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.

I used to spend every childhood summer in Huntsville, AL, the home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. I would beg my grandfather to take me to the Space Center so I could buy astronaut food, bring it back to his house, and suck on the freeze dried sponges of chocolate ice cream or strawberry sandpaper until the inside of my mouth was on the verge of bleeding. Then one day, this awesome movie called Space Camp was out at the theaters. This classic movie became the dream of kids for decades. Everyone wanted (and still wants) to go to Space Camp. Remember Max and Jinks?

Well, guess what? You can go to Space Camp. Your kid can go to Space Camp (mine did). And, you can even go to Space Camp WITH your kid. How cool is that?

The Space Camp experience isn’t cheap, but scholarships are available for a select few. However, getting the chance to live a childhood dream and inspire your own child is a priceless experience that your child will always remember.

I wish I could say that I had that parent/child experience, because I know I still want to go to Space Camp. Maybe I will keep that on my list of things to do, but after years and years of planning (and a little help from the grandparents) we were able to send our son to Space Camp for a week. He had the best time and learned so much. It was worth every penny.

Even if you don’t get a chance to stay for Space Camp, all families can enjoy a day exploring the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL or any of NASA’s other space centers. You never know when you might have the chance to see something that will be inspiring to your child’s life.

I’ve been searching for road trip music for all the many road trips I have planned this summer. I like to find tracks that go with the destination, kind of like my own soundtrack. I came across artist William Joseph, who released a new CD, BEYOND. I decided to do a little research on him and found out that not only is he a very talented pianist and composer, but he’s also a hottie (sorry single mamas, he’s married).

William Joseph’s new CD offers a variety of compositions, like the forceful “Standing the Storm,” the edgy “Asturias,” also “Heroes” and the dramatic “Kashmir” which is a reworking of the Led Zeppelin classic

William says the title track sums up the entire album for him,” If someone asks me what my music sounds like, I would play the ‘Beyond,’” He says. “Making this album took me on an intense journey through all these feelings that I feel –romantic, hopeful, excited, intense—and I hope anyone who listens can relate, and go on that journey with me.”

You can take William’s music with you on your own journey and it can be the soundtrack for your trip through the mountains, at the beach, or even in the air.

Five lucky readers can win a copy of Beyond just by leaving a comment telling us the destination that is top on your life’s list of places to visit. Giveaway ends on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at midnight EST. Winners will have 3 days after initial contact to provide a mailing address or they will forfeit their prize. As always, US residents only and immediate family members of any Traveling Mama is ineligible to enter.

For more information about William Joseph and his inspiring music, please visit his official website.

Back in the day, my parents would bring my brother and I to Gatlinburg where we would eat, shop, eat, hike, eat, and go places like Cherokee, The Nantahala River, and Silver Dollar City. We’ve even been fortunate enough to spend a few Christmas holidays with our extended family in a cabin on a mountain. This is a big deal to those of us from South Louisiana, because the closest thing we have to mountains are the Mounds at LSU.

It is only fitting that I schlep my children across the south to see this great wonder of childhood memories. Last summer I promised the kids that we would visit Sevierville, TN near the Smokies. However, Mother Nature had other plans for our family and Mr. CajunMama was sent off at the last minute to fight a wildfire somewhere out West. Not one to disappoint my little ones, I loaded up RedBugg and we headed out for parts unknown. ALONE.

I mapped the route on MapQuest and we opted for a halfway overnight stop in Tuscaloosa, AL at a budget friendly hotel I found on Expedia. Things would have been perfect, but our entire hotel was decorated with ALABAMA ROLL TIDE paraphernalia. As an avid LSU Fan, I kept reciting to myself, “Around the bowl and down the hole, Roll Tide Roll.” This was of course, the only way I could make myself feel better about sleeping in Tuscaloosa.

Along our route the next day we began to see old barns and rundown road signs painted with “See Rock City”. I decided to be a good mother and take my children to Rock City in Chattanooga, a place I fondly remember with little gnomes dresses in felt, hiding behind rocks, a waterfall, Fat Man Squeeze (which my brother and I would gasp in wonder that my dad could actually fit through), and the overlook where we could see seven states. Of course, the thing that impressed the kids the most was the doggie water fountain at the entrance.

