Tag Archives: summer travel

Real Life Travel Tales: Putting the Brakes on Summer Escapes

We’ve all been there before: We’re running late for work, school or a doctor’s appointment and we try to make up for lost time by putting the pedal to the metal. Typically, that excuse doesn’t fly when pleading your case to the police officer that just clocked you exceeding the speed limit. So what happens if Smokey clocks you going nearly 110 mph and then catches up with you again during another travel related incident? A couple from Maine will tell you that it doesn’t make for a good day. According to police in Bangor, Maine, officers pulled over a … Continue reading →

More End of the Summer Hotel Deals

It’s hard to know what’s worse these days the sky-high price of airline tickets and insane luggage fees or the record-breaking cost of gasoline. Either way any help the travel industry is willing to provide families so they can take a last-minute summer vacation is greatly appreciated (by mine anyway). A number of hotels across the country are offering package deals to aid cash strapped families the chance to travel during these tough economic times. Take a look: CHICAGO The Windy City is looking even more inviting than usual with the “Escape! Family Getaway” package being offered by the Renaissance … Continue reading →

When in Rome… Don’t Pack Snacks

Well, you can pack them, but just don’t plan to nosh on them while you’re visiting the picturesque city’s world-famous monuments. Rome’s government officials recently voted to ban sightseers from snacking near the city’s historical center. City leaders say the snack ban was put into place to preserve local treasures and decorum in a city that attracts millions of visitors every year. The new rule also bans homeless people from setting up makeshift beds near the city’s most noteworthy landmarks including the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Drunks, litterbugs and hooligans will also face stiff penalties if caught loitering in … Continue reading →

Beach Vacations that Won’t Break the Bank

Who says you have to obtain a passport to vacation at the world’s best beaches? The United States is home to thousands of miles of spectacular sandy coastline and now’s the time to experience fun in the sun, especially if you are working with a budget. The summer months spark dozens of travel packages aimed to help families save on airfare and hotel accommodations. Take a look at these hot summer deals waiting for beach lovers to snap up: CALIFORNIA One of San Diego’s most luxurious resorts wants you to spend time sunning yourself on their property this summer. And … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Botanical Gardens

I am a big fan of botanical gardens. Our local botanical garden is a haven for families and kids looking to grow their own pizza. It is by no means the largest of its kind, but it is a nice resource to have in the relatively small city in which we reside. Visiting the country’s top botanical gardens would require traveling some distance, and that’s exactly what some families do this time of year—-make pilgrimages to the nation’s top botanical gardens. One fairly new botanical garden that is making headlines despite the fact that it less than three years old … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (Florida)

What would a trip to Florida be without visiting one of the areas many waterparks? The Sunshine State is home to more major waterparks than any other state in the entire country. It makes sense given that the region sees some the hottest year round temperatures than any other state in the nation. If you are planning a summer road trip to the sticky south you might consider making a pit stop to cool off at the following Florida attractions. They are wet, wild and filled with wonderful ways to beat the scorching summer heat: ORLANDO Aquatica by SeaWorld is … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (Midwest)

In a previous blog I briefly described the devastating toll the recent Midwest floods took on tourist hot spots such as the Wisconsin Dells. At the time I wrote that entry managers at the resort’s largest waterparks were desperately trying to get the word out that they were still open for business and looking to entertain the legions of families that flock to the Dells on an annual basis. I’ll have more details on the impact the floods are having on the region in a future blog, but in this post I want to continue with my series on the … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (South)

Ask any kid who loves flying through wet spiraling tunnels at breakneck speeds where he or she would like to spend a sweltering hot summer day and you’ll likely be met with the same response: WATERPARK. Wet and wild fun is yours for the taking at waterparks throughout the country. From gigantic water havens connected to popular amusement parks to more modest waterparks that cater to hometown crowds, the following Southern picks are sure to please your entire family during the dog days of summer: GEORGIA Six Flags White Water in Atlanta is home to one of the most notable … Continue reading →

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (East Coast)

I grew up on an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, so needless to say my summers were spent enjoying the sun, sand and surf more than the wet and wild fun found at waterparks. My first waterpark experience took place in New Jersey (of all places) when I was 7 years old. My family was vacationing in Seaside Heights and my brothers and I went nuts at waterpark called Rainbow Rapids. It was the late 1970s, we were small town kids from Hilo, Hawaii and this modest waterpark was as close to liquid Heaven as we had ever been. … Continue reading →

Great Summer Escapes—Washington

If you have ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life to spend time bonding with your family in the great outdoors then pack your bags and head to the glorious state of Washington. The popular destination located in the tranquil Pacific Northwest is home to some amazing natural resources as well as unique regional festivals. Right now various lodgings throughout the state are offering summer travel packages that allow visitors to experience Washington at its finest without breaking the bank. Take a look: MOUNT RAINIER This great escape takes you to the stunning Mount Rainier National … Continue reading →