Free Vacations for Teachers

  It’s said that teaching is among the most underpaid and underappreciated careers in the world.  The men and women who help shape our children’s futures are often overworked, and in a time when the economy is incredibly dismal, the idea of an educator spending precious cash on a luxury vacation is almost laughable. Well, if you are a creative leader in the classroom, who has always dreamed of traveling to the ends of the earth, get ready to smile. Thanks to Hilton HHonors, you can jet-off on a vacation to remember for FREE.  This year, the company is giving … Continue reading

Packages That Pack a Punch

No one enjoys having her wallet get walloped while trying to plan a family vacation. To avoid feeling the pain of booking a trip destined to drain your wallet, consider the following affordable travel packages that are sure to pack a profitable punch: Safari: This vacation package to South Africa is a dream family getaway. For just $1,999 per person you will receive airfare from New York City to Cape Town, with a return flight from Johannesburg, on South African Airways; flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg; ground transportation throughout; four nights at the luxurious Protea Hotel President in Cape … Continue reading

Hotel Sticker Shock

Earlier this year, my family took a pre-spring break trip to a popular water park hotel just north of Chicago. We chose a standard room that slept four and included passes to the massive indoor water park. For $119 per night, I thought it was a steal. Unfortunately, by the time taxes and resort fees were added on, the bill for our two-night stay ballooned to more than $300, not including meals or parking. Resort fees can really take a bite out of your vacation budget, regardless of whether you book a summer stay or one in the dead of … Continue reading

Another One Bites the Dust

Kids seem to be getting kicked off planes left and right these days. What is it with commercial carriers and fussy tots, anyway? The latest victim: A cranky 3-year-old and his parents. According to news reports, last Sunday, a screaming toddler was booted off an Alaska Airlines flight departing from Seattle. The incident enraged the boy’s father, who claims the airline overreacted. “Kids crying, people snoring, large, smelly people, we deal with it, it’s normal,” said Mark Yanchak. Yanchak told reporters that his son was being a little fussy while the family prepared for their flight to depart. “He was … Continue reading

Avoid Boredom at the Beach

I once dated a guy who actually admitted to being bored at the beach. Needless to say, our relationship didn’t last long. As a self-proclaimed tanorexic, I could easily spend 10 to 12 hours straight at a beach without the slightest hint of boredom. And by beach I mean a patch of sand with enough room to place a small folding chair and little else. It doesn’t take much for me to strip down and make like a UV sponge. Still, for as much as I can easily sleep or read the day away while surrounded by the sun, sand … Continue reading

Playing it Safe During Spring Break

This morning the Today show ran a piece on college co-eds prepping to go crazy on Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. The report focused on an American student who was brutally attacked while he lounged poolside at his Mexican hotel. Basically, it raised the issue of spring break, foreign travel and safety. Personally, Mexico is not exactly at the top of my family’s spring break destination list. You know, drug cartels and all. Of course, if you are not careful you can get hurt visiting your local children’s museum, though I doubt the injuries would be caused by masked men … Continue reading

Get Your Motor Running

With experts estimating that a single gallon of regular unleaded gas will top $5 by Memorial Day weekend, many travelers are looking for ways to hit the road without breaking the bank. One group in particular is looking at the sky-high gas prices as a way to promote their passion. Motorcycle enthusiasts are revving up to make this spring and summer hog heaven for newbies. Around the country, motorcycle dealerships are offering open houses for people to get up close and personal with blinged out bikes that can get you to and from your favorite vacation destination without draining your … Continue reading

Eating at Sea

Poor Paula Deen. Actually, rich Paula Deen. The celebrity chef was already rolling in dough, but with her recent announcement that she’s become a paid spokesperson for the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, and its diabetes drug, Victoza, Deen’s bank account is getting fatter every day. Unfortunately, the same seems to be true for the butter-loving diabetic. Just days after she made headlines for finally revealing that she’s been living with Type 2 diabetes for the past three years, TMZ posted a photo of the Food Network star chowing down on a cheeseburger and French fries while on a week-long Caribbean … Continue reading

Tropical Getaways

There is a fallacy that traveling to the tropics in the middle of summer can put a real strain on your wallet. However, if you plan carefully there are a number of ways you can stretch your vacation dollar while having fun in the sun. For example, destination is everything. Places, such as Puerto Rico offer deep discounts to travelers looking to explore the diverse island during the summer months. While temperatures may be uncomfortably hot during the day, there are many places to cool off in Puerto Rico. The island boasts 272 miles of coastline which makes tanning, swimming … Continue reading

Mountain Bike Adventures

I first learned about mountain bike adventures from my former colleague. Shawn races mountain bikes in his spare time and is constantly traveling around the country to various meets. Fortunately, you don’t have to compete professionally to enjoy some of the nation’s most incredible biking trails. A mountain bike tour or vacation is a fun and exciting travel opportunity for anyone looking to explore natural wonders while exercising on two wheels. Not only do you get to enjoy a sport you love, but you also get to learn more about various cities in the good ol’ US of A. The … Continue reading