Even Tori Spelling Gets the Road Trip Blues
Thrifty Travel Fun: Chicago, IL
Heading to the Windy City? Have a blast! Here are three family-friendly activities to add to your list, none of which will cost you a penny.
1. A free zoo? Can it be? Welcome to Lincoln Park Zoo! Located mere minutes north of the city, the Zoo is the perfect place to spend the day: visit the animals, rest in the zoo's many gardens, check for daily events - the usual zoo fun!
2. Take a stroll through Millennium Park. Sure, it's touristy, but for good reason. With the city skyline in the background but lots of open space, you'll still feel like you're doing Chicago, but the kids will have plenty of room to run. Depending on what time of year you visit, there festivals, performances, an ice rank, the five-acre Lurie Garden to explore...and of course, there's the giant silver bean, perhaps the coolest piece of public art in the country. Wrangle everyone underneath for a reflected family portrait - holiday cards done early!
3. All that Chicago-style sightseeing might leave the whole family all tuckered out; if only you could all plop down and have someone read to you...Storybook Mom to the rescue! Award-winning Nili Yelin is a celebrity among Chicago parents, and you can experience her storytelling prowess nearly any day of the week at her weekly storytimes. Check her calendar for locations.
Affordable accommodations: Best Western Plus River North Hotel, the only downtown Chicago Hotel that offers free parking.
Don't miss this Best Western deal: Earn a free night!
If you stay three separate times at any property, you earn a free night. The offer begins February 11 and runs through April 14.
If you're already a member, you still need to register here to qualify.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Tucson, AZ
The rest of the country may be shivering, but there's still sun and heat in Arizona! Tucson, the state's second largest city, offers an escape from bulky winter coats, and lots of family fun, too.
"Gnome City" at Valley of the Moon
1. Spend a lazy day at Sabino Canyon. With swimming holes, waterfalls, and Sabino Creek all on hand, it's the perfect place to splash around and get a good dose of fresh air and sun. You might even spot a rabbit or a roadrunner. There's a $5 entrance fee for cars - pack a picnic and enjoy the day. (Don't forget the sunscreen!)
2. A unique universe built to appeal to the imagination of children - a small corner of the world filled with rock cliffs, caves, pools, greenery, and a rumored fairy or two. Sound too good to be true? Pay a visit and find out for yourself! George Phar Legler built Valley of the Moon in the 1920's, and today the venue hosts a slightly mystical mish-mash of theater and family events. Check their calender - and if you go, watch out for those garden gnomes.
3. Raise your hand if you like giraffes - raise it really, really, REALLY high, because you're going to feed them! Reid Park Zoo lets you get up close and personal with everyone's favorite long-necked creatures. Super cool! Regular zoo admission is unusually affordable ($5 / $8 for children / adults) and feeding the giraffes will cost you an additional $2. Sign me up!
Fun family winter getaways: Under $250 a day
Gatlinburg, Tenn.Thousands of twinkling lightsbring plenty of cheer to this snowy town that celebrates the cold weather with the annual Winter Magic, running through the end of February. Play: At nearby Smoky Mountains National Park (pictured), you can hike in the snow or cross-country ski on Clingmans Dome Road, which is closed to traffic for recreation. Eat: At Hungry Bear BBQ the pulled pork sandwiches are $5 and only $2 for kids. Stay: On Main Street, the Best Western Zoder’s Inn offers a fireplace in the lobby, mountain views, an indoor swimming pool with a waterfall, and milk and cookies at bedtime.
Scottsdale, Ariz.
This town enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. In the winter, the average temperature hovers in the high 60’s, but you can also get 80-degree days. Play: For sweeping views of the desert landscape, hike up the sheer sandstone cliffs of Camelback Mountain. It’s a strenuous climb but worth it on a clear winter day. Eat: The Mission in Old Town is one of the hottest restaurants around, but it can be expensive. If you belly up to the bar and order the guacamole ($12; they make it in front of you) and a margarita ($7), you can still sample the happening scene without emptying your wallet. Stay: Swimming outside in winter? Yes, you can dive into the outdoor heated swimming pool at the Best Western Sundial Resort right in Old Town.
