Family Trip Deals

Even though Brazil covers almost half of South America a majority of its residents live on the coast. The residents of Brazil vary in ethnic orientation as well as economic status. Because of the people and the lush landscape, Brazil is a fabulous place to visit. Brazil is also on my “have to visit” list.

One of the most popular places to visit when in Brazil is Rio de Janeiro. This city is known as the marvelous city and has one of the most beautiful settings in the world. It boasts beautiful beaches and breathtaking views.

While in Rio you can view the Christ the Redeemer statue which sits on top of Corcovado. This has to be one of the most amazing statues ever. There are also a multitude of beaches that you can visit depending on your lifestyle. Rios main beaches include Arpoador, Barra da Tijuca, Botafogo, Flamengo, Leblon, Leme, Pepino and Vidigal.

Rio is also home to some wonderful museums, including the Museu Historico Nacional. However, the Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio De Janeiro houses Brazil’s most important collection of modern art. If you are interested in learning more about Brazillian history, be sure to visit the Museu da Republica.

Another great city is Sao Paulo. It is South America’s largest city with over 17 million residents and is Brazils financial, commercial and industrial heartland. As a tourist, you will not want to miss it’s famed nightlife or grand shopping opportunities. Salvador da Bahia is the state capital and is split into upper and lower sections. This city is perfect for a long walking excursion because most of Salvador’s museum, palaces and churches are concentrated within Cidade Alta. This is also the place to find local craftsmanship finds. Head for the Mercado Modelo to find the best in Brazil, with a focus on rich African flavors. Salvador is known for being the center of Brazilian music.

If you are interested in exploring underground lakes like Lago Azul and viewing spectacular waterfalls, be sure to visit the Diamantina National Park.

Travel to Brazil is full of teachable moments for your family. In Northern Brazil and you can visit the Amazon River. You can also visit one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular falls located where Paraguay, Argentia and Brazil meet. If you are more interested in seeing some exotic wildlife be sure to visit the Pantanal Wetlands. The huge area extends into Bolivia and Paraguay.

A heavenly village nestled on the coast is Jericocoara. While there you can take in awesome views of a sparkling white sand-dune desert and a gorgeous turquoise sea.

Brazil ’s capital is Brasilia, and doesn’t have as much to offer the tourist as the cities of Rio and Sao Paulo or the Northeast section of the country. However, there is some interesting architecture to see. A guided tour is recommended if you want to venture into the capital.

If you are lucky enough to visit Brazil anywhere from December to March you can participate in Bahia’s Carnival which is a lavish festival with memorable parties, music and great Latin American food. Carnival in Rio takes place in February/March. Local residents dress in lavish, colorful costumes and it is known as one of the biggest parties in the world to celebrate Lent.

Brazil has many other cultural things to offer than just beautiful beaches. Take a trip to Brazil to explore and learn about this rich country in South America.

Family fun and the Poconos aren’t typically synonymous. What comes to mind first are heart shaped beds and tubs shaped like champagne glasses. Populated by Native-American Indians, the name Pocono means “stream between two mountains,” and rightly so, since the Delaware River runs between two mountains. The history of the Poconos dates back to the 1800s where the first tourists stayed at boarding houses close to the riverside. Soon New Yorkers and Philadelphians made the Poconos their little hideaway for vacationing with their family during the summertime by the mountain lakes. Even World War II soldiers were reported to have gone to the Poconos for rest and relaxation before leaving for combat overseas.

The Poconos have become such a favorite vacation hub that families have purchased second homes there, just so that they can enjoy all that the resort has to offer. A visit to the Poconos is an escape from the monotony of everyday life. The area is built up with franchise restaurants and major shopping malls, without sacrificing the unspoiled nature that the mountain resort has become associated with. When it comes to having a good time there, those who visit have lots to choose from, activities such as wildlife, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking and even golfing.

Most of all, visitors to the Poconos are enthralled by skiing down the mountains during the winter. The Poconos experience four-season weather but some nights are undeniably colder than during the day, even around spring and summer. The coolness of the breeze though, is more than refreshing, especially to those who vacate their 70-plus degree summer weather.

And if outdoor activities don’t excite you, there are local wineries and breweries that you can tour, or perhaps a visit to an art museum and antique shopping. Need a bit more incentive? Check out a few activities and attractions.

Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary
The kids will love the indoor interactive flight room. They’ll also have the chance to make art to take home. I’m sure you have room on the fridge for another one of their creations. I’m also sure that the chance to hand feed butterflies will give everyone something to talk about for a long time.

Web Site: http://www.bearmountainbutterflies.com

Discover Jim Thorpe
Known as “the Switzerland of America.” Please schedule enough time for rafting, biking, hiking, kayaking, shopping, the museums, train rides, and concerts. Before you leave, give the kids an assignment to find exactly who is Jim Thorpe?

Web Site: http://www.jimthorpe.org

Bushkill Falls
Also known as “The Niagara of Pennsylvania”, Bushkill Falls has been open since 1904 and features eight waterfalls. There‘s plenty of Native American and Wildlife exhibits, miniature golf, paddleboat rides, nature trails, and of course food and souvenirs. Bushkill Falls opens at 9am every day from April through October -November. Weather permitting of course

Web Site: http://www.visitbushkillfalls.com

Any time of the year is a great time to visit the Poconos and of course if you have a wedding in mind, it’s the perfect place to honeymoon.

Here’s three simple ways to save on beach vacation travel. We all know that the beach is an incredible experience. No matter whether you’ve traveled to far western Australia or taken a quick weekend trip to the Jersey Shore, barring rain, the beach is usually a really enjoyable experience. It’s a matter of taking the time to do a little extra research. Well, you are in luck. The travel research has been done for you, all you have to do is be willing to keep reading. Before you know it, you’ll be taking the beach vacation of your life, at a discount. Here we go:

1) Buy it used. Well, not really used: more like discounted (or unused actually). Sometimes, people can put their vacation properties up at real discounts. Did you know that there are all sorts of people out there who own time shares but can’t use them for whatever reason? Maybe the season isn’t right, or they can’t seem to get the flight that they need. Ebay has a thriving market for timeshare opportunities. A lot of the listings are permanent (e.g. people looking for others to buy their times shares out completely), but sometimes people are just looking to monetize a weeks worth of timeshare that they can’t seem to use themselves. Their loss can be your opportunity. Pay attention to the bidding and the time left on it if you’re searching on Ebay.

2) Compare everything. Guess what? Expedia and Orbitz seem like they are juggernauts of internet travel and they control a lot of the market. BUT, they don’t have every vendor available. A lot of the discount airlines like SouthWest and JetBlue don’t use either of these massive companies and you can only get their deals by going directly to their website. Don’t tell anyone, but from what I’ve heard, JetBlue is supposed to have really nice seats and monitors on new planes with really good prices. I haven’t flown JetBlue yet, but it’s supposed be really good (especially at delivering good value on Northeast to Florida routes). That tip alone could save you some bucks while getting you a really nice flight.

3) The first 2 points are perfectly valid in any trip planning but almost worthless when you consider that you might have to shell out a lot more bucks for destinations abroad. There is a beautiful beach state located not too far from anyone East of the Mississippi. That’s right. Florida. Florida is back and it’s beaches are still fantastic. Florida is still beautiful. There has been a lot of development of Florida during the last 50 years, but Florida is still a massive state with plenty of undiscovered beaches. The state of Florida can be great if you know where to look. It’s pretty nice. And the undiscovered spots of Florida can really be something else. However, they are becoming more and more difficult to find as thousands of people migrate to Florida in search of a warmer climate.

So there you have it, pack your swimsuit, sunscreen and away you go!

The phrase “family trip deal”, means different things to different families. Let’s explore some other options, like Europe. A Roman holiday isn’t for every family, but it can make for lively conversation for years to come. Rome is truly a destination and maybe one you want to save for. When vacationing in Rome, it’s important to sample the local delicacies, talk a bit of the language and mingle with the locals. Here you will find a guide which shows you how when in Rome, to do what Romans do…

In terms of places to go and see, one attraction that is totally free, and in which you can join the locals, is the ritual known as “la passaggiata”, the evening stroll. After freshening up in a Rome hotel or Rome apartment and dining in a fantastic restaurant, tourists and residents alike promenade the piazzas. Their dress is usually more suited to an evening out, than what they were touring in during the day, but don’t let that deter you. Two of the most popular hangouts, are the Via Condotti from Piazza di Spagna to the Via del Corso, and the Piazza Navona.