I allowed the kids to take the map and lead the way. The first stop was an ice cream stand. Then there was the section where you could pan for gems in running water. Then there was the jeweler with items made from the gems found in the running water. FINALLY, we made it to Lookout Point. I sat in the shade with bowls of ice cream slowly melting down my arms as I watched my kids giggle and laugh and try to point out each state. I really missed my husband at that point, but I was so glad to have this memory, of the wind blowing my daughter’s hair and my son squinting at me with the sun glinting off his metal mouth grin. Sometimes having special time with just the kids is just that….very special.

And to think we hadn’t even made it to the destination yet! Here’s to Mama Time.

I recently caught up with Sascha to see how her life and travels have changed, now that she is a traveling mama. So, for you mamas out there thinking about going on that first romantic escape or girlfriend getaway since baby came into your life, you be inspired by one mama’s reaction to leaving baby at home.

TravelingMamas: What is your favorite travel memory?

Sasha Stokes: Stale popcorn in a forsaken motel somewhere north of Atlanta at 3am while watching a shopping channel and feeling homesick. The place stank of chlorine and cheesy feet. It seemed like the absolute highlight of my travel writing career. Not! In retrospect, it’s one of my favourite memories. Nowhere else in the world would ever again feel quite that destitute and ‘cheap 1970s TV flick’.

TM: Did you travel while pregnant? If so, what are some things you would’ve liked to have known beforehand?

SS: Nobody told me that you need three sick bags per mile in the first trimester…that’s on a good day. I drove all the way to Germany (ten hours in the car) when I was eight months pregnant and it was absolutely fine. As long as you still fit behind the wheel, go girl, gogogogo.

TM: Once your beautiful little girl entered the world, did your views of travel change?

SS: My views didn’t change. The practicalities did. Travel used to be something I would do at the drop of a hat. Now it takes weeks of planning, hand luggage the size of Mount Everest and a very good sense of humour.

TM: Have you taken her on any trips? Any tips you would like to share with other traveling mamas?

SS: Whatever it is, do it at night. It might take an ungodly amount of caffeine tablets to get you from A to B. But, HELLO! The anklebiter will be sleeping peacefully beside you for most of your journey. And that, my dear friends, is worth any amount of sleep deprivation. Most travelling mamas will agree! Oh, before I forget: an industrial strength under eye concealer should be in every travelling mama’s handbag.

TM: Have you taken a trip without her yet? How did you feel and how did you cope with leaving her at home?

SS: Leaving? I danced a dance of joy. And I sobbed at the same time- all the way to the airport. My daughter was nearly ten months old when I headed for five days in Rome. Hubs was left holding the baby. I plunged into the ultimate girly indulgence. My power friend and fellow travel writer Amanda Castleman was waiting. Fresh from Seattle with a good dose of Italian ancestry, she painted Rome for me. In VERY bright colours. We stopped traffic and started a flood of marriage proposals in mini skirts and stilettos. We didn’t sleep for espresso overdoses and fought with screaming Italianites over cheap import handbags. We flirted with Carabinieris, and wept over crying angels on the protestant cemetery. We got our heels stuck in tram lines and ran into friends on more than one occasion. We cruised arm in arm through Emperor Aurelius’s super-state and accosted students in plastic Roman solider outfits. Basically, we had a fabulous time and never crossed the tourist trail. And, yes, I missed my little girl like hell. And, no, I didn’t want to leave Rome one minute too early.

You can visit the page here and see a slideshow about The Westin Maui Resort and Spa.

We hope that this will enhance your visits to TravelingMamas.com and give you a glimpse into the various hotels and destinations we’ve reviewed.

Ali’i Kula Lavender is located in Maui’s Upcountry, which is a day trip experience that will delight all the senses. The drive from Ka’anapali was a beautiful, relaxing 1hour journey into the higher altitudes of Maui. We could inhale scents of ocean and lavender at the same time. The calmness of the Upcountry enveloped us in a comforting embrace.

