Summer Travel: Mermaids for Kids and Summer Camp for Parents

Under the sea Under the sea Darling it’s better Down where it’s wetter Take it from me My 4-year-old daughter can belt out the words to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” songs with the best of them. Which is why I would love nothing more than to take her to see the real Ariel in person. If you have a “Little Mermaid” lover in your family you might consider making the trip to Florida, or now, South Carolina. The mermaid swimmers who perform at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida are coming to Myrtle Beach. According to reps for the swimmers, this … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Even More Hotels Helping You Save This Summer

Last Friday marked the official start of summer. The days are longer and the sun is more intense. Unfortunately, now that the Summer Solstice has passed it means we are losing one to two minutes of daylight per day as we head towards winter. If that sad fact doesn’t act as a motivator for you to get out and enjoy the nice weather perhaps these next deals will. Lodgings across the country are offering money saving deals to entice you to spend part of your summer vacation with them. If high gas prices have you putting the brakes on your … Continue reading

Travel Tales: Kids Rebel Against High Gas Prices

My daughter is far too young to understand that skyrocketing gas prices are just one of the reasons we can’t afford to drive to Chicago everyday to see her finned friends at the aquarium. And even if she did comprehend what gas prices have done to our household budget I’m still not convinced she would take on the project two sisters in Salt Lake City did recently. Nine-year-old Sadie and 7-year-old Pyper Vance are rebelling against record high gas prices. The sisters aren’t even old enough to have their learner’s permit, yet they say they are as sick of the … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—More Hotels Helping You Save Money This Summer

Who knew it would come to this? That hotels would actually be paying you to visit them? With the slew of gas saving travel packages being offered by lodgings from coast to coast, that’s pretty much what is happening–hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs across the country don’t want you to put the brakes on your summer road trip so they are providing generous discounts and rebates to travelers who choose to stay at their properties. Here’s a look at the latest offerings: COLORADO You can thank the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for this next gas rebate. The group is currently … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West

In my previous blog I listed some of the many creative deals being offered by lodgings across the country that are designed to help offset the skyrocketing price of gas. You might be surprised at how generous some of the nation’s hotels (both big and small) are being this summer. Take a look at the following gas saving discounts and rebates and consider how they might help fuel your family’s summer road trip: CALIFORNIA Things are heating up this season in San Diego. Right now you can cash in on the “Summer Sizzle” package being offered at the San Diego … Continue reading

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer

“Gas Tank Getaways,” “Tanks-A-Lot,” “Gas Savers.” They have a variety of cute and clever names, but their goal is the same: save travelers some green as they navigate under blue skies this summer season. From California to Maine, practically every inn, hotel, motel and mansion is running a promotion to offset the record high gas prices that are sweeping the nation. For the past few months I have been tracking these super summer travel deals and today I have more to offer you road warriors before you hit the highway on your family vacation. Take a look: GEORGIA “Tanks for … Continue reading

Family-Friendly Summer Travel Bargains

Whether you’re interested in spending quality family time getting up close to an endangered Amur leopard or you prefer ferrying around the waterways around the beautiful state of Maine these next summer travel deals will allow you to do so without going broke in the process. Take a look: MAINE Casco, Maine is known by the locals as the world’s most charming city by the bay. And during the summer months it becomes a haven for families who love to explore in the great outdoors. You can start in Portland’s historic downtown with its fascinating side streets; browse for local … 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

Family Friendly Summer Destinations

Yee-Haw! If your family loves rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, barrel races and other old-fashioned entertainment you might consider rounding up the troops and moseying into Calgary, Canada this summer. That’s were you’ll find the legendary Calgary Stampede, which is scheduled to take place from July 4-13 this year. The event attracts more than a million visitors to the area, not to mention some A-list entertainers. This year the event will host musical performances by James Taylor, Sugarland, The Judds and Kid Rock. In addition to the rocking nights planned for the stampede, the daylight hours will be filled with family … Continue reading