WALL-E and Thoughts on Responsible Travel Plans

If you have kids, you know about WALL-E. And if you don’t, here’s a primer: It’s the latest movie made by Pixar, the folks who brought us Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, and many other CGI movies that are great fun for children and adults alike. WALL-E is no exception. Get ready to stand in line, because every child in the United States is going to be begging to see this one. And hold onto your wallet, because the market is surely about to be flooded with adorable WALL-E tie-in products and toys. Isn’t that always the way?

But one thing you don’t have to do is brace yourself for an agonizing 2 hours of kiddie fare. WALL-E is a terrific movie, and the creative geniuses at Pixar have skillfully balanced a child-friendly story (with more screen time for cute robots than people) with an enjoyable, futuristic tale of how said robots help humans (living in outer space) reclaim their own lives. The underlying theme of the environmental degradation of our planet is, amazingly, not depressing: This is above all an optimistic film, with hopeful messages about the resourcefulness of “the little guy” (or ‘bot) and the importance of taking care of planet Earth.

That being said, there are real ecological problems on our planet here and now. We don’t have to go 700 years into the future to see entire cities of garbage and human refuse. How can the Traveling Mamas, fervent proponents of the joy of travel, promote an activity with such a huge carbon footprint? Easy – because we also reduce our carbon debt in various ways, and to varying degrees. And you can too.

Tips and Resources to Travel Green

Airplane travel is certainly the fastest way to get to distant vacation destinations; travelers can buy carbon offsets to support sustainable travel practices. I like Sustainable Travel International as a resource for purchasing carbon offsets that invest in clean energy and help offset CO2 emissions.

Here’s a tip from a great resource, the Rainforest Alliance: “Have a fun vacation and make a difference.” The Eco-Index Sustainable Tourism site is a listing service for approved tourism businesses that strive to conserve natural resources in travel destinations (and improve the livelihoods of local cultures nearby). The Eco-Index is also recommended by Traveling Mamas as a reliable resource.

The Rainforest Alliance itself is in itself a trustworthy resource for eco-travel. The Go Green SmartGuide to Sustainable Travel is recognized as a great source for information regarding hotels, restaurants, and other elements of the travel industry that help promote or operate with environmentally sound business practices.

If you’re taking a car trip this year (and with air fare the way it is these days, who can blame you?), consider switching your auto club membership to Better World Club. It’s a “green” alternative to AAA.

There are many ways to be kind to the Earth and still travel around it. The future represented in WALL-E is avoidable, after all. We don’t have to live in such disposable ways, in such a consumerist culture – the choice is ours. We can see the world and help keep it healthy.

Winning Wednesday: William Joseph CD

Italy, Hawaii, Australia, Alaska, Ireland, Paris, and tropical getaways seem to be tops on everyone’s list of dream places to visit.

The last time someone mentioned to me that they dreamed of going to Australia, I encouraged her to go. It happened to be my cousin, who came back after a two week tour to sell her condo and car and ended up moving to Surfer’s Paradise.

We never know what path in life we may travel, but keep those dreams and actually plan to see these places. Some of you want to see family, others just want the excitement of seeing a new place. I know first-hand how awesome it can be to work towards the goal of a destination and the emotions that overwhelm you once you get there.

Congrats to the following winners of William Joseph’s latest CD, Beyond. We hope you will travel to your dream destinations in the near future. Be sure to take your new CD with you on your journeys.

Sharon Fairclough dreams of Paris. Bobv wants to see Tahiti. Flora Presley fantasizes about Greece and has a closer dream of Mount Rushmore. Debf would like to visit Australia (say hi to my cousin for me) and Andrea Bialy has a desire to see Lebanon.

Congrats to all our dreamers. Check your email addresses so I can get a mailing address to send your prize. Remember that dreams can become a reality. Be sure to check out some of Traveling Mamas tips for saving. Instead of saying you would like to go somewhere, change your thinking and say you WILL go to that special place.

Weekend Road Trip: The Arizona Salsa Trail

A few weeks back my husband and I decided to load up the tots and take a little jaunt over to Safford, Arizona and explore an Arizona culinary attraction: The Salsa Trail. The “trail” runs along Southeast Arizona’s Old West Highway and consists of thirteen restaurants, a tortilla factory and a chile factory.  

When we pulled into the parking lot of the Best Western Desert Inn, our home for the night, the parking lot was filled with a rainbow of polished classic cars. The owners were walking around in hats and t-shirts that said, “I Survived the Salsa Trail”. It was the Classy Car Club from Wickenburg, Arizona in town for the weekend cruising the Salsa Trail. 

Not only were the car club members friendly, the entire town welcomed us with open arms. Locals waved as we drove by, while a smile and warm hello became the norm every time we passed someone on the street. Even when I tried to push the double stroller up a curb and my children almost ended up splattered on the concrete locals ran up to help.

 

Over two days we hit five of the restaurants (Safford is home to eight of the restaurants, tortilla factory, and the chili farm) and believe me when I say this is an experience where polishing off an entire bowl of chips is not recommended. Our first stop was at the Salsa Fiesta in Wilcox. We ate a full lunch there, which was quite good by the way, but from then on we simply tasted the variety of salsas with a few chips. Each restaurant’s salsa was so unique and tasted so fresh.

