Where do you take your kids on vacation? Beaches and amusement parks are the typical go-to destinations when summer comes around, but urban life can be just as entertaining.
ABC News recently published a list of the top 10 cities for family vacations, which included Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago.
One of the other cities was New Orleans. Whether it's sampling delicious gumbo or touring the beautiful architecture in the French Quarter, travelers are sure to have a good time in this diverse and vibrant city. Let's not forget the zoo, aquarium, Mardi Gras World-where they can learn how they make the floats used for the parade. What about a swamp tour or a cemetery tour?
San Francisco, CA offers attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury and seaside views. A tour of Alcatraz is sure to thrill as well as a drive down the crookedest street in the world.
Families can take advantage of free admission to 19 Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., among the numerous historical monuments to visit. Contact your local congressman to get tickets for a White House Tour.
Boston, MA comes in at number two with its sports and shopping opportunities. Tours are available at Fenway Park, and the Museum of Science and New England Aquarium both provide interactive exhibits for adults and children.
Number one on the list is New York, NY. The city is ideal for family vacations because of its limitless number of activities. From Broadway plays and zoos to worldwide cuisine and views from the Empire State Building, the Big Apple has something for everyone.
The best thing about visiting these cities is that you can visit year round. You don't need to wait for summer.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Family only sections on planes?
I remember very well taking my kids on planes when they were very young, including a trip down to Florida when my son was 5 months old. I was concerned about keeping him quiet on the flight so that he didn't disturb the rest of the passengers. I know that now that my kids are adults, I dread being near a baby on any plane trip and cringe at the idea of being near a young child who will be kicking the back of my seat all flight long.
This article suggests a family only section of the plane. Not sure how that can be handled considering the airlines are now charging extra for "premium seats", extra leg room seats and some even window or aisle seats.
If planes could create a family only section, do you think the idea would fly?
This article suggests a family only section of the plane. Not sure how that can be handled considering the airlines are now charging extra for "premium seats", extra leg room seats and some even window or aisle seats.
If planes could create a family only section, do you think the idea would fly?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
2010 Travel Trends
In a recent survey of travel purchasing and travel styles, these were the results
2010 Consumer Trends
The average American traveler took four leisure trips during the past year and spent more than $3,500 on leisure travel services.
A leisure trip is 75 miles or more from home, requiring overnight accommodations.
Four different 'tribes' of leisure travelers emerged
Sensationals make up 28%: Mean age of 40; professional singles and couples with a preference for action/the club life
Familias make up 23%: Mean age of 42; family vacation oriented; dual-income households with children under 18; package-travel oriented
Touristers make up 23%: Mean age of 47; happily married; entrepreneurial/driven to succeed and favor 'no-mistake' travel. They take the most trips and spend the highest amount per trip
Extraordinaires make up 26%: Mean age of 52; more than one-third are grandparents; wealthy empty nesters seeking urban cultural experiences
Describing today's consumers as 'newly resourceful'...consumers have reaffirmed their priorities... and discovered that living with less was not as burdensome as they expected....
Because of the ever-growing array of easy-to-use tools...consumers visit an average of 20 websites before making a travel purchase.
Consumers are asking for and receiving instant feedback about price, value and suitability and reading countless reviews.
Travelers were asked to identify the fear most likely to keep them from planning a vacation: It was the fear of overpaying. That's why they spend so many hours researching online...
Yet for all the talk of the new frugalness, it is not just price that is determining our choices....They don't want to give up luxury. They do want another layer of feeling good about going away. They want to be connected in a good way. Travel remains an entitlement for many, but it does need to parallel their values
One place where consumers are giving themselves "permission" to travel is anything involving family, relationships, or getting in touch with oneself.
The leisure traveler profile is:
age 64+ 11%;
45-63 45%;
32-44 30%;
18-31 14%
The profile of those using traditional travel agents is:
age 64+ 13%;
45-63 39%;
32-44 28%;
18-31 20%
People in the echo-boomers (18-31) represent 14% of the total population of leisure travelers, but they represent a significantly higher percentage (20%) of the leisure travelers who use traditional agents. Why? Their long acquaintance of the Web is old hat and they are not nearly as taken in with what they can find on the Web; they are pushing back from overload and the time it takes for research.
