and get there, that is if you would like to see the only glaciers that exist on the continent of Africa. According to the January 6, 2006, edition of USA Today, scientists predict that within ten to 15 years, the glaciers will have completely dissipated. They also believe that it began more than 150 years ago and that there isn’t too much that we can do to stop it with so little time left. I have lived in Africa, … Continue reading →

Don’t Say That! Ask This Instead.

You still have 437 miles to go and you just heard a traffic advisory of major traffic delays miles ahead. Better yet, your flight took off five minutes ago behind schedule and you have another eight plus hours to go until you reach your final overseas destination. If it’s a family vacation, and you have eight, nine or ten years old in tow, you know what that means. They will become bored at the drop of a dime. You’re prepared you declare. You brought the handheld PS2 along which is a good idea. Now when they complain, just like you’d … Continue reading →

You Might Already Know the Best Tour Guide

Question number 1: You’re off to Dominica for the annual family vacation as soon as the kids finish the spring semester. You heard about the boiling lakes, but would like to go and enjoy yourself at your own pace. However, you have the slightest idea how to get there because you’ve never been to Dominica. How do you find this place? A) Arrange a tour with the hotel’s hired tour guide and you go according to their schedule B) Ask John Doe who happens to be from Dominica who you see regularly working out at the gym to connect you … Continue reading →