 

After we all had our fill, we took the kids back to the Best Western to splash in the pool and watch a stunning Arizona sunset. The next day we hit the local coffee shop on Main Street called A Step Back in Time where barista Mikayla made us a couple of great cups of java.

 

Next, we crossed the street for breakfast at El Coronado Family Restaurant where it seemed everyone knew each other by name. The kids indulged in yummy pancakes while Jeff and I had some tasty breakfast burritos, with their special salsa of course. Delish! I can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the Salsa Trail restaurants.

 

 

Budget Travel: Free Stuff to Do in Aspen, Colorado

Top-notch hotels, fine dining and luxury shops are found throughout charming (and expensive) Aspen, Colorado. But locals know how to enjoy the upscale resort town without breaking the bank.

Here are a few free things to do in Aspen this summer:

Listen to a free concert. Outdoor music abounds in the summertime. Relax on a bench and listen to Aspen Music School students play for donations on the downtown pedestrian mall. Take the Silver Queen Gondola (or hike for free!) to the top of Aspen Mountain for free classical or bluegrass concerts. Pack a picnic lunch and sit on the lawn outside the Benedict Music Tent during the annual, summer-long Aspen Music Festival. And the big daddy of free concerts: the Thursday-evening shows at slopeside Fanny Hill in Snowmass Village featuring major headliners from June 26 to August 21.

Stroll through a free festival. The place to be Saturday mornings is the farmer’s market in downtown Aspen. With cooking demonstrations and kids’ activities, it’s certainly got a festive atmosphere. And the outdoor festivals throughout the warm-weather season — especially in nearby Snowmass Village — offer plenty of options for food samples, street entertainment and kids’ activities. Check out Snowmass’ Mountain Masterpieces Arts Fair August 2-3 and the Snowmagical Family Fun Fest August 8-9 (pictured above; photo by Biege Jones).

Take a free hike. It doesn’t cost a cent to revel in Aspen’s gorgeous scenery along any one of the area’s several mountain trails. Visit the local Forest Service office for detailed maps and directions to trailheads. The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies offers free guided hikes on the top of Aspen Mountain.

Budget Travel: Discounts to Hawaii

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau is making it much easier on your wallet to book a vacation to Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, Lanai & Molokai this summer.

Through partnerships with American Airlines Vacations, American Express Vacations, Classic Vacations, Expedia, NWA WorldVacations, Orbitz, Pleasant Holidays, Travelocity, and United Vacations, travelers can save at least $200 on vacation packages this summer – and often much more!

While the offers vary on the different islands and at various resorts, incentives include deeply discounted airfare, free hotel room nights, free meals, free rental cars, and free food and beverage dining credits.

HVCB has created a dedicated website listing all of the special packages at GoHawaii.com/summerfun. You’ll need to move quickly — for many of the deals, you must book by July 15.

Budget Travel: AffordableTours.com Cheap Vacations

Full disclaimer: I am employed by AffordableTours.com as a marketing copywriter. But I thought these vacation deals were too amazing not to share with Traveling Mamas’ readers, so here goes!

New LeisureScapes by AffordableTours.com vacation packages are targeted to folks (namely retirees) who have plenty of free time to travel. So, they’re not for everyone — or for families traveling with young children (kids over age 8 are welcome on these trips, and they receive a 10% land-only discount).

But if you have 13 to 22 days to spend in a warm-weather locale, and you don’t want to spend a ton of money, consider these escorted trips that include accommodations, transportation, daily breakfast, some additional meals, sightseeing, services of a tour director and more — for as low as $79/day!

The relaxed itineraries feature resort stays in southern coastal locations in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Croatia as well as tropical Costa Rica. A tour director is on hand for participants throughout their trip, and city sightseeing tours or other excursions are included in each overnight locale. There’s a ton of unscheduled time for travelers to soak up the local culture on their own, participate in optional excursions (for an additional fee) or relax at resort accommodations.

Here are the seven LeisureScapes vacations (prices are land-only; air-inclusive is also available):

• Italy: Rome & Sorrento, 15 days, $1,630 ($109/day)
• Italy: Rome & Sorrento, 22 days, $2,300 ($105/day)
• Italy: Sicily, 15 days, $1,675 ($112/day)
• Portugal: Estoril Coast & Algarve, 15 days, $1,390 ($93/day)
• Spain: Costa del Sol, 18 days, $1,600 ($89/day)
• Croatia, pictured above, 15 days, $1,180 ($79/day)
• Costa Rica, 13 days, starting at $1,339 ($103/day)

All of the Europe trips depart November 2008 to March 2009; Costa Rica trip is available year round.

For more details, call 800-721-8526, or click here.

Molokai Sunset on Papohaku Beach

While I’m not even going to attempt to be as beautifully poetic as DesertMama was in her eloquent post about the break of dawn on Kaua’i, I did want to share with you my experience watching the sunset on a deserted beach on the west end of Molokai.

Hawaii’s sixth-largest island, Molokai is known as the “Friendly Isle,” and indeed its residents are incredibly welcoming — people think nothing of hugging you hello and good-bye, even if you’d just met! But it’s also wonderfully pristine, with very limited development. Zero traffic lights!