The Piazza Navona was originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races, but now, the Piazza Navona is lined with luxurious cafes and Baroque palaces and is the home to three lavish fountains. The Piazza is a lively, modern place, where both locals and tourists tend to gather, and is also full of local artists and artisans. At night the square buzzes with people but if you want to really appreciate the beauty of the square itself, it’s best to go in early morning to avoid the crowds. Make sure you stay as close to the heart of Rome as possible by renting <\/script>"); } //OBEND:do_NOT_remove_this_comment //-->

The weather in the Grand Canyon State is not for the faint of heart. To say that it’s hot there is an understatement. The average high in August is 103 and the low is 79. Living here in Michigan even the low sounds good right about now. The northern part of Arizona, right around the Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, gets rain and is considerably cooler than the southern region of the state. On the west side of the state is the lower deserts and on the river, it’s warm. Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and Parker all are hotter than Phoenix and Tucson (found in the upper desert). So weather aside, when you think of Arizona you think of the classic west, deserts, Native American culture, museums and some of the greatest natural wonders in the world.

Whenever my calendar and budget says it’s OK, I’m looking forward to visiting Sedona. Is this really the energy capital of the world? Maybe so maybe not. But you’ve got to have a glide down the natural water chute at Slide Rock State Park. Then take a walk down the West Fork Trail. For the history and nature buffs take a tour of the prehistoric Sinaguan ruins, including Montezuma’s Castle and Toozigoot national monuments located in the Verde Valley. The Fort Verde State Historic Park honors history from the frontier days. Visitors have also been known to spot a bald eagle.

Fossil Springs

One of the most awesome springs in Arizona. They pump out thousands of gallons of crystal clear, 72-degree water every minute. The springs are secluded enough to keep the crowds to a minimum and still be accessible enough for day hikers. This may be an adventure best suited for adults and teenagers. Toddlers would be worn out and you’d be as cranky as they.

Grand Canyon

You absolutely can’t visit Arizona without going to the Grand Canyon. You can explore the canyon by foot, or take a bus tour. If water sports are your thing then rafting the Grand Canyon is said to be one of the most exciting adventure tours ever. If you don’t want to get wet you can see it from above with a heli-tour.

Go to: http://www.grandcanyoncoaches.com
www.TourVacationsTogo.com

Now that you experienced Sedona, rafted the canyon, checked out the springs and the culture; it’s time to play golf. Provided of course that you can take the heat. The desert target style courses represent a type of course that is exceptional. A state as fascinating as Arizona can only be home to the most fascinating golf courses. They boast over 300 courses throughout the state. No doubt you’ll find one with a favorable style and that’s budget friendly. There are public courses and PGA Championship links. Here’s an interesting tidbit. By state law, there is a limit to how much water Arizona golf courses can use for irrigation. So developers came up with challenging desert target courses that have minimal fairways. Due to their popularity you might find it easier to get tee time in some of the Tucson golf courses rather than Phoenix. Check out www.golfbellaire.com for weekly web specials.

Don’t overlook Arizona for great family trip deals. You can beat the heat and you can have the adventure of a lifetime.

Adventure travel is becoming more popular all the time. It can be very expensive, though, and even a bit too dangerous for some of us. But it doesn’t have to though. Here are a few ideas for small adventures you can afford, and that are family friendly.

Try treasure hunting. Rent or buy a metal detector and spend a relaxing but interesting weekend finding coins, jewelry and who-knows-what in the sand at the beach. No beach nearby? Look up the historical records for your town, to see where old picnic grounds were. Treasure hunters regularly find old coins at places like these.

Take climbing lessons. Whether this is on Mount Ranier in Washington, or Mount Washington in New Hampshire, it’s sure to be an adventure.

Travel form monastery to monastery. Make it a spiritual adventure or just relax. Most monasteries take in visitors, and usually have reasonably priced accommodations. The Buddhist ones in particular are most often in beautiful places. This is a way to combine education and travel.

Do a hot springs tour. This is more for those who live in the west. Get a guide to hot springs or copy directions off the internet. Bring swimming suits, towels and a cooler full of refreshments. Want more adventure? Seek out the ones that you have to hike into the wilderness to find. Be sure and rest often so the kids won’t get too tired or discouraged.

Find and summit the highest peak in your state. This might be less-than-adventurous in some states, but it will at least be an excuse to get outside and get some good exercise. Be sure to bring your camera for the summit shot. You might try the highest point in the next state over for your next adventure trip.