The study also reported agent usage based on factors other than age, including gender, ethnicity and income....Women, Asians and the affluent are overrepresented among agency clients.
Two-thirds of leisure travelers based a trip on a life event such as a wedding, birthday or anniversary celebration during the last year.
The researchers commented that: 'It's a new consumer mindset. Given all that is going on with the economy and difficult times for family and fiends, it's OK to travel if you have a reason. You can justify it when there's a life event happening'
2010 Consumer Trends
The average American traveler took four leisure trips during the past year and spent more than $3,500 on leisure travel services.
A leisure trip is 75 miles or more from home, requiring overnight accommodations.
Four different 'tribes' of leisure travelers emerged
Sensationals make up 28%: Mean age of 40; professional singles and couples with a preference for action/the club life
Familias make up 23%: Mean age of 42; family vacation oriented; dual-income households with children under 18; package-travel oriented
Touristers make up 23%: Mean age of 47; happily married; entrepreneurial/driven to succeed and favor 'no-mistake' travel. They take the most trips and spend the highest amount per trip
Extraordinaires make up 26%: Mean age of 52; more than one-third are grandparents; wealthy empty nesters seeking urban cultural experiences
Describing today's consumers as 'newly resourceful'...consumers have reaffirmed their priorities... and discovered that living with less was not as burdensome as they expected....
Because of the ever-growing array of easy-to-use tools...consumers visit an average of 20 websites before making a travel purchase.
Consumers are asking for and receiving instant feedback about price, value and suitability and reading countless reviews.
Travelers were asked to identify the fear most likely to keep them from planning a vacation: It was the fear of overpaying. That's why they spend so many hours researching online...
Yet for all the talk of the new frugalness, it is not just price that is determining our choices....They don't want to give up luxury. They do want another layer of feeling good about going away. They want to be connected in a good way. Travel remains an entitlement for many, but it does need to parallel their values
One place where consumers are giving themselves "permission" to travel is anything involving family, relationships, or getting in touch with oneself.
The leisure traveler profile is:
age 64+ 11%;
45-63 45%;
32-44 30%;
18-31 14%
The profile of those using traditional travel agents is:
age 64+ 13%;
45-63 39%;
32-44 28%;
18-31 20%
People in the echo-boomers (18-31) represent 14% of the total population of leisure travelers, but they represent a significantly higher percentage (20%) of the leisure travelers who use traditional agents. Why? Their long acquaintance of the Web is old hat and they are not nearly as taken in with what they can find on the Web; they are pushing back from overload and the time it takes for research.
The study also reported agent usage based on factors other than age, including gender, ethnicity and income....Women, Asians and the affluent are overrepresented among agency clients.
Two-thirds of leisure travelers based a trip on a life event such as a wedding, birthday or anniversary celebration during the last year.
The researchers commented that: 'It's a new consumer mindset. Given all that is going on with the economy and difficult times for family and fiends, it's OK to travel if you have a reason. You can justify it when there's a life event happening'
Monday, August 23, 2010
More Vacation Safety Tips
More Ways to Avoid Theft on Vacation
August 19, 2010 3:16 pm
by Jaclyn Liechti published in the
Smarter Traveler
Our recent story on how to avoid theft when you're on vacation garnered some helpful reader tips about keeping your valuables safe when you travel. In fact, smart vacationing begins before you even shut the door. Dinek writes, "Don't 'advertise' on Facebook and other sites that you're going to be away from home." Thieves can use this information to target your home while you're away, so if you do want to brag about your travails, be sure to check your security settings to make sure only close friends and family know you'll be away.
While on the road, there are many steps you can take to make yourself less suceptible to petty theft. "Be careful where you park," writes Millicent, "We look for busy streets with lots of people around and good lighting if we have to return in the dark." If you didn't drive your own car, Joanne's advice will come in handy: "In many locations rental cars are very easy for local thieves to identify, so always learn how the door locks work before you leave the rental office. Also, keep your purse or carry-on in the trunk, not on the floor or seat of the vehicle."