San Francisco, Calif.
California’s city known for its hills, Bay views and cable cars has some of its best weather in the winter. Yes, rain falls, but it’s not unusual to have a beautiful crystal clear day when you can comfortably walk about in a T-shirt. Play: The Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s most iconic landmark and it’s free to stroll across its 1.7-mile span. Eat: The Ferry Plaza is a foodie haven with dozens of stalls selling everything from homemade sausage to fresh-baked bread. At Gott's Roadside, known for its big burgers and sweet potato fries, you can easily eat for $10 a person. Stay: Within blocks of Union Square, the Best Western Hotel California sits in the heart of the city, and if you’re a AAA member you can often book a room for a little over $100.
Lake Placid, N.Y.
This little lakeside village surrounded by the Adirondacks has hosted two winter Olympics. It’s a great spot for sledding, ice skating, and skiing at the nearby Whiteface Mountain, where you can hit the slopes for $40 on select Sundays. Play: At the Olympic Center, skate around the Olympic Speed Skating Oval where Eric Heiden won a record five gold medals in the 1980 Winter Games—costs only $8 for adults, plus a $3 skate rental. Eat: At the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, the onion soup ($7), made with Moose Island Ale, is sure to warm you up. Also, try the steak salad ($11), and fish and chips ($11). Stay: The Best Western Adirondacks has an indoor hot tub and heated pool.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Memphis, TN
Traveling through the South? Be sure to stop in Memphis: Tennessee's second largest city boasts a culture rich with music and many family-friendly festivals. Read on for thrifty fun (at any time of the year).
1. Hop on board the trolley! These authentic vintage trolleys have been restored to the elegance of the good old-fashioned days. A ride is $1, and the Main Street Trolley will take you to many landmarks, including Pinch District, Civic Center Plaza, and the South Main Historic Arts District. Learn more here.
2. The Memphis Center for Southern Folklore is a must-visit. It's been dedicated to preserving the traditions and music of the Delta region since the 1970's, and the whole family will love strolling through the Folklore Hall and Galleries. Check the calendar for listings of musical performances (and if you're lucky, you'll be there for one of their festivals!). Admission is free.
3. Have you heard of the Peabody Ducks? No? Neither had I! But oh boy...everyday, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the most famous North American Mallards in the world march into the Peabody Hotel's fancy marble fountain, just as their ancestors have done since 1940 - don't miss the show!
Best Western's Seaport Inn: Open for business!
From the hotel we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge on a perfectly clear winter day and had lunch at Grimaldi's, a pizza place in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood at the foot of the bridge.
It was a glorious and memorable day and in the evening we were happy to return to our spacious room (a rarity in the Big Apple) with comfy beds and fluffy down comforters.
And so I was happy to hear that the Seaport Inn, which was shuttered for a brief period after Hurricane Sandy, is already back open for business. This well-located hotel that's within walking distance of SOHO and the financial district offers reasonable rates and is located in the charming Seaport Village, with shops, cafes and cobblestone streets.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Concord, NH
Nothing really beats the beauty of New England in the winter, and whether you're a family of skiiers or prefer to stay off the slopes, Concord, New Hampshire, has lots to keep a family busy (without breaking the bank).
1. Are you in love with llamas? Who isn't, really? Concord's Cicely Farm is home to more than 30 of the fuzzy, funny-looking creatures, and they'd love for you to come say hi. Visit the barn (no matter the weather), or if your family is really llama-crazy, take a guided hike on the farm. (Note: this is not a free activity. Barn visits are $10/adult and $5/child, and hikes are $35/adult and $15/child.)