Upon our arrival to Ali’i Kula, were were greeted with warm lavender scones topped with lavender liliko’i jelly, lavender herb tea and lavender coffee. We sat at a corner table overlooking the gardens and valley while we awaited our tour. Our guide, Cookie, came to lead us around the gardens, snipping flowers here and there while educating us on the different types of lavender. By the end of the tour, each of us had a small bouquet of lavender. Of course I had to stop at the gift shop on the way out and DesertMama had to drag me out of there before I spent all of Mr. CajunMama’s money.

Our next stop was Tedeschi Vineyards, Maui’s Winery. It is said Ulupalakua simmers in each sip and that you can taste the sun, the soft evening fog, and a hundred years of history in each glass. We were already relaxed from the scent of lavender that enveloped the car, so we decided wine tasting was a fitting activity to pursue next.

Maui’s Winery Tasting Room is located in a historic cottage. The cottage was built in 1874 for King David Kalakaua. DesertMama and I walked up to the bar, which is made from the trunk of a mango tree. The winery offers grape, pineapple and specialty wines.

I’m not a big red wine lover, so I chose to taste the Upcountry Blush, Maui Blanc, Maui Splash, and Raspberry Wine. The Blush is a fantastic choice to bring home to friends and family. It does not need aging and its light berry flavors are subtle, yet nice. The Maui Blanc is my favorite. It is a pineapple wine with a subtle lingering tropical finish. The Splash was a delight as well, but very sweet with its essence of passion fruit. The Raspberry Wine tasted like a chocolate covered raspberry with a rich and full flavor that stays with you.

The Winery will ship your order to certain states, depending on your local laws. This is a great help in bringing home memories of Maui now that the airlines are charging for baggage. Unfortunately I brought a small suitcase and my state does not allow me to ship wine home. Pooey! I guess that means I’ll just have to go back to Maui.

We stepped across the street to the Ulupalakua Ranch Store and ordered burgers for lunch before heading out to find Surfing Goat Dairy, our last stop for the day. We went the wrong way and ended up being surprised by an ocean overlook. By the time we figured out the direction we needed to be going, we had the giggles. DesertMama and I were reminiscing about our favorite SNL skits of days gone by. We thought GoatBoy was fitting for the moment and we couldn’t sto-o-o-o-p laughi-i-i-ing!

Surfing Goat Dairy was a delightful surprise. At first we thought we just driving through a neighborhood when a long drive of palm trees appeared with a well-manicured entrance. We walked around the to the outdoor café with its funky surf architecture. The place just had a cool vibe. Tours are available and visitors can even milk a goat, but we opted to try a sampler of Surfing Goat Dairy’s award winning cheeses. The offerings are so delicious, it is no wonder their product is in demand at fine restaurants around the globe.

The day was wonderful and Maui’s Upcountry is suitable for families (except the wine tasting), romantic escapes, and girlfriend getaways. We even noticed a number of solo travelers biking their way around the Upcountry. Take some time to get away from your resort and discover the surprises Maui has to offer.

I flew American last week and for a short-haul flight I could purchase a blow up travel pillow for $5. I chose to roll up a sweatshirt to use as a pillow. My longer portion of the journey was eight hours and only offered complimentary soft drinks and juice. If I was hungry, I could purchase a turkey sandwich for $10. What a deal. All this and you can pay for your checked bags, too.

No wonder American Airlines is cutting back on flights to the Caribbean. Word throughout the travel industry grapevine is that American will be eliminating 300 jobs in San Juan and cutting back to 18 flights per day there, as well (come September 2008). We’ve also heard that American Eagle may be reducing flights into the Caribbean by up to 70 percent for some destinations.

So what does this mean for American families wanting to travel by air? I say look to airlines such as Air Jamaica to take up the slack and profit from the US-based airlines’ lack of customer service, because that is what it all boils down to. They can cry crude oil prices all they want, but when you treat your customer poorly ($5 pillows, no more peanuts, $15 checked bag) the customer then shops elsewhere.

The other night I strolled along Waikiki Beach with my local friend Jeanne whom I met a few years ago. We watched the fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village that occurs almost every Friday night. I noticed a bunch of people on Segways and they looked like they were having a blast. So, I went ahead and booked a morning three-hour tour of Honolulu History and Culture.