Molokai is an ideal vacation destination for folks who want to get back to nature to discover what the rest of Hawaii was like before high-rise resorts and sprawling strip malls. Just 38 miles long and 10 miles wide, with no more than 8,000 residents, it’s easy to get to know Molokai ntimately, even over the course of a short stay. (Though I did meet one East Coast couple who was on the island for 11 days in an effort to ‘drop out’ and disconnect for a while — from technology I presume, not each other…)

I read about Papohaku Beach in my trusty Frommer’s guidebook, which said it’s not atypical to find the wide, sandy bay virtually empty. No people, just footprints, the guide said.

Indeed, when i made the early evening, 20-mile drive to the westerly beach from the main town of Kaunakakai on the southeast end, I found only a handful of tent campers in the grassy stretch between the parking lot and the beach. I saw no families there cleaning up their towels and sand toys after a day at the beach, nor any couples sharing a bottle of wine while watching the sun sink into the ocean. No one. Nada. Zilch.

It was totally surreal to be walking such a large beach alone. Perhaps spooky is a better word. Just me in my own head, wishing I had my husband or someone else to share my experience with. The views were stunning: sand dunes and drifts as far down the bay as the eye could see–in both directions–totaling a three-mile stretch of beach. What a playground!

But seeing the pretty sunset — alone — just strengthened my resolve to bring my entire family back to Molokai — not only to take in the wonderful natural scenery and take part in fun excursions and outdoor adventures like snorkeling and kayaking, but to get to know “old Hawaii” and contrast it with some of the more populated resort areas we’ve visited.

For now, my photographs will have to suffice, but I do look forward to sharing this magical island with my family… some day!

Surreal. Magical. A Kaua’i Sunrise.

I sat up straight in bed, jarred from a deep sleep, and looked around the Kaha Lani Resort bedroom. What was that noise? There was enough light coming through the windows to tell dawn was approaching. I heard “it” again, now realizing “it” was Mother Nature’s colorful alarm clock. I lay down, but it crowed once more, this time with a friend.

I cringed and cover my ears.

The roosters, hens and baby chicks seen on Kaua’i are products of Hurricane Iniki’s September 11, 2002 destruction when the caged birds escaped, never to be held captive again. Instead, they were fruitful and multiplied and multiplied and multiplied and now run wild all across the Hawaiian “Garden Island”.

Some people find them annoying while others such as myself find them charming, that was until my early morning wake-up call.

There was no way I was going to be able to fall back to sleep. I wandered to the window overlooking the ocean to see a dull looking sky with a hint of brightness in the distance. The sun had yet to rise. I quickly changed into cropped pants and a navy blue tank top and grabbed my camera. Barefoot, I flew down the three flights of wooden stairs and across a short spread of grass. I climbed down a few boulders and jumped into the sand. A woman dressed in black was situated in the sand, involved in the yoga stance downward facing dog as the ocean’s waved crashed only yards from her feet and hands.

The wet sand felt soft between my toes while telling of the ocean’s recent presence. My feet were the first to walk the beach that morning. Just like every new day, the slate had been wiped clean and new adventures were to begin. The sun slowly crept into the sky, dodging behind clouds, occasionally allowing its reflection to dance on the water. The waves rolling onto the shore were the only sound except for the occasional rooster’s crow. As the waves kissed my ankles and the light taste of saltwater glossed my lips I was surprised to find my heart filled with gratitude for the little creature whose purpose is so often overlooked.

Once the sun was in the sky I found myself looking forward to the day and the next morning’s sunrise.

Good, Big Eats at Kahuna Kabobs in Lahaina, Maui

After our morning of adventure the other day on West Maui, Mudslide Mama and I were hungry, so we stopped in Lahaina on our return trip to the Westin Maui. No, we didn’t backtrack on that super crazy, cliff-hugging road. We took the “safe” way back, turning inland and then skirting the west coast back to Ka’anapali (on a real highway, this time).

That meant we went through the former whaling town of Lahaina — a destination I’d heartily recommend to Maui visitors who are looking to do some fun shopping (loads of little boutiques and souvenir stores) and eating (seafood restaurants, little bakeries, as well as some chains) along the main drag of Front Street.

I remembered Mudslide’s rave review of Maui Tacos, and it only seemed fitting that we go there for some affordable, Hawaiian fast food. But as we were making our way to Maui Tacos, we passed by another freshly made meals-on-the-spot type of joint: Kahuna Kabobs.

Serving up Mediterranean-influenced plates, like fish, chicken, steak and shrimp kabobs, as well as pupus, wraps, burgers and soups, Kahuna Kabobs is fresh, fast, filling — and relatively cheap. It also seemed popular with locals, since quite a few young people (eesh, I sound ancient) stopped by to chat with the twenty-something guy behind the counter.

Jen ordered the Blackened Fish Kabobs — fish of the day with sweet Molokai mashed potatoes, asparagus in coconut curry sauce topped with wasabi cream sauce. And I scarfed down Dr. J’s Island Style Curry — roasted eggplant, bell pepper, celery, onions, pineapple, tofu, garbanzo beans in “secret yellow curry sauce” over brown rice. YUM YUM!

Our meals, each with a diet Coke were about $15 to $17 — again, not bad for Maui standards. The portions were super filling. We liked knowing that everything was being cooked to order. Sitting outside in the fresh air, picnic-style at a patio table was more enjoyable to me then paying for an overpriced burger at one of the sit-down restaurants along Front Street.