3. If you're spending time anywhere in New Hampshire, be sure to bookmark NH.com's Free Things To Do page on your phone. From a statewide playground map (brilliant!) to a daily free events calendar, this site is the next best thing to having a family-trip-planning fairy along for the ride. Thanks to whoever's responsible for this gem!
Thrifty Travel Fun: Jackson Hole, WY
Photo by Snowballfighters co uk / Flickr
1. The Jackson Hole Children's Museum understands that museum admission shouldn't cut into your kids' college tuition fund: tickets are $7.50, and get you lots of bang for your buck. Be sure to take advantage of the Curious Kids Creativity Lab, held every weekday at 11:15; it's included with your admission, and kids will get to make fun, take-home art projects.
2. Trying to fit in the full range of winter sports? Strap on some skates at the Snow King Sports Center during public skating hours. If you time it right, you can stick around to watch the Jackson Hole Moose Hockey Club take over the ice.
3. Take in the local beauty with a kid-sized hike along Snake River: this suggestion comes from KJ Morris, founder and director of the Children's Museum:
"Turn off at Emily’s Pond (on the east side of the Snake River Bridge, approximately 4 miles west of Jackson on Highway 22), park at the trailhead and walk along the levee. The county grooms 2.2 miles of flat terrain plus the “lollipop loop” at the end. The pounded pathway is perfect for little feet in boots."
She also suggests ending the day by fueling up at the Rendezvous Bistro, where family-sized booths come equipped with ample wiggle room and a good supply of crayons!
There's snow in the Sierra! Bring the kids to Bear Valley
One of my favorite ski resorts, Bear Valley in the California Sierra Nevada, sent out an email this month announcing that they'll officially open on December 20. Yes, the white powdery fluff has finally covered the mountains and the resort is ready to start operating its lifts. Lift tickets are free on opening day but if you can't make it up then it's worth visiting this resort on another date, even if you have to pay.
Here are some tips for planning a Bear Valley Ski vacation:
Stay: A 45-minute drive from the ski mount, the Best Western Plus Cedar Inn & Suites in Angels Camp is great for families because they have two-room suites. Put the kids to bed early and then you can stay up to read a book or watch a movie. Also free breakfast and wi-fi.
Eat: After a day on the slopes, on your way back to your hotel, stop at Grounds in Murphys for a glass of local wine and a steaming bowl of cioppino. Kids might light the cheese ravioli or chicken skewers served with a Thai peanut dipping sauce.
Ski: Bear Valley is known as the "Friendlies Mountain in the West" and it's a great spot for families with an established ski school and lots of beginner slopes (as well as more advanced ones for mom and dad). bearvalley.com
Read More
Stay: A 45-minute drive from the ski mount, the Best Western Plus Cedar Inn & Suites in Angels Camp is great for families because they have two-room suites. Put the kids to bed early and then you can stay up to read a book or watch a movie. Also free breakfast and wi-fi.
Eat: After a day on the slopes, on your way back to your hotel, stop at Grounds in Murphys for a glass of local wine and a steaming bowl of cioppino. Kids might light the cheese ravioli or chicken skewers served with a Thai peanut dipping sauce.
Ski: Bear Valley is known as the "Friendlies Mountain in the West" and it's a great spot for families with an established ski school and lots of beginner slopes (as well as more advanced ones for mom and dad). bearvalley.com
How to make holiday flights merry
Lose the layovers Avoid stopovers, especially in airports such as Denver, Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis where weather delays are common. If a connection is necessary, fly through a Southern hub such as Dallas, Charlotte, or Phoenix, where you can at least eliminate the possibility of weather being a problem.
Check in at home Most airlines' websites now make it possible for passengers to print out bar-coded boarding passes at home.
Beat the traffic If you live far from an airport and have an early flight, stay at an airport hotel the night before; some allow you to park your car at the hotel until you return. Check www.bestwestern.com.
Reserve parking During the holidays, airport parking lots fill up fast. Luckily, you can reserve spaces ahead. Even better, ask a neighbor to give you a lift or arrange for a shuttle.