Investigate and find the nearest hidden swimming holes. The best ones are ones that require a hike to get to. Watch for people heading down a trail with swimsuits and a cooler. Nobody hikes in swimsuit and drags a cooler into the woods, unless there is water involved.

Play Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Locate the nearest river that is large enough and has some public forest. Then build a raft from dead trees and float downstream for a day. Start by hiking upstream for an hour or more, and then float back to the car.

How about a vagabond trip. Pack enough clothing and snacks for several days and just start driving, with no destination in mind. Who knows where you’ll end up, and what you’ll discover. Pack a tent or camp in your car to keep it really affordable.

That last one is a classic adventure trip. Adventure is any activity you engage in that is new to you and doesn’t have a predictable outcome. It doesn’t need to be dangerous to be interesting and fun, and could even include a trip to the nearest large city for a weekend tour of the museum or parks.

You’ve finally decided you and your family are going to take that long awaited dream vacation to Hawaii. You’ve also decided that you want to go the vacation rental route. Privacy, comfort, location and cost effectiveness, were just a few of the deciding factors . Next, you probably Googled Oahu Vacation Rentals and are now faced with the daunting task of choosing among some 175,000 web sites. Where to begin? Here’s two secrets that will help you make the right choice so you can enjoy your stay in Hawaii to its fullest.

Secret One: Use a reservation service. Here are several reasons why. First, a single property vacation rental listing by owner will severely limit you to the dates that you can take your vacation. Vacation rental properties in Hawaii run nearly 90% occupancy, so unless you know your travel dates six months to a year out the odds are high that their property won’t be available for the travel dates you had in mind. Second, the owner is only concerned with booking their own property so they will extol the virtues of their vacation rental and not mention any of the faults.

Secret Two: Make the right choice of reservation service. Make sure it is locally owned and operated. Out of area services don’t have a clue about geography, weather, attractions, events and the other necessary information required to give you the property that best fills your needs. For instance, let’s say you want to whale watch but also want to vacation on Oahu. Your reservation service should be able to tell you that you need to stay on the windward side of the island if you want to see the whales. Another tip-off of services to avoid are those that do automated, credit card bookings. Steer clear of these services as this implies they aren’t interested in talking to you, they just want your money.

Be wary of sites that have more than 100 properties….there aren’t that many reputable selections on Oahu, or any of the other Hawaiian islands, on the market. The more a service exceeds 100 properties, the greater the odds you’ll end up in an overpriced, undesirable vacation rental. Always ask the reservation service person you are talking to where they are located. Someone based in Las Vegas or Los Angeles won’t have a clue about how to give you the best property for the vacation experience you want in Hawaii.

With the standard vacation rental property terms being no refunds after you’ve paid your deposit, you absolutely want to make sure you make the right choice. A good reservation service will ask you questions about what you want to do and see on your vacation and will actually try and talk you out of a property, if they don’t think it’s appropriate for what you had in mind. This is not an attempt to upsell you, it’s more a matter of matching your vacation desires and needs with the perfect choice of vacation rental venue. One vacation rental reservation service that meets all these requirements is Pacific Islands Reservations. They are owned and operated by Ingrid Carvalho, who was born and raised in the islands, as were her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. She has been serving visitor’s Hawaii vacation rental needs since 1996. She currently represents vacation rentals on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. She has actually been to each and every property she represents–she even took most of the photographs of the vacation rentals you see on her web sites. Pacific Island Rentals will spend time talking with you to make sure you get the right property to maximize the value and enjoyment of your vacation. Visit http://pacificislandsreservations.com/ or call 1-808-262-8133.

When traveling, what exactly do you need to pack into your suitcase and how? What goes into your suitcase is important. Shop for the items you need several days before your trip to avoid last minute convenience buying. Empty, cheap dollar-store equivalent plastic bottles filled with products like shampoo and liquid soap will go a long way to save you some money. Buyers beware of travel size items. Typically, you do not find these items economically priced. Consider them a luxury and specialized item. Soap dish and toothbrush cases are also handy items to store your wet bathroom utilities in and keep your clothes dry.

Invest in general drugstore basic items like aspirin, band-aids, antacids, and cold remedies. If you need to buy them while on vacation expect to pay more at the hotel convenience shop or local pharmacies. Their prices are often notoriously over-priced.