Kahuna Kabob’s is in a little pedestrian area/alley off of Front Street between Lahainaluna and Dickenson streets. Save your money for souvenirs by eating lunch or dinner at this great locals’ place.

Aquariums to Zoos: Finding Family Fun on a Budget

The price of gas and rising airline tickets are forcing many families to stay closer to home this summer. Here are some travel tips to help families save money while still being able to vacation.

Plan to visit relatives.

Grandma sure would like to see the grandkids, so why not save a few bucks by bunking at her place. Just be sure to help her out with the dishes and don’t eat her out of house and home.

Skip the fast food.

Rest stops are a great place to stop for a pre-packed lunch, which would save Dad from having to shell out the dollars at a drive-through. This will also help with back-seat wiggles that the little ones get during long rides. After the picnic, take time to walk through the rest stop to learn more about the state you are visiting (or just passing through) and collect a few brochures and attraction coupons.

Pack extra supplies.

Tourist destinations can be a pricey place to purchase diapers, snacks, and all the extras. Try and over anticipate your family’s needs so there is no need to visit a store for overpriced items.

Find current events for your destination.

Many places offer farmer’s markets or weekend festivals for the entire family to enjoy. Not only are some of these events free, but they offer great learning experiences for the kids. Visit your planned destination’s official website for current event ideas.

Find an Aquarium or Zoo to visit.

Most cities offer a zoo or aquarium near their area. These places vary in price, so be sure to check the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ website to find a fun attraction for your family that will fit your budget.

No matter where your family decides to visit this year, be sure to plan a budget that fits your family’s needs. Spontaneous activities sometimes end up being the most memorable on vacation, so don’t plan every second. Remember to have fun and check TravelingMamas.com for travel ideas for you and your family.

On the Move Approved – Kids Topics to Go, for Family Travel

There are several ways to deal with – er, I mean, enjoy – a family road trip. Keeping children entertained in the car is so important, because the incessant whines of “I’m bored,” “Are we there yet?” and “She’s touching my side of the seat!” make long car rides intolerable. Some of us prefer to plug the kids into portable DVDs and enjoy the ensuing peace and quiet. Some pass small toys back to eager hands, only to have them dropped into some inaccessible corner of the car floor. Some of us play Punch Bug, or other versions of I Spy. And some of us try to promote a little family bonding through conversation. That’s where Kids Topics To Go comes in.

Kids Topics To Go is basically a portable conversation starter; 40 questions come in a plastic case. I tested it out this past weekend, with the help of 6- and 9-year olds. They immediately opened it and decided to “play” by each reading a question to the other. Some questions they liked were “Would you rather see a movie, a parade, or a magic show,” “What makes you feel better when you feel sick” (listening in, I was hoping for “Mommy” as the answer, but they agreed that ice cream trumps all) “What would you love to invent,” and “Who is the funniest person you know?”

There are no inappropriate question here, the only caveat being that to fully participate, a child should be able to read at a first- or second-grade level. There is a version for teens as well, and several non-travel versions called Table Topics, with 135 question cards. I really enjoyed driving quietly, while my kids talked to each other in the back. It’s a card game with no winners or losers, a way for siblings to share their experiences, and a useful way to pass time during family road trips.

Best of all is the price. At only $9, it’s Traveling Mamas On the Move Approved.

Top 5 Gulf Coast Beaches

As aired on May 18, 2008 in Baton Rouge, LA on The Around Town Show.

Summer in the US is the time where most families head to the beach. These are my picks for the 2008 beach season. This list is based on personal experience, family friendly offerings, sand quality, and overall good times. Feel free to comment on the destinations included or add your own picks for Gulf Coast beach destinations.

5. Galveston Island, TX

Galveston is on the list because it is home to Moody Gardens and a new Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The boardwalk along the beach is a great place for families who like walking along the beach without getting all the sand in your shoes. Also, there is a lot of pirate history, with Galveston Island being home to Campeche, a settlement once inhabited by Jean Laffite and his crew.

4. Gulf Shores, AL and Orange Beach

These two are really separate, but when many people around where I live say they are going to Gulf Shores, they could be going to Orange Beach instead. The two are side by side and offer shopping for Mamas at nearby Foley, an abundance of golf courses for the dads, and so many family friendly activities. The beaches are really nice and clean with many restaurants overlooking the Gulf. I spend time there one summer with my family when the kids were very small. We were able to find an affordable 2 bedroom condo on the beach through Brett Robinson Rentals. Be careful though, as the Gulf Shores area has become a bit pricey.

3. Panama City Beach, FL

I know what you are thinking, isn’t this a Spring Break destination? Yes, it used to be and I almost fondly remember a high school trip there where we stayed at The Chateau. You remember that old place don’t you? We used to call it the S—hole. Anyways, I returned one summer with family in tow. It has definitely changed to a family friendly destination. Beware of the evening traffic along The Strip. It is perfect if you are a family with teenagers, as many activities include parasailing and those bungie drop things. If you have younger children, there are plenty of go-cart tracks and waterslides.