Avoid gift glitches Leave the presents unwrapped because security measures may require wrapped packages to be unwrapped. Another option: To avoid gift wrapping late into the night after your arrival, mail gifts ahead.
Carry on some fruitcake—and a sandwich Food is nonexistent on most flights these days so bring a sandwich from home and a holiday treat to keep yourself in the spirit.
Entertain the kids...or just yourself Play holiday movies such as Polar Express and Elf on the DVD player; bring paper, stickers, and crayons to make holiday cards; and pack travel Scrabble but play with new rules—holiday words only.
Spread the joy Pack a box of chocolates to pass out to other passengers, or bring a treat for the flight attendants.
Bedeck your bag The last thing you want to deal with is a piece of lost luggage so tie a red ribbon around the handle.
Photo: RCGroups.com / Zenmaniac
Kids' Gift Guide Part Three: The Cure to "Are We There Yet?!"
Part Three in my gift guide for your favorite globe-trotting tots. (Check out Part One and Two.) Unwrapping a present intended for an upcoming trip is a great way to build excitement - and there's lots of good stuff out there for kids who travel!
Robot Headphone Splitter
I love listening to stories and music as a family on road trips, but even I'll admit to passing out the headphones at a certain point. Thanks to this clever little Robot Headphone Splitter, one music player will do the trick for two kids: just plug him into the MP3 Player/Smartphone/etc., and you're good to go for a little staring out the window in peace and quiet!
You'll have to trust me on this one: The Kid-O Magnatab is pure magic. Something like a reworked Etch A Sketch, you draw the pen across the board to pop up the magnetic beads, one by one. Perfect for drawing geometric shapes, practicing letters, or sketching the old lady across the airplane aisle - and absolutely no mess. Travel-friendly art at its best (and so strangely fun, I guarantee you'll want your own).
Tell Me a Story Cards
A week's worth of bedtime stories can be hard to manage on vacation when you've had to leave your stack of picture books at home. Enter Eeboo Story Cards! In themes like "Animal Village", "Fairy Tales", "Circus", and "Robot's Mission", these illustrated cards are the prompts for your own stories. Whether you tell the stories, your little one does, or you make it a family affair, each card you pull can inspire the next "chapter"; and a quick shuffle is all you need to create an entirely new adventure!
Kids' Gift Guide Part Two: Expert Kids
Part Two in a three part gift guide for your favorite globe-trotting tots. (See Part One here.) Unwrapping a present intended for an upcoming trip is a great way to build excitement - and there's lots of good stuff out there for kids who travel!
Kid-Proof Maps
Call me old school, but there's something special about navigating with a real map. The part I don't enjoy? Trying to fold them back up! Enter "Crumpled City Maps" - specifically, their Junior line. These super-clever maps are printed on a lightweight, durable, waterproof material; perfect for little hands to crumple into a ball again and again. They come in ultra-bright kiddo colors, and feature not-to-miss kids spots. Brilliant!
Call me old school, but there's something special about navigating with a real map. The part I don't enjoy? Trying to fold them back up! Enter "Crumpled City Maps" - specifically, their Junior line. These super-clever maps are printed on a lightweight, durable, waterproof material; perfect for little hands to crumple into a ball again and again. They come in ultra-bright kiddo colors, and feature not-to-miss kids spots. Brilliant!
Journalist in the making! Having their own travel journal to keep encourages kids to be on the lookout for new experiences, unusual sightings, funny-looking food - all the things that make travel worthwhile. And once you get home, their careful documentation will be a fantastic keepsake from your family's trip (much better than a magnet, no?). I love this one from Ann Banks because it has extra-sturdy card stock pages (don't forget the glue stick for gluing in tickets, mini golf score cards, etc.) and a durable plastic cover.