Back-to-the-basics: always have an extra pair of socks, pantyhose, and underwear somewhere. Be prepared for anything and everything, including delays. If there are delays on your return trip, for any reason, it is reassuring to know that you will at least have fresh undergarments to wear!

Pack wisely and include a couple of extra outfits. Hotel dry-cleaning is expensive and having a quick change of clothes for a spill or other inevitabilities is always a good idea. Keep in mind however that there’s a fine line between an extra outfit, and over packing. Consider also that some airlines now charge extra fees for checked baggage.

Liquid laundry soap can be a good investment for clothing that needs a little spot cleaning or laundering, hand washing it in the sink will also save you a dollar or two while en route.

A trusted toiletry bag, stocked with all you might need, ready to go is always a good idea. Having your toiletry and bathroom essentials ready at all, times will reduce the likelihood of forgetting something important like your toothbrush and having to buy one.

Check with the hotel to see if they have a frequent guest plan. Ask about package deals, hotel coupons or room savers. If attending a conference, ask for the delegate rate. Explore other options than hotels - homes, apartments, guest rooms and houses, B&B’s, sub-let or short-term ‘lease’-like agreements. For example: rent a Florida house for a month, staying with family or friends, relatives or business contacts, farmhouses, self-catering apartments, Monasteries and convents in Europe are also cheaper options.

Avoid big hotel bills, try AAA memberships, family-friendly hotels, ask for a first floor room. Continental breakfasts are a great money-saver for large families. Ask about any reduced fares at hotels, consider last-minute check-ins – hotels are rarely really fully booked. Eating in a supermarket deli-like counter proves to be much cheaper than fast-food locations or expensive restaurants. It pays to be on the look out for bargains.

Planning an ultimate Vacation? If you’re tired of the traditional trips to the beach and looking for something new and exciting, there is nothing quite like a trip to Pigeon Forge. Experience the ultimate feel of relaxation with all the activities they offer. This incredible getaway spot will leave you breathless and rejuvenated. All the adventure and excitement you can imagine is packed into one spot that is guaranteed to be the perfect getaway for your family and is a bit more budget friendly than a Caribbean vacation.

The Five Rivers Adventures gives you an up close and breathtaking view of the spectacular scenery. It’s a perfect addition to your schedule, and the kids will love it. This tour guided trip also includes a picnic lunch. Keep in mind that this activity is seasonal and opens during the month of March up to the month of October only.

Another famous activity is Rafting in the Smokies. Enjoy the Rocky Top Outfitters with a fully stocked fly and tackle shop, featuring modern and high-quality spin and fly fishing equipments. The Rocky Top Outfitters have professional guides that you can hire during the season. Your kids will love the thrill of rafting across the river through a spray of white water; kids always seem to like getting wet.

After white-water rafting, you might be looking for something more relaxing. Attending a show is the perfect way. And The Louise Mandrell show just may be the one. Louise Mandrell is a one woman band that can performs multiple shows. She plays everything from the fiddle drums to the base and throws in dance routines that would even make an athlete gasp for breath.

Another show is the Comedy Barn. A family-friendly show, no need for the kids to have earmuffs and even the youngest should enjoy this kind of show. There is nothing quite like clean country comedy and a night full of laughter.

While there, why not toss in a little education. By visiting the famous Tennessee Museum of Aviation which is located in the parkway of Pigeon Forge. You can take a leisurely stroll through the premises, and observe the impressive and extensive collection of aviation memorabilia. This part of Pigeon Forge gives honor to some known Tennesseans who have contributed a lot in the field of aerospace and aviation.

Hooray for Dollywood!!
You won’t want to miss taking a trip to Dollywood, an amusement park that combines country music, great rides, and some tasty food. And who doesn’t love Dolly Parton!! Among the 40 rides and attractions are the Thunderhead and Mystery Mine roller coasters. Dollywood’s Splash Country, was twice recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the country’s top ten water parks. This has fun for the kids written all over it whether they know who Dolly Parton is or not.

There truly is no place quite like Pigeon Forge. It’s a vacation your family is sure to remember forever and probably want to visit again. For more information visit
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/what_to_do.aspx or call
1-800-251-9100, (865) 453-8574, TDD: (865) 429-7444

Have you ever come across what sounded like a too good to be true travel deal? These deals usually come in the form of a gift certificate from a bank, coupon book or fundraiser. The incredible offer of a free flight and or hotel accommodations require that you sit through a presentation. How bad could that be? Sit down, zone out for a while or pretend to be interested and then it’s off to fun in the sun? Maybe.

