Tag Archives: travel tips

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 →

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation—Free Meals

If you are like me you don’t need a financial “expert” to tell you that the economy is in crisis and that your household’s budget is taking a direct hit as a result. For some families the thought of spending money on a vacation this summer is simply out of the question. However, in my continuing series on ways to save on summer travel I have been providing tips on how you can take advantage of travel deals designed to preserve your annual family tradition. Today, I’m turning the spotlight on free food. If the words “Kids Eat Free” makes … Continue reading →

Travel Tales to Learn From

The next time you are pulled over for speeding here’s an excuse you might not want to use: “I’m sorry officer. I was too busy eating my Oreo to notice I was going so fast.” Just ask a 28-year-old driver from New York who tried to convince state troopers that his use of excessive speed was a simple mistake. According to police reports, the man was driving his 1993 BMW last fall in a small Connecticut town when officers pulled him over. That’s when the motorist told troopers the reason he was driving so fast was because the Oreo he … Continue reading →

Flying Safe—-How to Protect Your Valuables at 35,000 Feet

Because I travel with a young child I often enjoy the luxury of boarding an airplane prior to my fellow economy class passengers. Consequently, I am treated to a solid 15 minutes (at least) of people watching. During that time I observe the creative methods travelers employ as they try to cram as many of their oversized carry-ons in overhead bins or underneath the seats in front of them. During my most recent 9-hour flight I observed a gentleman, who boarded at the last minute, try to find space for his gigantic suitcase (honestly, I don’t know how the guy … Continue reading →

The One Thing You DON’T Want To See On An Airplane

“Mommy, these microphones don’t work!” my 3-year-old daughter exclaimed as she ripped off a pair of oversized airline-supplied headphones in disgust during our most recent flight to Hawaii. Note to self: Pack kid-sized headphones for next airplane ride. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” was the in-flight movie selection for this particular leg of our journey and my daughter couldn’t have been more thrilled. “Hurry Mommy hurry!” she cried as I hastily tried to make adjustments to the plane’s complimentary (see: cheap) headphones. “I’m missing Theodore eat his waffles.” “You can see Theodore eat his waffles right on the screen,” I replied. … Continue reading →

Do You Over Pack?

I used to… until one trip when I ended up paying nearly the equivalent of my roundtrip ticket in luggage fees. Both my checked pieces weighed more than the allotted 50 pounds and I ended up paying in the triple digits to get them on the plane with me. It was a horrific experience (namely because the airline employee checking me in had me open one of my suitcases to see what we could stuff in my carry-ons so I wouldn’t have to pay the penalty fees—-she was great-—it was the blow to my wallet that was excruciatingly painful). Since … Continue reading →

Heading for the Slopes? Don’t Leave Home Without…

Sunscreen. If you are planning to take advantage of the super ski deals I previously listed here in the Travel blog don’t think your skin is not at risk just because you are heading away from the beach. Don’t let the air temperature fool you. The sun’s powerful rays are just as harsh when you are shooshing down powdery snow on an alpine trail as they are when you are stretched out on powder soft sand near the Pacific Ocean. What’s more, because you are skiing at a high elevation you are being exposed to increased amounts of ultraviolet light. … Continue reading →

The Downside of Owning a Honda

Honda owners don’t need me to tell them that their vehicles are in high demand… among car thieves. In previous blogs I shared the sad tales of my Honda owner brother’s repeat rip offs. He’s learned his lesson the hard way and is now looking to get rid of his Honda and invest in a new Nissan Titan truck. And not a moment too soon. If you own a Honda or know someone who does then you might be interested in this next true story. Police in Yakima, Washington are currently investigating a case where 11 Hondas were stolen in … Continue reading →

Wheelchairs in the Windy City

In a previous blog I mentioned that Chicago was recently named one of America’s most disability-friendly cities by the National Organization on Disability. Not only are all of the city’s public buses wheelchair-accessible, but also each summer Chicago hosts the largest Disability Pride Parade in the nation. To learn more about what the Windy City offers disabled travelers I would suggest ordering a free copy of a new guide called “Easy Access Chicago.” It includes basic visitor information for popular city attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower, along with details on accommodations like … Continue reading →

More Must-Have Items to Pack When Traveling with Children

Yesterday I raved about a cheap toy that is essential to have when visiting the beach with young children. The 99-cent rubber duck was a priceless commodity on our family’s recent trip to Hawaii. So what other basic, but often overlooked items should you also consider packing before you head off on your next family trip? Take a look: INFLATABLE TOYS Not only are they affordable, but they are also a cinch to pack. What’s more, if they get played with a half dozen times you’ve probably got your money’s worth and you won’t feel bad leaving them behind before … Continue reading →