Tag Archives: trip

A Trip To “The Domes”

Like much of the country, the Midwest has been experiencing summer-like temperatures. Just a few days ago we were in the 80’s. That’s a dream come true for someone like me (raised in Hawaii, now living in Wisconsin). But, today it’s back to reality with a high of just 55. To help ease our “withdrawals,” my daughter and I took a trip to a “rainforest,” a “desert,” and a “summer garden” all within steps of each other. So where did we go? The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory in Milwaukee. Commonly known as “The Domes,” the buildings are a series of … Continue reading →

Bikini Boot Camp

Spring… tis the season for beautiful weather, blossoming flowers and… bathing suit sales. That’s right; bathing suit season is just around the corner. So are you ready? Well, are you at least ready to get started getting ready? If not, here’s an idea that may motivate you. It’s a way you can combine your passion for travel with your desire to live a healthier life. It’s one of the hottest trends in travel: Getting healthy while getting away. Sound inviting? Then it’s time to sign up for the “Bikini Boot Camp for the Mind, Body and Spirit.” The program, designed … Continue reading →

Travel Tips–Hotel’s Unwanted Guests

I recently went online to research hotels for an upcoming trip to Chicago. I found a hotel in a great location with a price that seemed too good to be true. So before I booked my reservation I visited some websites that provided user reviews of that particular hotel. I was shocked to read that many guests had experienced bug problems in their hotel rooms. While I understand that a report about one hotel does not mean the issue wasn’t isolated to one room, or that hotel management hasn’t since exterminated, but it still raised concerns for me. Frankly, it … Continue reading →

Day Trip–A Game with Meaning

This day trip really won’t take the entire day. However, I feel compelled to share it with you in hopes you will take advantage of the opportunity. It’s a chance to witness the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” A chance to watch friendly competition between players that you may be surprised to see hitting the hardwood. And a chance to reflect on how much we take for granted. These opportunities were presented to me when I was invited to take a trip to watch a weekly basketball game at our county’s Association for Retarded Citizens Community Center. … Continue reading →

America’s Best Beach

If you read my blogger bio you know that I was born and raised in Hawaii. You may also know that as a Families.com travel blogger I promised that I would share tips on the Aloha state’s must-see attractions. Well, today I intend to keep my promise by highlighting one of the most beautiful spots the state has to offer. It is a beach that has been voted the best in America. Located about 90 minutes from where I grew up, it was once a popular spot frequented primarily by local residents, but it is now a destination for travelers … Continue reading →

The Great Stroller Debate

My 2-year-old daughter is a great runner. But, like all kids there’s a point when running gets old and she quickly starts looking around for her ride. That said whenever I travel with her, whether it’s a day trip or a 10-day vacation, I inevitably become engaged in the “great stroller debate.” The one that has me wrestling with whether or not it is worth bringing the stroller with us, and if so, which one. It happened to me again today. My daughter and I took advantage of a beautiful spring day by visiting our local zoo. This particular zoo … Continue reading →

What is a babymoon?

You’ve heard of a honeymoon. Well, now, make room for the “babymoon.” It’s a new trend, common among first-time-parents-to-be, who see it as one of the last vacations they’ll take before “baby makes three.” The term “babymoon,” was coined by British author and childbirth educator Sheila Kitzinger, who defines it as the important time a family spends together alone during a baby’s first few days of life. However, the travel industry has it’s own take on the “babymoon.” They see it as a way to appeal to a specialized market. A huge market, in fact, considering approximately 6 million pregnancies … Continue reading →

Preparing For Your Road Trip: Part 1

If your spring or summer travel plans include a road trip then NOW is the time to prepare your vehicle for the adventure. Proper vehicle maintenance is a great way to improve your gas mileage. But more importantly, it is a vital way to protect your family’s safety. Here are some tips to help achieve both better gas mileage and to ensure your family is traveling safely. 1. Keep your engine properly tuned. Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. Also, watch out for worn … Continue reading →

Pearl Harbor: An Unforgettable Trip

If you are planning a trip to Hawaii this December you have the chance to witness a ceremony you will likely never forget. December 7, 2006 marks the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II. Statewide plans to mark the historic event are already underway. However, regardless of when you go, making the trip is worth the effort. Pearl Harbor is Hawaii’s most popular tourist attraction drawing in more than 1.5 million visitors from around the world each year. It is home to the USS Arizona, the USS Utah, … Continue reading →

Day Trip: Brookfield Zoo

When I was seven years old a peacock bit me. I was feeding it a piece of bread at a local zoo and it nipped my finger. Since then, the zoo has never been a place I looked forward to visiting. However, my two-year-old daughter loves animals. She knows all the words to “Old MacDonald’s Farm” and has enough stuffed animals to fill a zoo. So, for her second birthday we recently made a trip to the Brookfield Zoo. The experience has since changed my feelings about zoos… and that’s saying a lot. If you are looking for a fun … Continue reading →