Tag Archives: summer travel

The Cost of Flying is Soaring

I have written extensively about the increasing cost of fuel and its affect on the travel industry. If you haven’t already purchased plane tickets for your summer vacation brace yourself for some serious sticker shock. Last week United Airlines raised fares in the United States and Canada by up to $30 round-trip in an effort to combat high fuel costs. Less than 48 hours later several other carriers followed suit including American, Delta, Continental and Northwest, which raised domestic round trips by $10 to $20 per ticket. Times are so tough that even discount airline Southwest raised its rates–twice. Last … Continue reading →

Got Kids? More Ways to Save Money on the Road

Don’t let the slumping economy put a damper on your family’s travel plans. Sure, the price of gas is astronomical and the cost of food is enough to make you lose your appetite, but thanks to some savvy hoteliers offering clever family-friendly travel packages you can still take your kids on the road and not go bankrupt in the process. MARYLAND From now through May 23, 2008 the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina on Maryland’s eastern shore (near Cambridge) is offering a Spring Fever package. For $129 per room per night your family will receive accommodations … Continue reading →

Summer in New York

There are pros and cons to visiting New York in the dead of summer. The cons include (obviously) the oppressive temperatures and the crowds of tourists. On the flip side the months of June, July and August are when most locals head out of town and visitors can save a few bucks taking advantage of summer travel deals, including these great Big Apple events that don’t cost a dime to attend: Shakespeare in Central Park runs from June through September and is a great way to spend the evening with family and friends. What’s more, it is one of the … Continue reading →

Reasons to Visit Chicago During the Summer Months

So, now that you know why visiting Chicago in the spring is such a great idea let’s turn our attention to what the Windy City has to offer during the rest of the year. In the month of June Grant Park becomes a mecca for blues fans. The hugely popular (and always jam packed) Chicago Blues Festival takes place the first weekend in June and the best part—–it’s free! June is also the month when the most decadent food festival in the country takes place. Taste of Chicago runs for 10 days from late June through the July 4th holiday … Continue reading →

Celebrating Summer in San Francisco

When I was a child my family would travel from Hawaii to San Francisco to visit my dad’s brother and his family. They lived in a beautiful home in a quaint suburb in the City by the Bay. And as I mentioned in my previous blog because of our school schedule we traditionally made our journeys to the California hot spot during the summer months. While we may have missed out on everything the city had to offer during the spring we certainly got our fill of summer festivities. Here are some of my favorites: During the month of June … Continue reading →

More Ways To Beat The Heat On Your Summer Vacation

According to weather forecasters, much of the nation will be roasting again in the next few days. The same time that late summer travelers will be getting in that last family trip before school starts. Since Mother Nature doesn’t seem to want to cooperate with milder temperatures, it’s up to you to be vigilant about protecting your family while on vacation. We covered a few tips in my previous blog and I have added a couple more here. Even though they appear common sense, they bear repeating to avoid having to experience an unplanned meltdown on your family vacation. Dress … Continue reading →

How To Beat The Heat On Your Summer Vacation

If you are planning to spend this last (unofficial) week of summer vacation traveling anywhere in the Midwest, Southeast or Southwest portions of the United States be prepared to deal with another round of scorching temperatures. If you thought the upcoming Labor Day weekend would bring with it relief from the recent heat wave that has been baking just about the entire country, weather forecasters say think again. Let’s face it; we can’t control the weather, but we can control how we deal with it. Take it from me; nothing spoils a family vacation faster than severe sunburn or other … Continue reading →

Will You Be Traveling On The Fourth?

Independence Day falls on a Wednesday this year, but according to AAA the fact that the holiday falls in the middle of the week is not stopping Americans from adjusting their vacation plans accordingly. In fact, the barometer of travel says they expect families will be hitting the roads, rails and skies in record numbers. Will you be on the move next week? If so you will be joining a record 41.1 million other American who will be traveling sometime between June 29th and July 8th. According to AAA, that’s 0.8% more than the 40.8 million who traveled last year. … Continue reading →

Avoiding Boating Accidents

It’s summertime… a time when millions of Americans would rather be floating on the water than cruising down a highway. Boating has always been a popular summer pastime, but did you know boats are also one of the deadliest forms of transportation? It’s true; according to the U.S. Coast Guard, more people die every year in boating accidents than in train or bus wrecks. What’s more, statistics show of the nearly 5,000 boating accidents last year, 710 were killed. The number one cause of death in boating accidents is drowning. Studies show 9 out of 10 victims were not wearing … Continue reading →

More Summer Travel Destinations

NEW YORK If you are looking to inject a bit of wacky fun into your humdrum summer vacation consider heading to New York’s Times Square. The place is crawling with “unique” characters, but that’s not the reason I’m suggesting you visit. Rather, there’s a wonderfully weird (though very family friendly) indoor attraction that’s sure to please your brood—the Ripley’s Believe It or Not emporium. After a 35-year absence Ripley’s Odditorium has returned to the Big Apple (the former Times Square Ripley’s museum closed in 1972). The attraction is currently touting the “greatest collection of unbelievable odd and unusual items ever … Continue reading →