2. Destin, FL

Destin and the northwest coast of Florida offer some of the most gorgeous beaches I’ve ever seen. This place has the shopping, the golf, the activities, and even the spas. One thing that sets it above other beaches is the relaxation factor. Be sure though that when you book your lodging, make sure it is ON the beach, not near the beach. Many condos here are located across the highway from the beach. This isn’t the best when you have little ones. Destin does offer some fantastic seafood. I remember many childhood summers at the buffet! The sand here is so fine, it actually barks when you walk.

1. The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is one of those places in the US that makes you feel as if you are on a tropical island somewhere. The Keys offers a variety of atmospheres, from Key West, which is a beach version of The French Quarter, to Islamorada, which is laid back and slow. If you don’t have the money to actually stay at the legendary Little Palm Island, you can still visit this hideaway for lunch. The same goes for Sunset Key. There are so many Keys to choose from with a variety of activities for families of all backgrounds.

Families can swim with the dolphins, visit a butterfly museum, learn about pirates at an interactive attraction, and see how turtles are taken care of at The Turtle Hospital. Families can’t go wrong when visiting The Keys.

So these are my picks for this year. Remember that a vacation is a time for travel, relationship renewal, and most importantly, fun. Be spontaneous and make the most of your time together this summer.

Recommended Children’s Toys to Help Survive the Road Trip

Keeping the kids entertained on the road is a lot easier than it used to be, what with portable DVD players and iPods. Plug ‘em in and keep ‘em quiet is sure a popular way to go. But it’s not the ONLY way to go, right? Some parents rightfully don’t want their children to watch that same stultifying Spongebob episode for the thousandth time. For those parents, here is a list of some recommended small toys to help keep your kids occupied on the family vacation road trip.

Recommended Children’s Toys to Help Survive the Road Trip

Hasbro makes The Littlest Pet Shop, which my younger daughter loves. All the little pieces keep her busy, using her imagination (which is great) and repeatedly dropping said little pieces (not so great). The Littlest Pet Shop is easy to pack and carry, though, as it’s self-contained and folds onto itself. And if a mini hairbrush gets lost somehow, there are plenty of other pieces to implement in the ongoing stories that will be created in imaginative play.

Hasbro also makes a pile of Star Wars toys – I guess the whole Star Wars phenomenon is part of the collective North American consciousness by now, since many little kids ask for Darth Vader action figures before they even know there’s a bunch of movies about the guy. Transformers action figures are also popular with the little dudes these days. Anything that helps spur on children’s imaginations is a good thing, in my book.

Tamagotchis are the little beeping doodads you see dangling from many school-age kids’ backpacks. Fortunately, they do come with mute buttons, or every parent would have tossed them in the incinerator by now. Tamagotchis have been around for a while; every few years a new crop of kids discover them and are enchanted. The idea is to raise a little pixelated critter from egg to infirmity, with games to play and points to earn along the way. These things are around 20 bucks, and worth it. Children can “befriend” each others Tamagotchis as well.

My kids get carsick when they read books on road trips. Nausea does NOT a fun car trip make! But, assuming that some children can read in moving vehicles, slim paperbacks are the way to go. They are flat, obviously, and take up less space. Toddlers may enjoy looking through Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things that Go, and slightly older children can work on their reading skills with any of the huge “Little Critter” library and later, the “Magic Tree House” series. My older kid has been reading the Spiderwick Chronicles lately, but really, pack a book in the genre your child likes, and chances are it’ll get read.

Time away with our families is increasingly rare. Make the most of a family road trip by helping your kids stay happy and entertained in the back seat. Happy children help the car ride go much more smoothly, after all.

Top 10 Southern Mancations

Mr. CajunMama recently expressed a desire for a daddy weekend, since I like to take my own soul-oh trips and girlfriend getaways. I enlightened him that the proper word in today’s terminology is mancation. He laughed so hard and said he hoped it isn’t anything like metrosexual. So, in our household a mancation is still referred to as a daddy weekend.

Here are some of our top picks for a Southern mancation where daddies can travel with the guys for a long weekend:

10. Beale Street in Memphis, TN – The Amtrak station manager in Hammond, LA, mentioned to me that many guys get together and take the train up to Memphis on a Friday night and come back on the early Sunday train. The barbecue and blues clubs entice groups of guys to travel for a fun weekend.

9. Mississippi Gulf Coast – The beach and casinos are back in business after Hurricane Katrina. Guys can travel and lose money for a good cause.

8. Outer Banks, SC – Hang-gliding at Kitty Hawk and a kayak trip add some adventure to any mancation.

7. Grand Isle, LA – Locals call this the Cajun Bahamas. Many a mancation has been spent deep sea fishing from this destination.

6. Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail – Golf mancations are a hit. Guys travel from course to course and play the links.

5. Kentucky Bourbon Trail – DesertMama had a great time, but this stretch of two-lane highway is also a great place for guys to lay back and enjoy the bourbon.

4. New Orleans, LA – Bourbon Street. Need I say more?

3. Daytona Beach – Daytona Beach isn’t just for families, couples, or girlfriend getaways. This destination is the home to NASCAR, which makes it a must for our list.

2. Florida Keys – Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet knew a good place when they came across the Florida Keys. Pick a key, any key.