Is flipping through glossy guide books one of your favorite ways to get excited about travel? Pass on the excitement by giving the kids their very own guide books. If you already have a trip planned, find them a book for your destination: by the time you get there, they'll be full of fun facts (and maybe have a few activities planned for you, as well!). The KidsGo! series includes pocket guides to a number of cities, and are geared towards 7 to14-year-olds, with lots of factoids and listings of things to do.
Even without a trip planned in the near future, travel books are great for fueling that passion for travel! The Lonely Planet Not-For-Parents Travel Book is bursting with facts about every country in the world (the fun kinds of facts, like where to find the world's stinkiest fruit, and who invented rollerskates); these country snapshots might have your little one planning the next family trip!
What did I forget? What's your go-to kid's travel gift?
7 reasons to visit Disneyland during the holidays
1) Over 50,000 lights turn the facade of Disneyland’s beloved “It’s a Small World” ride into a sparkling wonderland every evening through January 6.
2) Prancing reindeer, skating silver snowflakes, marching toy soldiers and dancing gingerbread cookies march down Main Street during the daily Christmas Fantasy Parade. You'll also see your favorite characters atop floats: Mickey and Minnie take a romantic twirl on a frozen pond while Woody and Buzz wave from atop giant wooden building blocks.
3) When the sun goes down, shimmering icicles and twinkling lights make Sleeping Beauty's castle appear even more enchanting.
4) Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloween Town from Tim Burton's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' take over the Haunted Mansion ride.
5) Kids can decorate cookies and sit on Santa Claus's lap at the Jingle Jangle Jamboree. Also, don't miss the live toe-tappin music from the likes of Billy Hill and the Holiday Hillbillies.
6) Dazzling pyrotechnics burst high above Sleeping Beauty Castle in the Believe... In Holiday Magic fireworks spectacular, complete with a snow flurry finale.
7) Snow (really soapy suds) falls on Main Street after the fireworks show.
Best Western tip: Stay at the Best Western Anaheim Inn, just across the street from the Disneyland entrance.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Raleigh / Durham, N.C.
Referred to as the Triangle Area, North Carolina's Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding towns make a wonderful family vacation destination. You'll find plenty to do, both inside and out.
Ole Mill - West Point on the Eno: bobistraveling /Flickr
1. Call me crazy but, when it comes down to it, who ISN'T obsessed with dinosaurs? Fortunately, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences understands. Located in downtown Raleigh, the museum's always free (except for special exhibits), and always super cool. And they don't stop at dinos: kids will love dancing with the butterflies in their large enclosed butterfly space, saying hello to the resident (live) snakes and turtles, and trying on animal costumes in the activity room.
BONUS: The North Carolina Museum of History is right across the plaza - perfect for brushing up on the local history.
2. Take a stroll along Eno River. West Point on the Eno covers a two mile stretch of the river, and offers plenty of space for picnics and walks through the woods on park trails. Stop into the historic West Point Mill, which grinds corn and wheat to this day using water power.
3. Need more fresh air? Pullen Park was the first public park in North Carolina, and it's still fulfilling its goal of providing recreation and pleasure to Raleigh's inhabitants and visitors. You'll be an especially big fan of the Pullen Amusement Center, with kid-friendly rides (tickets are $1), a children's ampitheatre, a playground, and more.
Kids' Gift Guide Part One: Get Them Gear!
Part one in a three part gift guide for your favorite globe-trotting tots. Unwrapping a present intended for an upcoming trip is a great way to build excitement - and there's lots of good stuff out there for kids who travel!
Ride-On Suitcases
I've spotted a few families with these in airports recently - what a genius idea! Your little one can have a blast zipping through the terminals beside you, with all her plane essentials tucked into the carry-on sized case. And the ride-on fun doesn't have to stop once you're at your destination, either! I like this one from Hearthsong, but I've seen some with an attachable leash, too.
Neck Pillows
So cute - so comfy - and so helpful for getting the kids to sleep on airplanes and roadtrips. I love these friendly animal themed ones from Creature Comforts on Etsy.