First I was given a helmet, which made me feel a bit dorky, but for safety reasons I was glad to have something to protect my super powerful rock star brain. Alan, Segway of Hawaii owner, gave me a training lesson before the tour. At first I was hesitant, because this thing is just two wheels. It doesn’t look like something I should step my chubby body onto, but Alan assured me the weight limit is 280 lbs, so I’m all good on that problem.

I stepped onto the Segway, thinking it would tip over, but to my amazement the thing balances itself. Before long, I was gliding in and out of cones and able to stop on a dime (almost). Michael, my tour guide, felt confident that I was able to maneuver the streets of Honolulu, so off we went.

We started off on Waikiki Beach, where people stared and pointed. Yes, I wanted to tell them, it is CajunMama in the flesh, don’t be intimidated. We were almost like street entertainers, performing a ballet of environmentally friendly, gas free transportation, and I was the star.

Michael took Jeanne and I through bustling Chinatown, where I felt sure I was going to take out a pedestrian, but I did well, even when a store curtain blew into my face blocking my vision of the sidewalk baskets of fruit. Thanks to my pre-tour training, I was confident enough to maneuver around three baskets of bok choy and two elderly Asian ladies with canes. Whew! Crisis averted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So, of course I had to poke my head out the window to see what made people get out their cars in the middle of the road. I looked up in the clear sky and saw a shaded rainbow ring around the sun. It scared the heck out of me. I just knew that we probably had about three hours left on the planet before the END OF THE WORLD.

Actually, I picked up the phone and called a friend who was standing next to someone who knew someone at the National Weather Service. Its kinda like a cousin’s cousin’s uncle thing. The NWS explained that the ring was a product of ice crystals in the atmosphere mixed with smoke from the Yucatan. Ummm. Ok. The sky was clear. Something fishy was going on.

Me being the nosey Mama that I am, I dug around a bit and met a guy who is a former journalist. He admitted that he had been conducting his own investigation into this occurrence.

The ring around the sun that seemed to be shaded a bit inside was actually a military experiment to see what fallout would look like. The substance is supposed to be made of clay and chalk.

I have no idea what to believe, but that sure was a pretty rainbow around the sun. I just hope that pretty rainbow isn’t harmful and I’m glad to know it wasn’t some iridescent mother ship hovering over Key West.

The release of Indiana Jones: The Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls has brought this legend back into popularity. I know I’ve always been interested in the Mayan and Aztec civilizations and stories of other cultures who seem to have disappeared from the planet. A recent article in Archaeology Magazine dismisses any claim of authentic crystal skulls that are ancient.

The British Museum released a statement about testing of the skulls, which many people claim is proof that these skulls are all fakes.

“Contrary to popular belief there are currently no scientific techniques which can be used to accurately establish when a stone or mineral object was produced. Research has therefore focused on how the skulls were carved, where the quartz originated from and what is known about the early history of the skulls.” Read the entire release here and here.

From what I comprehend, there is no way to date the skulls, so how can they be authenticated, or more importantly be unauthenticated? People like to believe in unbelievable things.

So here is a list of the current “authentic” crystal skulls that those believers of the legends recognize.

• Mitchell Hedges Skull
• Mayan Crystal Skull
• Amethyst Skull
• British Skull (British Museum)
• Paris Skull
• Texas Crystal Skull (MAX) (owned by the Parks Family of Houston)
• ET Skull (private collection of Joke van Dieten Maasland in Miami Beach, Florida)
• Rose Quartz Crystal Skull (last seen in Honduras and Guatemala)
• Aztec Skull
• Sha-na-ra
• Jaguar Man
• The Rainbow Skull (These three were recently found in an excavation in Guerro Province and are now privately owned)

As you can see, only twelve are listed. I guess we’ll have to wait for the thirteenth to reveal itself to find out what is really going on with these skulls, or we can all just go see the latest installment of the Indiana Jones series of movies.

I still HEART Josh Groban

Congratulations to Janet F, Holly, and Darlene Belle

MountainMama admitted to me that she listens to Josh Groban’s music before she gets on a plane. She says that it sooths and calms her before a flight. I wonder if she listened to him before her sky dive? Hehe.