Pickpockets are a common menace in popular tourist destinations, but with a little prep you can impede sticky fingers. "Here is a simple one," says Travelingprof. "Wrap your wallet with one of [those] thick rubber bands. Why? Have you ever tried to get a wallet out of your pocket with one of those thick rubber bands wrapped around it?" Reader dinek recommends a money pouch or belt worn under your clothes, and also has advice for those traveling out of the country. "Leave [your] passport in [the] cruise ship/hotel safe and carry [a] photocopy ... Just carry your driver's license as picture identification." This way, if your information is stolen, you still have the necessary documents to return to the country.
August 19, 2010 3:16 pm
by Jaclyn Liechti published in the
Smarter Traveler
Our recent story on how to avoid theft when you're on vacation garnered some helpful reader tips about keeping your valuables safe when you travel. In fact, smart vacationing begins before you even shut the door. Dinek writes, "Don't 'advertise' on Facebook and other sites that you're going to be away from home." Thieves can use this information to target your home while you're away, so if you do want to brag about your travails, be sure to check your security settings to make sure only close friends and family know you'll be away.
While on the road, there are many steps you can take to make yourself less suceptible to petty theft. "Be careful where you park," writes Millicent, "We look for busy streets with lots of people around and good lighting if we have to return in the dark." If you didn't drive your own car, Joanne's advice will come in handy: "In many locations rental cars are very easy for local thieves to identify, so always learn how the door locks work before you leave the rental office. Also, keep your purse or carry-on in the trunk, not on the floor or seat of the vehicle."
Pickpockets are a common menace in popular tourist destinations, but with a little prep you can impede sticky fingers. "Here is a simple one," says Travelingprof. "Wrap your wallet with one of [those] thick rubber bands. Why? Have you ever tried to get a wallet out of your pocket with one of those thick rubber bands wrapped around it?" Reader dinek recommends a money pouch or belt worn under your clothes, and also has advice for those traveling out of the country. "Leave [your] passport in [the] cruise ship/hotel safe and carry [a] photocopy ... Just carry your driver's license as picture identification." This way, if your information is stolen, you still have the necessary documents to return to the country.
Packing Tips
Another great article from the Independent Traveler
Some travelers jam two weeks' worth of gear in their bags for a long weekend. Others pack a bit too lightly and forget important things like medicine or passports. Savvy travelers strike the perfect balance and bring just what they need -- with a little help from our list of road-tested packing tips, of course!
Packing Methods
When packing your clothes, you don't want to neatly fold them individually as you would in a dresser. If you do, they will crease when compressed. Here are a few alternatives:
Rolling Your Clothes
Backpackers swear by this method. Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.
Fold Clothes Together
Take two or more garments, for example trousers, and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
The Bundle Approach
This ingenious method of packing, which we learned from Judith Guilford, co-founder of the Easy Going travel store and author of the "The Packing Book," has now become our favorite. It's a bit difficult to explain without a demonstration, but we'll do our best. You need luggage that opens up and lays flat to do this. You will also need a flat, soft, pouch-like rectangular "core" with dimensions that are at least 1/2 to 3/4 the size of your luggage compartment. This can be a pouch filled with underwear or something similar.
Start with your sports jacket or the longest, most wrinkle-prone item you have. With the collar or waistband flat, place it against the bottom edge of the bag and drape the rest of the garment over the opposite side of the bag. Take another garment and place it in the opposite direction, flattening and smoothing out both garments in the bag and draping the remainder over the side. If you have trousers or other narrow items, do the same with them in the narrow direction of the bag. Keep alternating your items, ending up with the most wrinkle-resistant clothes you have.
When you finish, place your "core" in the middle. Now you're going to start folding the garments over the core and each other in the reverse order you put them in. If you fold something over and there's excess draping over the sides of the bag, tuck it underneath the bundle you are creating.
What you will end up with is a bundle of all of your clothes that looks like a pillow. You can pick it up in one piece. It's compactly packed and doesn't waste an available space in your luggage. Plus, because of the way things are folded, your clothes will wrinkle less.
To find something in the bundle, lay it flat and unwrap until you reach the layer you want. Take the item out and refold the remainder. If done properly each layer should result in a self contained bundle at each layer.