Travel Toy Blanket
This one's a DIY, courtesy of the very clever crafting mom at MerrimentDesign! It's the perfect way to keep toddlers' toys from tumbling down onto the airplane floor when they drop them; it would work equally well in the backseat of a car, too.
Use velcro loops to hook around toys, and add pockets, textured fabric, bright colors, and whatever else you dream up to keep Baby busy! Directions here.
Read More
I've spotted a few families with these in airports recently - what a genius idea! Your little one can have a blast zipping through the terminals beside you, with all her plane essentials tucked into the carry-on sized case. And the ride-on fun doesn't have to stop once you're at your destination, either! I like this one from Hearthsong, but I've seen some with an attachable leash, too.
So cute - so comfy - and so helpful for getting the kids to sleep on airplanes and roadtrips. I love these friendly animal themed ones from Creature Comforts on Etsy.
Travel Toy Blanket
This one's a DIY, courtesy of the very clever crafting mom at MerrimentDesign! It's the perfect way to keep toddlers' toys from tumbling down onto the airplane floor when they drop them; it would work equally well in the backseat of a car, too.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Albuquerque, NM
Craving some warmth? Head to the southwest! Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be a welcoming host for your visit: there are lots of family-friendly fun to be had, both inside and out. Read on for three of my picks!
1. Sometimes all you need for a morning of fun is a good old fashioned flea market - and Albuquerque is home to New Mexico's largest! Who's up for a scavenger hunt? Divide the family into teams, arm each group with a camera (or a notepad) and the race is on: the first team to track down a piggy bank, an old-school alarm clock, a saggy straw hat (you get the idea) should probably buy the other team some soft serve! The flea market opens every Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. - perfect for early risers (and beating the heat).
2. Raise your hand if you know what a petroglyph is! Drive a short distance west out of Albuquerque to Petroglyth National Monument, and explore designs carved into volcanic rock up to 700 years ago by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center first to pick up a Ranger Activity Book for the kids: after completing a number of activities, they'll be awarded a badge, patch, and certificate!
3. Feeling brave? Take a Ghost Tour of Old Town! This guided, 90-minute tour of Albuquerque's isn't for the faint of heart: you'll search for the lost souls of Civil War phantoms and other specters, and hear spooky stories of actual sightings by residents and visitors. Bring your camera - you never know what you'll see!
Thrifty Travel Fun: Philadelphia, PA
If you're heading to Philadelphia, you've no doubt got a long list of historical sights to visit - from the Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross' house, the city is chock-full of American history! Here are a couple on-the-cheap kid-friendly activities to throw into the mix, just in case all that history needs a little time to be digested.
1. For children interested in science, the Chemical Heritage Foundation's museum is a jackpot. Stroll through permanent and changing exhibits exploring the history of chemistry and science's role in our world. Admission is free - and you may leave with a newly minted scientist in the family!
2. Aquariums? Absolute kid pleaser. The often hefty admission cost for a whole family? Less pleasing for you. Enter Nemo's Aquarium: it's primarily a retail location, but at 10,000 square feet, with over 300 aquariums of both freshwater and saltwater creatures, it's also a pretty fantastic place to bring the kids. There's even a giant tank of in the back that's home to a couple of sharks: stop by at 7:00 on Tuesdays to see them get their supper! (Nemo's Aquarium appears to be about to go through a name change - check for details before visiting!)
3. If you're visiting on the first Friday of the month, take a short field trip out of the city to First Friday Main Line, which showcases art and culture in not one but three nearby towns: Ardmore, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr. Check the website for a schedule for the month's events and a printable map, but you can always count on family-friendly music, live performances, and hands-on art (coming up this month: a gingerbread house contest!). Even better, two free trollies run in a loop through the three towns, so you can park the car and have a friendly green monster be your chauffeur for the evening!
BONUS! Can't get enough Philadelphia? Neither can my family! I visited with my son, and then again with the whole family. Plus, bring on the cheesesteak!