Be sure to take Josh along with you on a romantic roadtrip or girlfriend giveaway. The Traveling Mamas will be sure to take Josh on our girlfriend getaway next week. Its a shame we won’t have the real Josh, but a mama can dream!

An entry from Sandy Miresse reads, “I threw my coin into the Trevi Fountain but haven’t been able to return to Rome yet. This would be the next best thing!”

Judith Hopkins admits, “I never get tired of learning about places, people and happenings…this would be a fantastic read!”A few entrants were interested in this book for Father’s Day or just to reminisce about Italy.

Our winner, Amy, is visiting Rome with her husband this summer. This will be a fantastic read to take on your journey, Amy. Congratulations!

Be sure to visit Roaring Forties Press where you can get your own copy of A Journey into Michealangelo’s Rome and also take time to stop by Angela K. Nickerson’s author blog.

A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome

Angela K. Nickerson is based in Sacramento, California; she regularly leads tours to Rome and other cities in Europe. She graciously allowed Traveling Mamas to interview her about Italy and her gorgeous new book. Read through to find out how to win a copy.

TM: What inspired you to write A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome?

AN: I came to this project by luck, chance, divine intervention, and happenstance. I used to teach literature, and I developed a course called “The Bible as Literature.” To hook my students I used Michelangelo’s work as illustrations for the Biblical stories we studied. His frescoes on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and his sculptures of Moses and David all made wonderful illustrations as we encountered those tales. My students truly understood and thoughtfully considered the stories as well as the artist’s interpretations.

I’d been out of the classroom and writing professionally for a few years when Roaring Forties Press put out a call for proposals, but I knew that this was meant to be. A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome is truly a fusion of my great passions: writing, travel, and art.

TM: How long did you have to research all the information?

AN: Because I’d done so much research as a teacher, I did not have to start from scratch. However, I spent months immersed in the 16th century reading everything I could find. I was very fortunate, too. Dr. William Wallace, one of the world’s leading experts on Michelangelo, was a tremendous help and led me to a few resources I might never have found on my own. I also know a few librarians who helped me track down some obscure documents.

But the most fun part of the research happened in Italy. Casa Buonarroti in Florence holds the largest collection of Michelangelo’s papers and sketches. It is a remarkable place to visit. And in Rome I developed friendships with several people who work for museums and Rome’s archaeological agencies. They were a great help in collecting information as well.

TM: Which chapter is your favorite?

AN: That’s a tough question. Each chapter is a story from Michelangelo’s life and focuses on the creation of one of his great works. If I had to choose, though, I would say that San Pietro in Vincoli: The Tragedy of the Tomb (chapter 4) might be my favorite.

In 1505 Michelangelo was commissioned to create a tomb for the newly-elected pope, Julius II. Julius II had grand ideas for his own memorial, and Michelangelo saw an opportunity for a lifetime of steady work. But it was not to be. Julius II’s priorities changed, and money was short. He redirected Michelangelo’s energies producing one of the world’s greatest masterpieces: the Sistine Chapel. And after Julius II’s death, his heirs scaled the project back further and further until the final installation (completed in 1545) was just a shadow of Michelangelo’s original vision. The story is sad and complicated and rich, but the pieces of art that were intended for Julius II’s tomb – Moses, Leah, Rachel, and the Captives – are fascinating.

TM: Do you feel these places would be appropriate for families? If not, why?

AN: Absolutely! Michelangelo’s work is very accessible for children. The stories are dramatic and intriguing, and his depictions are full of movement and life. Italian churches and museums are quite family-friendly, too. European schools often take field trips to museums, and they are used to accommodating younger patrons.

The key to traveling as a family in Italy is preparation, and having a theme for a trip can make it more interesting for everyone. Of course, I am partial to Michelangelo, but many children and teens recognize his works when they see them. Knowing that, prepare them a bit for your trip. There are several children’s books out on Michelangelo that can be great places to start. And once you are there, edit the choices you make. No one can go to every museum in Rome, so choose the ones that fit your theme.

The Vatican Museums, for example, can be overwhelming. There are thousands of pieces of art on display, and it can be over-stimulating for children and adults alike. However, hitting the highlights of the museum – including Laocoön, the Raphael Stanze, and the Sistine Chapel — rather than trying to look at every piece can make the experience much more enjoyable.