Tissue Paper
For delicate items, try tissue paper. Lay the item face down and place tissue paper on top. Fold it up with the tissue paper inside. Use additional layers of paper as you fold the garment so it is completely wrapped in and around paper. This is easy enough the first time you pack, but becomes a pain if you have to keep repacking. We only use this approach for evening clothes that we don't want to crush.
Tips for Air Travelers
• You may not pack liquid or gel substances in your carry-on unless they are in individual three-ounce containers, enclosed in one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag per passenger. Any larger containers of liquids and gels must be packed in your checked luggage.
• Be aware of restrictions on the size and number of bags you may bring onto your flight. Many airlines now charge a fee for every checked bag or have lowered the maximum permitted weight limits for checked luggage.
• Do not lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved locks; otherwise, if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.
• Do not overpack your bag. Screeners will have a difficult time closing your luggage if selected for inspection, which will only lead to wrinkles and the potential for lost articles.
• Carry all film with you onboard, as screening equipment for checked luggage can damage undeveloped film.
• Place any packed belongings you don't feel comfortable with strangers handling in clear plastic bags. (I've been doing this for year- I use gallon size ziplock bags and put undergarments in them.)
• Do not stack books and other documents on top of each other; instead, spread them out throughout your bag.
Some travelers jam two weeks' worth of gear in their bags for a long weekend. Others pack a bit too lightly and forget important things like medicine or passports. Savvy travelers strike the perfect balance and bring just what they need -- with a little help from our list of road-tested packing tips, of course!
Packing Methods
When packing your clothes, you don't want to neatly fold them individually as you would in a dresser. If you do, they will crease when compressed. Here are a few alternatives:
Rolling Your Clothes
Backpackers swear by this method. Rolling works well with pants, skirts and sports shirts. Lay the item face down, fold back the sleeves and then roll from the bottom up.
Fold Clothes Together
Take two or more garments, for example trousers, and lay half of one pair on top of the other. Fold the one on the bottom over the pair on the top. Then take the other and fold it on the top. This gives each pair some cushion where you've folded it so it's less likely to crease or wrinkle in the folds.
The Bundle Approach
This ingenious method of packing, which we learned from Judith Guilford, co-founder of the Easy Going travel store and author of the "The Packing Book," has now become our favorite. It's a bit difficult to explain without a demonstration, but we'll do our best. You need luggage that opens up and lays flat to do this. You will also need a flat, soft, pouch-like rectangular "core" with dimensions that are at least 1/2 to 3/4 the size of your luggage compartment. This can be a pouch filled with underwear or something similar.
Start with your sports jacket or the longest, most wrinkle-prone item you have. With the collar or waistband flat, place it against the bottom edge of the bag and drape the rest of the garment over the opposite side of the bag. Take another garment and place it in the opposite direction, flattening and smoothing out both garments in the bag and draping the remainder over the side. If you have trousers or other narrow items, do the same with them in the narrow direction of the bag. Keep alternating your items, ending up with the most wrinkle-resistant clothes you have.
When you finish, place your "core" in the middle. Now you're going to start folding the garments over the core and each other in the reverse order you put them in. If you fold something over and there's excess draping over the sides of the bag, tuck it underneath the bundle you are creating.
What you will end up with is a bundle of all of your clothes that looks like a pillow. You can pick it up in one piece. It's compactly packed and doesn't waste an available space in your luggage. Plus, because of the way things are folded, your clothes will wrinkle less.
To find something in the bundle, lay it flat and unwrap until you reach the layer you want. Take the item out and refold the remainder. If done properly each layer should result in a self contained bundle at each layer.
Tissue Paper
For delicate items, try tissue paper. Lay the item face down and place tissue paper on top. Fold it up with the tissue paper inside. Use additional layers of paper as you fold the garment so it is completely wrapped in and around paper. This is easy enough the first time you pack, but becomes a pain if you have to keep repacking. We only use this approach for evening clothes that we don't want to crush.
Tips for Air Travelers
• You may not pack liquid or gel substances in your carry-on unless they are in individual three-ounce containers, enclosed in one clear, quart-size, plastic, zip-top bag per passenger. Any larger containers of liquids and gels must be packed in your checked luggage.