Read More
1. For children interested in science, the Chemical Heritage Foundation's museum is a jackpot. Stroll through permanent and changing exhibits exploring the history of chemistry and science's role in our world. Admission is free - and you may leave with a newly minted scientist in the family!
2. Aquariums? Absolute kid pleaser. The often hefty admission cost for a whole family? Less pleasing for you. Enter Nemo's Aquarium: it's primarily a retail location, but at 10,000 square feet, with over 300 aquariums of both freshwater and saltwater creatures, it's also a pretty fantastic place to bring the kids. There's even a giant tank of in the back that's home to a couple of sharks: stop by at 7:00 on Tuesdays to see them get their supper! (Nemo's Aquarium appears to be about to go through a name change - check for details before visiting!)
3. If you're visiting on the first Friday of the month, take a short field trip out of the city to First Friday Main Line, which showcases art and culture in not one but three nearby towns: Ardmore, Haverford, and Bryn Mawr. Check the website for a schedule for the month's events and a printable map, but you can always count on family-friendly music, live performances, and hands-on art (coming up this month: a gingerbread house contest!). Even better, two free trollies run in a loop through the three towns, so you can park the car and have a friendly green monster be your chauffeur for the evening!
BONUS! Can't get enough Philadelphia? Neither can my family! I visited with my son, and then again with the whole family. Plus, bring on the cheesesteak!
3 tips for smooth Thanksgiving air travel
Reserve airport parking. Over the summer, we arrived at our favorite parking garage near the airport to learn that all the cheap spots were taken. We were stuck paying for premium parking, something we don't need because our car is a beater. It's wise to reserve ahead during peak travel times.
Check in online. It's so much easier to check in 24 hours in advance online. We're traveling with carry-ons only so we won't even have to face the madness at the ticket counter. Also, by checking in online, you can make sure that you have seat assignments and pay for any checked bags.
Leave presents unwrapped. Airport security recommends that you leave presents unwrapped...or else you might end up tearing them open as you go through security.
Photo: theairlineguys.blogspot.com
Thanksgiving travel: Can you take a pumpkin pie through airport security?
The good news is that yes, you can take a pumpkin pie, well actually any pie, through airport security.The bad news is that you can't take any of these items through according to the Transportation Security Administration:
* Creamy dips and spreads (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.)
* Gift baskets with food items (salsa, jams and salad dressings)
* Gravy
* Jams
* Jellies
* Maple syrup
* Oils and vinegars
* Salad dressing
* Salsa
* Sauces
* Soups
* Wine, liquor and beer
Thrifty Travel Fun: Baltimore, MD
What is there to do with kids in Baltimore? Lots, and you don't have to break the piggy bank!
1. Does your family have a sweet tooth? Bring them to The Fudgery! Take a tour to learn how fudge is made, and pick up some freshly-made fudge on the way out (the perfect "thanks for taking care of the cats while we were gone" gift!). Think The Fudgery is just about fudge? Think again! You'll also be treated to some first-rate entertainment: the fudgemakers are prone to bursting into song and dance while they work. Famous performer Sisqo got his start behind the counter at The Fudgery, and it seems his legacy has "stuck" around!
2. All that fudge left that munchkins with a little extra energy? Better head to Rash Field in Baltimore's Inner Harbor Have some fun in the sand during the warmer months (there are seven sand volleyball courts, and lots of amateur and professional matches to watch), or strap on ice skates and glide out onto the outdoor rink during the winter.
3. The National Electronics Museum is a gem for older kids: they'll get an understanding of the invisible electrical world that surrounds us, learn about Morse code and the Bell Telephone in the Communications Gallery, make the connection between Cold War radar technology and the microwave in your kitchen, and more. Admission is free!
3 hotels where you can find sun—even in winter
Anyone looking for some sun? Here are three hotels where you can soak up some rays, lie by the pool and get a tan even in the middle of winter.
1) Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront, Fl.
