Tag Archives: family vacation

Even More Ways to Save Money on Vacation

For the past few days I have been providing tips on how to save money while on a family vacation. Bottom line: It all comes down to planning. By anticipating certain scenarios you can successfully prepare in advance so your wallet doesn’t take such a major hit. MEALS Next to transportation and lodging, food is what families spend the most money on while on vacation. Think about it; the cost for a family of five to eat three meals a day at a restaurant during a 7-day trip can set you back hundreds of dollars. To soften the blow to … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save Money on Vacation

Growing up my family took two vacations per year. My generous grandparents always sponsored one of our trips; otherwise there would have been no way our family of six could have gone very far twice a year. Vacations are a huge expense regardless of the size of your family. Think about it; in addition to the cost of transportation and lodging, you have to factor in the price of meals, snacks, beverages, souvenirs, tips, admission fees to attractions, etc. Luckily there are ways to save on a family trip provided you plan in advance. In my previous blog I listed … Continue reading →

Travel Tip: Packing The Right Plastic

Toothbrush. Check. Underwear. Check. Cellphone. Check. Credit cards. Check. You’ve packed your bags for your family vacation, but before you head out to the airport you might want to make sure you packed the right plastic. Whether you are traveling to Yosemite or flying half way around the world to the rainforests of Brazil, family trips can cost a lot of money. That’s why it’s important to check your wallet before you jet off to Hong Kong, Thailand… or Topeka. Not all credit cards are created equal. For example, travel experts recommend you leave your debit card at home. At … Continue reading →

Traveling With Grandparents—Survival Tips

I have a friend who would rather get her toenails ripped out with a set of pliers by an angry football player than take a vacation with her parents or in-laws. I, on the other hand, grew up vacationing with my parents and grandparents and am currently in the process of planning a trip that includes my 91-year-old grandmother, my parents, myself, and my own child—four generations on the same trip… I can’t wait. I’m serious. I don’t have a problem with multi-generational family vacations. Do you? If you are like me and tend to travel with parents and grandparents … Continue reading →

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation

Continuing with our series: “Holiday Travel” today we move on to another important issue related to holiday travel-—health. Winter’s crummy weather doesn’t only serve as the impetus for travel delays and cancellations, it wrecks havoc on people’s immune systems. To avoid being laid up in a hotel bed while the rest of your family is hitting the slopes or the beach consider following these tips: 1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. 2. Examine dishes and utensils (make sure they are clean and dry) before using them. 3. If you are traveling abroad (places other than the United States … Continue reading →

The Best of New York

Having placed ourselves in a comfortable hotel and finding our way onto a subway line that ran in the right direction, we spent a couple of hours wandering around what is commonly called “the Village.” The Greenwich Village section of New York has at least one quaint and quiet, street on which we found some of the best pastries I have ever eaten. This shop was not one I had read about or heard about in any travel brochures, but one of those small, storefront shops excellent for a short rest stop that includes coffee and a snack. I wish … Continue reading →

Travel Tips – Babies and Airplanes

I do not know about you but about six months ago, I had a horrible experience on a plane. I was returning to Missouri from Denver, tired, cranky, and hot. Ready to get home where I could relax, I had no idea what was about to happen. Fortunately, for me I was bumped to first class but to be honest, it did little to help. Within 10 minutes from takeoff, a small baby began to cry. Okay, I am a mom so I was not bothered…at first. As time passed, not only did the baby continue to cry but wail. … Continue reading →

Great Games for Car Travel

If you have ever traveled with children, then you know how challenging this can be. Although the kids are excited to reach the destination, getting there is another thing. The best thing you can do is be prepared to keep the kids occupied or entertained. I know our last trip as a family was much better because we played several of the games I am sharing with you. Although the children will need to learn some patience along the way, having something to do will make the overall trip more enjoyable. First, teach the children to play the mystery writing … Continue reading →

School’s In. Vacations out?

When we send our kids back to school, we have a tacit understanding that it’s going to be months before we’ll be able to take off for a family vacation. Even the holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah and more are about family time so travel is often limited to visiting family destinations. But what if you get a great deal, what harm can it do to your kids to take them out of school for a week to take a family vacation? Is it sending them the wrong message? Are parents in danger of telling their kids that school … Continue reading →

Planning A Large Family Reunion

Large family reunions come in two categories. The first is a reunion with a large number of people attending and the second is a reunion held at an expensive destination such as Disneyland or other resort. Large Group Reunions that a large number of people are going to attend are especially challenging. This type of reunion takes a lot of planning to make it successful. It is typically a day event with families having the option to stay longer at their own expense if they choose to. Invitations can get really expensive when you have to mail them to one … Continue reading →