1. SEC Road Trip – This was the number one pick from an LSU freak (Mr. CajunMama).

Don’t Lose Your Stuff! Top 10 Tips for Safe Travel

Sometimes, travel writers take press trips. Also called familiarity trips, these involve a few professional travel journalists being ushered around a particular vacation destination by PR folks in the local community’s travel and tourism business. I, MudslideMama, have been in the midst of a southern California beach town press trip, and just learned a valuable lesson regarding keeping one’s guard up. I carelessly left my PDA in a hotel lobby, and someone walked off with it. Travel tip: Don’t leave your personal digital assistant laying around in hotels. Yes, I know, this is a lesson that should have been learned many years ago, but hey – I’ve been burned, so lesson learned!

Top 10 Vacation Loss and Theft Prevention Tips

1. Keep an eye on your stuff. It sounds simple, but the sights and stresses of travel can distract even the most inveterate travelers. For example, I had taken some things out of my purse when I was looking for my sunblock, which it turns out I had left in my room. Apparently, I left my Blackberry on the table in the lobby. When I got back downstairs, it was gone. Someone STOLE my new Blackberry – and all my contact info, photos, and favorite ringtones that were on it.

2. If someone does steal your PDA, or if it’s just plain lost, cancel your service with your service provider. While you may be able to get the police to trace any outgoing calls on it, you’ll be held responsible for any charges anyway. Even if you have unlimited calls, the thief could be downloading songs and videos and whatnot, incurring huge fees.

3. Leave your most valuable jewelry and prized possessions at home. If you must take objects of considerable worth or sentimental value, pack them in your carry-on bag instead of the luggage to be stowed. Luggage gets lost or rifled through more often than you’d think.

4. Put a TSA-approved lock on your checked luggage. These ensure that the TSA won’t have to cut open your lock if someone decides your suitcase needs a closer look. In fact, carry-on is safest, and you don’t have to wait at the baggage carousel after arriving at your vacation destination. When feasible, try to stick with carry-on bags.

5. Prescription medications should be clearly labeled, and in their original containers. The security guy at the airport is still going to need to inspect it, of course, but this makes his or her job easier, which makes your time spent on the security line also easier.

6. Most hotels these days have a safe in the closet. This is where to store your passport, credit cards, cash, and any jewelry you decided to bring on your vacation. It’s the most secure place in the room.

7. Don’t travel to part of any country that is considered dangerous. While “considered dangerous” is open for interpretation, the US State Department issues travel alerts for particularly unsafe parts of the world. It’s a big world with plenty of terrific vacation spots; why ruin a romantic getaway or family vacation in a dangerous travel destination if you don’t have to?

8. Try to scatter your passport, credit cards, cash and I.D. throughout different pockets while out and about, rather than putting them all in your wallet or purse. Use inside pockets if you have them.

9. Be aware of who’s around you. Pickpockets and thieves often have plans, such as working in teams to nudge or distract you. Most people are essentially good, I think, but it only takes a couple of people – sometimes little kids – to lift your wallet, steal your purse, or otherwise ruin a vacation experience.

10. Your personal property or home insurance may cover theft or loss. Check your policy before you go, but it goes without saying that, even if your covered, still keep an eye on your stuff. And me? I wasn’t covered for the loss of my Blackberry. This was my stupid mistake – remember, don’t leave personal items unattended outside your room, even in 4- and 5-star hotels.

Vacations, be they family trips, weekend getaways, or that luxury UK experience you’ve been saving up for, are meant to be enjoyed. Don’t lose your stuff! Please, employ these Top 10 safe travel tips, but don’t get so tense about potential crime that you can’t a great time. You can be smart and still relax for a fun, safe vacation.

Travel to Stonehenge and See the Rocks

My first introduction to Stonehenge was in history books and television. Then came National Lampoon’s European Vacation. I had hopes and dreams of my dad driving my brother and I right up to monument, but not knocking it over like Clark Griswold. Alas, I had to wait until I was in my 30s to see this massive pile of rocks.

My freelance writing took me to London, on assignment, but I chose to hang around the UK a few days longer and take one of those soul-oh trips. I boarded a train to Salisbury (pronounced Sals-bury) to meet my friend and personal tour guide, Keith Kellett, a local travel writer. Keith resides in Amesbury, which is the nearest town to Stonehenge.

Our first stop was Old Sarum, the original settlement of the area. It was a perfect introduction to the history of town. The next stop was Woodhenge, which is believed to be the model for the actual layout of Stonehenge.

I spent time before leaving the US to research lodging choices in the area. Since the exchange rate from dollar to pound is HORRENDOUS, I was on a very tight budget. I found a quaint place to stay called The Antrobus Arms. Keith let me know that locals call the place “Old Auntie” right before he dropped me off for the night.

The place was actually a very cool place to stay. The gardens are right out of a Miss Marple episode, for all you BBC lovers out there. I was led upstairs to Room 20, which is where The Beatles stayed while filming HELP. I was tired from the journey, so I hopped into the shower. When I stepped out, I was startled to see Paul McCartney staring at me from the wall. No, I was not on any hallucinogenic. The walls were papered with The Beatles news clippings, handwritten lyrics, and pictures. My mother used to dream of marrying Macca. Of course, I had to call her and tell her where I was staying.

The next morning was Stonehenge. If anything, I was a bit disappointed. I think I had psyched myself up for a mother ship landing or some solar phenomenon to happen while I was standing there. What I wasn’t expecting was having to park across the street with all the tour busses, walk underground to get to Stonehenge Theme Park, and then stand in line with a bunch of Japanese picture-taking tourists waiting to walk through the turn stall. WHAT? A freaking turn stall?