• Be aware of restrictions on the size and number of bags you may bring onto your flight. Many airlines now charge a fee for every checked bag or have lowered the maximum permitted weight limits for checked luggage.
• Do not lock your checked bags except with TSA-approved locks; otherwise, if your bag is selected for random screening, agents will have to break the lock to get inside.
• Do not overpack your bag. Screeners will have a difficult time closing your luggage if selected for inspection, which will only lead to wrinkles and the potential for lost articles.
• Carry all film with you onboard, as screening equipment for checked luggage can damage undeveloped film.
• Place any packed belongings you don't feel comfortable with strangers handling in clear plastic bags. (I've been doing this for year- I use gallon size ziplock bags and put undergarments in them.)
• Do not stack books and other documents on top of each other; instead, spread them out throughout your bag.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Is it worth saving a few dollars....
Everyone is looking to save a few dollars on travel these days but after you read this article, please let me know if you feel that it was worth it.
As I have said before, how cheap does a bad vacation or trip have to be, before it becomes ok...
As I have said before, how cheap does a bad vacation or trip have to be, before it becomes ok...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Walt Disney World announces Fall and Winter Promotions
Fall brings a number of special events to Walt Disney World Resort, as well as three offers that will help clients book early and plan their vacations. Beginning with Night of Joy (Sept. 10 to 11) and continuing with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select nights from Sept. 14 to Nov. 1; separate admission required), Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Oct. 1 to Nov. 14; theme park admission required), Children’s Miracle Network Classic (Nov. 11 to 14; separate admission required) and Festival of the Masters (Nov. 12-14), guests will have so much to see and do during this upcoming season.
Travel agents can help their clients select one of the three special offers below that best fit their vacation needs during select dates. Travel agents can book their client’s vacation by Nov. 21, 2010, and help them save at least 25 percent on a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Plus, by upgrading to a package, they’ll get special benefits and magical extras. This offer is valid for stays most nights Oct. 3 to Nov. 23 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 25, 2010, and Jan. 1 to Feb. 16, 2011.
Clients who purchase a four-night, five-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate Resorts by Dec. 20, 2010, will receive a free Disney Dining Plan. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights from Oct. 1 to 7, Oct. 22 to 28, Nov. 12 to 18, Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 and Dec. 10 to 21, 2010, and Jan. 1 to 5, Jan. 9 to 13, Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, Feb. 11 to 17, Feb. 25 to March 3, May 27 to June 2 and Aug. 19 to Sept. 29, 2011.
Clients who buy a five-night, five-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels by Nov. 21, 2010, can get a Disney Gift Card worth up to $500 free. The offer is valid for arrivals most nights Oct. 3 to Nov. 23 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 25, 2010, and Jan. 1 to Feb. 16, 2011. The Disney Gift Card can be use at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for shopping, dining and more.
Let My Vacation Lady help you figure out which fall promotion is best for your next Walt Disney World Vacation.
Travel agents can help their clients select one of the three special offers below that best fit their vacation needs during select dates. Travel agents can book their client’s vacation by Nov. 21, 2010, and help them save at least 25 percent on a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Plus, by upgrading to a package, they’ll get special benefits and magical extras. This offer is valid for stays most nights Oct. 3 to Nov. 23 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 25, 2010, and Jan. 1 to Feb. 16, 2011.
Clients who purchase a four-night, five-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Disney Moderate Resorts by Dec. 20, 2010, will receive a free Disney Dining Plan. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights from Oct. 1 to 7, Oct. 22 to 28, Nov. 12 to 18, Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 and Dec. 10 to 21, 2010, and Jan. 1 to 5, Jan. 9 to 13, Jan. 21 to Feb. 3, Feb. 11 to 17, Feb. 25 to March 3, May 27 to June 2 and Aug. 19 to Sept. 29, 2011.
Clients who buy a five-night, five-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels by Nov. 21, 2010, can get a Disney Gift Card worth up to $500 free. The offer is valid for arrivals most nights Oct. 3 to Nov. 23 and Nov. 27 to Dec. 25, 2010, and Jan. 1 to Feb. 16, 2011. The Disney Gift Card can be use at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for shopping, dining and more.
Let My Vacation Lady help you figure out which fall promotion is best for your next Walt Disney World Vacation.
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