The families who have the most fun on trips to Rome have done a little work before leaving, preparing together for what they will see. And cater to your child’s interests. If your 6th grader is studying Ancient Rome, don’t miss the Forum and perhaps a trip out to Ostia Antica would be fun. Do you have a budding artist? Take along a sketchbook and make some time to sit and sketch together in the Colosseum or in front of the Pieta. Those impromptu art pieces make priceless souvenirs. Perhaps your 10th grader has been studying the Middle Ages in World History. Then don’t miss the museum at Castel Sant’Angelo. It has great examples of swords and armor and the building was the site of many battles and sieges.

Successful European travel with families is about pacing and preparation. But I see lots of families have a great time together in Rome!

TM: Will you be writing other books similar to this one?

AN: Yes. I am still not sure what my next project will be, but this was truly the best project I’ve ever worked on. It was incredibly fulfilling. I truly expect that my next project will somehow combine three things: art, history, and Italy.

Thanks to Angela for taking the time to answer our questions. If you would like to win a copy of A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome then leave a comment or question and you will be entered into our giveaway. Same rules apply, as always. Contest ends May 20 at midnight and winner will be announced on Winning Wednesday, May 21.

I HEART Josh Groban

I listened to the CD this weekend while cleaning the house and boy does it have some tracks that are perfect for a romantic roadtrip. Josh’s silky sexy voice turns my knees to jelly. In fact, I almost didn’t get the house cleaned because I put in the DVD after I was finished listening to the CD.

Never fear, you have a chance to win your own copy. In fact THREE of you will have a chance to win a copy of Awake: LIVE. Just leave a comment about Josh Groban and his music and you will automatically be entered to win.

If you don’t win, you can still buy a copy HERE. And be sure to catch Josh in concert or even on the television. Check out this 20 minute AOL video: CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Contest ends at midnight on May 20 (tomorrow). We’ll announce the winners this Winning Wednesday, May 21.

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.

We had two hundred entries and almost a thousand lurkers. The TrendyKid Trunkie TwoGo and The Go-Go Babyz Infant Cruizer were two of the top picks, but the number one choice for the prize ended up being KidCo’s PeaPod Plus.

There were some great entries, such as Cindy Beckman who commented, “Sit n Stroll by TriplePlay is absolutely wonderful. I wish it were around when I had my first child. Thanks for a great giveaway!”

Erin Daly said, “The Ultimate Toy & Travel Bag looks great for those long car rides this summer.” The Traveling Mamas couldn’t agree more.

Our winner for the Tots on the Go Giveaway is Elizabeth M, who stated, “I think the KidCo’s Pea Pod would be fantastic for traveling!” Congratulations Elizabeth. Tots on the Go will be contacting you to find out where to send your KidCo PeaPod Plus.

Thanks to everyone who entered and a special thanks to Tots on the Go for helping us with this great giveaway.

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).

I liken my mother to Martha Stewart without the scandal. Yes, she’s crafty and into made from scratch meals, but there are some things my mama just couldn’t teach me: travel cuisine terms.

No, I didn’t grow up in a plantation home. Before marriage, my fine dining experiences were limited to Prom and a first date here and there. I wasn’t ever given etiquette lessons, although my English heritage tries to show itself. My freelance writing has allowed me to experience things that are out of the norm for where I live. As CajunMama, I will pass along little nuggets of info I’ve learned along the way, so that you other Mamas out there can impress your friends with your knowledge. You’ll never feel like Julia Roberts from that dining scene in Pretty Woman, ever again.

See the title up there….Amuse-bouche? Maybe you’ve heard the term, maybe not. Let’s pick it apart. Bouche means mouth. I knew that already from Frere Jaques and high-school French. Amuse? Helloooooo. So you can put those together and figure out something is going to entertain your mouth.

An amuse-bouche is a sample of what a chef can prepare. It isn’t an appetizer, which is something you’d order off the menu. It comes in one or two bites and everyone at the table gets the same thing. It is a little taste to get your tongue ready for the delights the chef has to offer, and the chef is usually creative and goes all out for these. The best part: they’re free!