Keith and I were given museum-style listening devices where visitors are able to pick their language to hear all about Stonehenge, if you pressed the proper numbers at the corresponding points. So, I walked slowly around the rocks, following all the other tourists in typical cattle style.

Even though I didn’t get to drive my car up to Stonehenge and back into the monument, I’m still glad that I was able to see the place in person. Well, that’s another thing to mark off my bucket list. I’m off to my next stop in life.

Top 5 Child-Friendly Vacation Activities in San Mateo County

Poor San Mateo County. Once a year, it’s home to the Maverick’s Surf Contest in Half Moon Bay, but other than that, it’s just not a hugely popular California tourist destination. Maybe the folk there prefer it that way – a sizable chunk of the county is still pretty agrarian – but the hotels and inns are relatively inexpensive, the food is often fresh and locally grown (agrarian, remember?), and kids can have a great time on an unscheduled, mellow vacation.

San Mateo County is actually a frequent travel spot, but most often for people traveling through it, not to it. The San Francisco Airport is here, so plenty of venture capitalists looking to invest in the latest web tech land here, rent a Mercedes, and drive right to Silicon Valley/Palo Alto. Honeymooners and couples celebrating other special occasions rent their cars, and make the trip to Napa Valley. This Traveling Mama got to San Mateo County, and stayed a while. Of course wine tours are great, you’ll get no argument from me there; sometimes, though, a quiet vacation in a small town makes for a perfect respite.

Children have a great time with hours of unstructured play on the beaches. The many independent, family owned restaurants in San Mateo County are a nice break from the standardized fare of fast food chains. There’s not much in terms of excitement around here, save the annual Maverick’s Surf Contest, but the small town, friendly attitude of its residents feels like a throwback to a more innocent age.

Once you get your kids off the beach, there are some year-round activities that – while not exactly thrilling or momentous – can entertain both children and adults.

Here’s my list of the top 5 child friendly activities and museums for families in San Mateo County:

• The San Mateo County History Museum - This museum, and its docents, proudly showcase exhibits spanning the major historical eras of the San Francisco Peninsula. From the gold rush and whaling ships, to modern technology and internet businesses (like Electronic Arts) in Palo Alto, the exhibits are interesting and well done.
• The Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia - It’s exactly what it sounds like; a whole museum dedicated to the joys of Pez. It’s funny to see this, and with over 500 Pez dispensers on top of Pez toys and books, kids end up surprisingly fascinated. Not all children enjoy museums, of course, but they sure seem to get a kick out of this one!
• The Hiller Aviation Museum - This museum is great of fans of the history of air travel, with many models of early planes hanging from the ceiling like mobiles. The interactive displays are especially popular, but my favorite part of this large warehouse-style museum is the displays of man’s earliest attempts at flight.
• The Filoli Estate - Filoli stands for “fight, love, live,” and this grand mansion and gardens estate was built with lofty ideals in mind. It’s a Georgian Revival house, sitting on over 650 acres of well-loved and manicured gardens.
• Pigeon Point Lighthouse - This is one of the tallest lighthouses in North America. At 115 feet, it makes for a great “photo opportunity” as well. Right now, the interior is closed to the public (it’s considered hazardous), but the grounds are just gorgeous, with sea lions lazing around on offshore rocks, the waves crashing, and views of the surrounding area’s mountains, beaches, and ocean.

There are some other places to take your kids in San Mateo County; Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch comes to mind, but this farm of gigantic pumpkins mainly shines in late Fall. Main Street at Half Moon Bay, with its mix of small independently owned stores, bed and breakfasts, and art galleries, is beyond charming. The people that work here are happy to talk with visitors and describe their wares. Main Street isn’t very big; you can almost miss it if you’re not careful. Got a babysitter? If so, I’d recommend checking out La Nebbia Winery. This winery in Half Moon Bay has several yearly “bottle and cork your own wine” events. If you’re lucky to vacation in Half Moon Bay (in my opinion, the loveliest part of San Mateo County) during one of these events, don’t miss it! It’s fun to bottle your own wine, and designing the label is quite an experience as well. No matter the time of year, California’s San Mateo County makes for a quiet, slow paced family vacation.

Man Malls

I was oblivious to the tourism importance of Man Malls until two appeared near my city. Hotels began to pop up, and even good ole Starbucks opened for business in these no-longer rural areas. My family decided to take a Sunday drive to Cabela’s, located in Gonzales, LA. I was completely shocked when traffic halted on the I-10. It seems as if everyone else in the state of Louisiana had decided to check out this new Man Mall for themselves.

Local police officers were directing traffic into the parking lot (which was full, of course). We hiked a mile to the actual store and I had the Mama Death Grip on my children’s hands so that they would not get lost from me in the mob.

Promotions of Chevy giveaways and pictures with Nascar drivers were strategically placed near the entrance. The whole experience was reminding me of the bargain basement bridal gown sale that always makes the national news. I was expecting to get trampled at any moment.

And then we made it through the doors.

The scene was a wonderland for outdoorsmen (and women). Kids were staring in awe at the wide array of aquatic specimen in nearby tanks. Others were admiring the taxidermy exhibit of animals placed on a mountain. But the truest scene was of women sitting on benches checking mobile phone messages while their men competed for the attention of the store associate. It seems there was a limited supply of discounted knives, and these men just had to have one.

