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Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier

Toys and goldfish delivered to your room, goodie bags at check-in, kid suites, and baby sitting services—now that’s my kind of hotel. Hotel chains such as Embassy Suites and Omni, which consistently rate well with business travelers, are stepping up efforts to please pint-sized guests–just in time for the busy summer travel season. In fact, Embassy Suites (which is a Hilton-owned chain) recently launched a children-only website — embassykids.com — where kids can build their own online drinks and omelets and print out packing lists and coloring sheets. Meanwhile, Omni Hotels has started giving out free backpacks with small toys … Continue reading →

Family Travel: More Kid-Friendly Restaurants

I don’t know about you, but when our family hits the road for a family vacation there are only so many meals I can tolerate ordering from a hanging fluorescent menu. By day two I insist we eat at least one meal at a sit-down restaurant. However, I realize that this can add up (especially if you are not staying at a condo or resort with a kitchen that allows you to make your own meals). In a previous blog I provided a list of some of our family’s favorite roadside pit stops. Here now are a few affordable additions … Continue reading →

More International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

Most parents agree that if their children are happy they are happy. These days more and more hotels around the world are latching on to that philosophy and upping their game when it comes to creating kid-friendly atmospheres. Dozens of upscale properties are now targeting tots in an effort to win over their affluent parents. Here are several more international hotels making headlines for their superior kid-friendly amenities: CHINA Just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics the Commune by the Great Wall hotel has just completed its new children’s facility. The brightly colored kid-friendly structure hosts programs specially designed … Continue reading →

International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

And you thought getting a free pair of mouse ears and some chocolates on your pillow was exciting. Wait until you see the types of goodies some luxurious family friendly resorts around the world are doling out to young guests to impress the entire clan. If you have always treated your child like a prince or princess then you’ll want to check out these ultra-luxe properties that go the extra mile to give kids the royal treatment: FRANCE The Hôtel Plaza Athénée on chic Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris has the market covered when it comes to upscale … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: Saving Money and Saving Lives

SAVING MONEY The soaring price of fuel is big news around the country, but it’s even bigger news where I live. I happen to reside near one of the nation’s largest trucking companies and as you can imagine the record breaking price of fuel is hitting the company where it hurts. So hard, in fact, that Schneider National just announced that it is cutting the top speed for its 10,600 rigs to 60 mph. By doing so the company estimates it can save nearly 4 million gallons of fuel per year. Prior to this week’s announcement Schneider had restricted drivers … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Summer Vacation—-Don’t Get the Massage

For the past several weeks I have been providing tips on how you can preserve your family’s summer vacation plans despite astronomical airfares and record high gas prices. The following tidbits are aimed at helping you save on the road as well, though one is a bit more tongue-in-cheek than the other. These days talk of a recession is on the minds and lips of practically every financial expert paraded on cable news shows; however there are some people in the world who don’t have to worry about pinching pennies during these tough economic times. And no doubt some of … Continue reading →

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation—Work It!

Continuing my series on ways to save on your summer vacation I’m turning my attention to a unique alternative that I doubt would appeal to those of you who enjoy leaving the daily grind behind to relax on a powdery white sand beach. However, if you are on a tight budget and can’t stomach spending a summer camping in your own backyard then you might not be turned off by the idea of taking a working vacation. If you have a passion for lighthouses consider heading to Northport, Michigan this summer. The Grand Traverse Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to … Continue reading →

Got Kids? Even More Ways to Save Money on the Road

Does your family enjoy spending time on the water? Or do they prefer hiking, mountain biking or touring historic sites? Perhaps a better question is can you afford indulging in your family’s favorite activities given the state of our current economy? If you take advantage of the following deals being offered by lodgings across the country the answer might just be a resounding “YES.” The following travel deals could help preserve your family’s summer vacation. Take a look: ARIZONA Lake Powell Resort, located on the border of Arizona and Utah and within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is offering … 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 →

Got Kids? Saving Money on the Road

Who says the only lodgings that embrace families are the ones where “Kids Eat Free” signs hang above the entryway? With the cost of gas soaring, house prices falling and the word “recession” appearing on newspaper headlines from coast-to-coast hoteliers are getting creative to lure families with children to their properties. The following cost-saving travel packages are not only easy on your wallet, but they are also packed with kid-friendly activities that will truly make your vacation on a shoestring a memorable one. DENVER The 196-room JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek is currently offering their Kids in the City … Continue reading →