Could the decor in the lobby of this hotel be any cuter? The playful colors--flamingo pink, key lime pie green, ocean blue--recall those days in the 1960s when travelers were just discovering Florida's impossibly white beaches, turquoise waters, and fragrant orange groves. Better yet, this stylish property sits on a beach with sand that's like white sugar.
2) Best Western Beachside Inn, Santa Barbara, Calif.
The sun is always shining in Southern California. This boutique-style hotel sits across the street from the Santa Barbara harbor filled with yachts and sailboats. From here you can walk to the town’s commercial district, State Street. Or swim in the hotel's courtyard pool
3) Arroyo Roble Sedona Hotel and Creekside Villas, Az.
Escape to the Arizona desert. This hotel is set among 14 acres of parkland surrounded by majestic red rock mountains. Go for a hike, swim in the pool or relax in the sauna.
Read More
1) Best Western Fort Walton Beachfront, Fl.
2) Best Western Beachside Inn, Santa Barbara, Calif.
The sun is always shining in Southern California. This boutique-style hotel sits across the street from the Santa Barbara harbor filled with yachts and sailboats. From here you can walk to the town’s commercial district, State Street. Or swim in the hotel's courtyard pool
3) Arroyo Roble Sedona Hotel and Creekside Villas, Az.
Escape to the Arizona desert. This hotel is set among 14 acres of parkland surrounded by majestic red rock mountains. Go for a hike, swim in the pool or relax in the sauna.
Thrifty Travel Fun: Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is the bustling transportation hub of the Southeastern United States - and if you're passing through, I'd recommend you stick around for a few days to see what the city has to offer! Situated in the rolling green hills at the base of the Appalachian Mountains, the city is ideally located for day trips out into nature, while its metropolitan heart is rich with culture and - you guessed it! - plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
Photo by hoyasmeg / Flickr
1. Have the kids ever seen a movie under the big night sky? Spend an evening at the Starlight Six Drive-In! Admission is $7 for adults, but kids nine and under are just $1, and every show is a double feature: plenty of silver screen for your buck! You're welcome to bring in your own food (we're all tired of $100 popcorn and soda, right?) so turn your car around and have a picnic in the trunk!
2. Speaking of stars...Atlanta's Fernbank Science Center is home to one of the largest telescopes in the country dedicated to public education and viewing. Stop by on a Thursday or Friday after dark for free public observations (weather permitting, of course - give them a call first). If the kids leave all starry-eyed, check in with the Georgia Tech Observatory - they offer sporadic public observation nights as well.
3. Remember the 1996 Olympics? That was Atlanta! Be sure to pay a visit to the 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park. There's plenty of space to stage your own family olympics (perfect if you've all been cooped up in the car for hours), plus the park features lots of family fun and live events many days out of the week: check the website for schedules. The Fountain of the Rings, the world's largest interactive fountains and one of the most photographed landmarks in Georgia, sits at the center of the park; shows run four times a day, 365 days a year.
Bonus! Atlanta resident Sue Rodman is the genius behind Field Trips with Sue, a fantastic, award-winning blog about things to do with kids in and around Atlanta. Click through for lots more ideas (including events going on during your trip), and check out her book, "100+ Free Things to Do in Atlanta", too.
Hike through the redwoods: Muir Woods is free this weekend!
Could there be a better way to spend this weekend than hiking through one of the Bay Area's most magnificent stands of redwoods?
Parking can be a challenge so go early or take the shuttle from Mill Valley.
Tip: Stay at the Best Western Plus Corte Madera Inn with a gorgeous swimming pool. It's a short drive from the redwoods.
More info
Photo: Samantha Decker / Flickr
Air New Zealand releases Hobbit-themed inflight video
Calling all Hobbit fans (and geeks)! Air New Zealand has created a new inflight video inspired by the soon-to-be-released The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first in a trilogy of films from director and Kiwi Sir Peter Jackson.
Read More