This parallel universe offered a respite, in the form of a General Store, for the women to wait on their men. The homemade fudge slices were calling me, where the kids and I waited for my husband to return triumphantly with his $9.99 knife.

To find a Man Mall the next time you need some hiking socks or a pink fishing pole, visit: Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, or Gander Mountain.

Lake Powell Houseboat Vacation Tips

Nearly every year since 1997 I’ve vacationed on a houseboat on Lake Powell, the massive man-made lake that stretches for 186 miles across southern Utah and dips into Arizona.

In my single days, my then-boyfriend and I would rent a houseboat with a bunch of friends, and packing consisted of throwing some beer and Bloody Mary mix into our duffel bags. In recent years, my now-husband and I have packed diapers and sippie cups, traveling with three generations of his family (on one trip, ages ranged from 3 months to 63 years).

Now the kids are even older and can do more, so we bring along all sorts of blow-up rafts, water skis, windsurfing boards (that’s my daughter and her older cousins being towed behind a speedboat), fishing poles, giant water pistols, horseshoes and other fun toys.

Both kinds of trips – with carefree singles or a motley group of family and friends, kids and grownups – are a blast on Lake Powell. After all, the other-worldly playground is stunningly gorgeous. And you can’t help but unplug there – cell phone service is limited; we forbid laptops on our houseboats!

If you’re considering your first vacation in the giant desert-and-water playground that is Lake Powell, check out these tips from this avid houseboating enthusiast.

Reserve your boat early. Three marinas rent houseboats at Lake Powell: Bullfrog and Hall’s Crossing in Utah (south of Hanksville) and Wahweap, just across the border into Arizona. You’ll likely book your houseboat depending on what location is closer to your point of origin. You don’t need to book a year in advance, but if you want a certain sized houseboat and a specific dates, you just might want to be the early bird.

Upgrade your rental if you can afford it. Houseboats come in all sizes and prices. The very, very basic 44-foot Explorer sleeps up to 10 with minimal amenities, such as a kitchenette, outdoor grill, bunk beds and water slide. The top-notch 75-foot Excursion sleeps 12 and features a hot tub, fireplace and many more upscale appointments. With all sorts of options in between, if you are wavering between two choices, go with the more expensive rental—you’ll appreciate the small touches (which might include a GPS system, two refrigerators, bed linens) after a few days on the water.

Don’t worry about being a novice houseboat driver. The friendly marina staff will give you a thorough lesson in piloting your houseboat, as well as an important safety briefing.

Don’t overpack. Life is very laid back at Lake Powell. (Should we relax on the deck with margaritas or Coronas today? Is it a good day for hiking or water skiing?) Resist the urge to pack extra toiletries, clothes or anything less rugged than old hiking boots and flip flops. You’ll be hauling duffel bags (and coolers and water toys) from your parked car to the boat, so only pack the necessities.

Pack enough food and drink. I’d skimp on T-shirts before I’d skimp on what’s really important at Lake Powell: lots of bottled water (and beer!), salty snacks, sweet treats and shared meals (divvy up meals among each family or couple you’re traveling with, so you only have to prepare a few easy lunches or dinners; oven-ready lasagna, deli sandwiches and burgers are easy to fix on board). Groceries at the marina store are very expensive.

Explore. Find the time in between fishing, water skiing, tubing, swimming and hiking, to take your houseboat (or rented jet skis or powerboat) to investigate vast Lake Powell and its 2,000 miles of shoreline.

Here’s the official Lake Powell website for more information.

Budget Friendly Baton Rouge

Family travel and Baton Rouge are words that one might not associate together, but don’t underestimate the capital city of Louisiana. The Red Stick (baton and rouge are French for stick and red) is full of budget-friendly activities for families visiting for the day or a weekend. Here’s a list of a few places that won’t break the bank.

1. Louisiana Arts and Science Center – LASM offers free admission to the Museum Galleries on the first Sunday of each month. Regular admission is $10 per adult for all attractions and $9 per child 12 and under.

2. USS Kidd Veterans’ Memorial and Museum– This former naval vessel sits on the Mississippi River near LASM. Adult admission is $7 and children 4-12 get in for $4. This is the price for the ship and museum. The ship Is handicap accessible on the first level only.

3. Baton Rouge Zoo – My family has a yearly membership of $35, which includes admission for two adults and up to five children. Regular admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 2-12. The Cypress Bayou Railroad rides around the zoo and departs every half hour from the front entrance of the zoo. Train rides are $1.50 per person. Visit on Wednesday from 3 to 5pm and get in for $1 per person.

4. Bluebonnet Swamp – This 101-acre facility offers trails to help families learn about the ecosystems of Louisiana. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 per child under 18.

5. LSU Mounds – Families flock to these steep hills for an afternoon of rolling in the grass.

6. LSU Tiger Cage – See Mike the Tiger, LSU’s mascot.

7. Louisiana State Capitol – Kids have a blast learning the US states, which are engraved on the front steps of this historical building.

8. Frostop – This downtown burger dive offers frosty root beer and messy burgers for a fun family meal.

For more information, visit Baton Rouge’s official site.