Tag Archives: Washington

D.C.’s Newest Family-Friendly Educational Destination

There is no question Washington, D.C. is one of the foremost educational vacation destinations in the world. And now families have yet another attraction to add to their list of must-see sites in the area. D.C.’s Newseum is a massive, multi-million dollar complex that celebrates newsgathering and teaches visitors “news is necessary to a functioning democracy.” The $450 million, 643,000-square-foot translucent structure held its grand opening ceremony today. The Newseum sits on Pennsylvania Avenue a few blocks from the Capitol near the National Mall and is preparing to host more than a million visitors in its first year. For $20 … Continue reading →

Travel in the Pope’s Footsteps–Washington D.C.

In just a few days Pope Benedict XVI will begin a historic tour of Washington, D.C. and New York. In my previous blog I listed some of the sites the pontiff is scheduled to visit while in the Big Apple and how you too can share in the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the leader of the Catholic Church in person. If you are unable to make it to New York City or Washington, D.C. next week during the Pope’s visit you could settle for the next best thing—following in his footsteps the next time you are in either of the … Continue reading →

Unique Travel Deals from Coast-to-Coast

WASHINGTON Perhaps, America’s love of “The Simpsons” is the reason the following free tour is booked solid. After all, Homer Simpson does make working at a nuclear power plant look so, uh, interesting. Whatever the reason, when the U.S. Department of Energy offered 48 tours of the Hanford Site (that’s twice as many as last year) for the public to register for on a first-come, first-serve basis it took less than 12 hours for all 2,000 spots to be filled. The tours started earlier this week and run through the summer. If you were not one of the lucky ones … Continue reading →

The Most Popular Hotel Room in Washington, D.C.

It is now… and for all the wrong reasons. If the walls in Room 871 at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. could talk I’m sure former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer’s high-priced call girl wouldn’t have been offered nearly as many lucrative book deals. Since the Spitzer sex scandal broke hotel managers say they have had dozens of people calling to book a night in the now infamous room. But, according to hotel big wigs, guests can ask for Room 871, but they might not get it. Apparently, standard operating procedure dictates that guests can’t be guaranteed a … Continue reading →

Affordable Spring Flings

Easter is just two weeks… do you know where you’ll be spending your spring break? If you don’t have the time or money to escape the winter blues in tropical locales such as Hawaii, Cabo or the Caribbean you might consider taking advantage of some affordable options closer to home. For example, we are just a few weeks away from the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The annual event takes place this year from March 29-April 13. If you have never been you don’t know what you are missing. It is truly amazing to see the city’s cherry … Continue reading →

Are You Traveling to Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration?

If so good luck trying to get a hotel room… Actually, there is some good news on the lodging front, though if you are planning to visit Washington, D.C. during inauguration week there are a few things you should keep in mind… First, if you have not solidified your travel plans you need to do so ASAP. Many hotels in the D.C. area are already booked. Sure, the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2009, is a year away, and the guest of honor is still unknown, but that certainly hasn’t stopped travelers from making sure they won’t be left out … Continue reading →

Valentine’s Day Travel Deals for Serious Lovebirds

Warning: These Valentine’s Day getaways are not for casual daters. The following travel packages feature ultra-romantic environments designed for couples that aren’t afraid to be hit with Cupid’s arrows. Taking advantage of these deals could cause your pulse to race and your heart to melt. Don’t say I didn’t warn you… VIRGINIA The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, Virginia is offering an All-American Weekend package for Valentine’s Day. It includes a night’s stay at the 483-room resort for $300 per night per couple. The resort is set in the Allegheny Mountains and offers spectacular scenery and even better skiing. If … Continue reading →

More Kid-Friendly Vacation Destinations with Meaning

Easter is just two months away, which means many parents are already making plans for their children’s spring break from school. Do you have your family’s holiday trip finalized yet? If you answered no, perhaps this blog can help. I’m continuing my series of blogs, which focus on kid-friendly vacation destinations across the United States that offer more than just a backdrop for a great family snapshots. Every family wants to have a relaxing enjoyable time while on a break, but vacations are also great opportunities to learn about new cultures and take part in hands-on history lessons, especially if … Continue reading →

Affordable Holiday Travel: Touring Department Store Window Displays—Seattle

It’s simple, really. If you are looking for an affordable family friendly holiday activity, head to your local mall. The activity is not set amongst the stacks of sweaters or rows of remote controlled toys. In fact, you don’t even need to step foot inside a single shop to enjoy the festive treats that await you behind glass walls or inside fencing near the food court. As I continue my series of blogs spotlighting seasonal store window displays I am focusing on the Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, Washington. That’s where you’ll find Nordstrom’s flagship downtown store and its spectacular seasonal … Continue reading →

Washington State Landmark Reopens

My friends from high school moved from Hawaii to Spokane, Washington nine years ago and have never once regretted their decision to do so. Sadly, I’ve only been out to visit once since they’ve moved and had their first child. It’s unfortunate not only because I miss seeing them, but also because Spokane is a beautiful area and I have yet to explore all that it has to offer. One attraction that I am looking forward to visiting the next time I get out there is the legendary Fox Theater. The structure was scheduled to be torn down and replaced … Continue reading →