After sitting through one of these vacations in Florida way back in 1996 we’re still getting calls of offers to buy our timeshare. The only thing is we never bought a timeshare. Oh it was tempting. The model that we toured was gorgeous and it we actually thought about it for all of an hour and a half. Who were we kidding; we just wanted to the free tickets to Sea World. Right about now it’d be great to have a timeshare to sell but alas we didn’t cut a deal. Before the presentation we had never heard of a timeshare, and could have possibly gone in way over our heads had we decided to get one at that time. Timeshare vacations can be a great bargain or your worst nightmare.

Some travelers have the idea that they can go on a timeshare vacation and leave their wallets behind? This is surely a recipe for disaster—unless you vacation at an all inclusive resort. These ever-popular timeshare resorts charge you one fee for everything from your room to your meals. You can vacation like the elite without ever having to worry about paying a check because there are none. Different packages include beverages and activities, so you can sip frosty drinks by the pool or play golf without ever seeing a bill. However, you have to check, check, and re-check to make sure you’re getting what you think you are and what you want.

There are several all inclusive timeshares in exotic places such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The beautiful Royal Sunset in Cancun is an excellent choice for anyone interested in some wallet-free fun and sun. The Dominican Republic’s Talanquera Vacation Club in Juan Dolio is nearby the historic Santa Domingo and features crystal blue water and gorgeous beaches. Both of these timeshare resorts are completely all-inclusive and have several packages with different levels of inclusion. All inclusive timeshare resorts have different packages depending on the options in which you are most interested. Additionally, prices of the timeshare may vary depending on the season. When you decide to invest in an all inclusive timeshare, be sure to ask exactly what is covered. One timeshare resort may offer only one inclusion package and others may have different options for inclusions from which to choose.

You can find all inclusive timeshare resorts from Egypt to Brazil. Just as with traditional timeshares, knowing all the details before you purchase will save you a great deal of money and grief. If you’re really interested, one of the free presentations that come attached to the too good to be true travel deals may be a good thing. This will give you the chance to visit a property and become familiar with the area and the resort’s features. As is the case with all timeshares, you would still have the option to exchange your all inclusive timeshare which would allow you to vacation at new properties each time.

Although purchasing an all-inclusive timeshare may be more expensive upfront than a traditional resort timeshare, you may save money in the end. By taking an all inclusive vacation, you know exactly how much you are spending, whereas traditional vacations can quickly add up when meals, drinks, and activities are added to the bill. If you have ever returned home after a fabulous stay at a traditional timeshare only to be shocked by the pricey bill you racked up, then an all inclusive timeshare resort may be just the right option for you.

If you want to travel to the Caribbean, you certainly have no shortage of wonderful destinations from which to choose. One of the most popular places for tourists in the Caribbean, however, is Jamaica. The country of Jamaica is about 150 miles long and 50 miles wide, so it isn’t huge, but it is mighty in the world of tourism, and is actually the third largest island in the Caribbean. Jamaica is less than 100 miles south of Cuba and a little over 100 miles from Hispaniola, the island that includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It was formally a possession of Spain, and late of the United Kingdom, but is now its own nation.

Although Jamaica is small, it’s had a large cultural influence on the world. Reggae, ska, dancehall, and ragga are just a few of the many musical genres that originated in Jamaica. Jungle music in the United Kingdom and hip-hop in the United States are also largely accredited to the Jamaican immigrant population. The Rastafari movement also began in Jamaica.

While visiting Jamaica, there are a number of fun activities for you to do. Of course, like most other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is home to a number of beautiful beaches, so it is a real island paradise. You can go diving, parasailing, boating, swimming, snorkeling, jet and water skiing, and surfing. Fishing is also very popular in Jamaica, and it flourishes with animals you’re not likely to see on the mainland.

When the sun goes down there’s plenty for the adults to do. Granted every family doesn’t travel with a nanny or babysitter, but it’s nice to have options. You can dance the night away in a number of clubs and visit bars to try some of the local drinks. The restaurants here serve both foreign and cultural cuisine, and shopping is great for tourists who want to pick up lots of gifts to take home.

We were lucky enough (I guess) to find tour guides that were willing to take us on another tour once the official one was over. Yes, we had to tip them a few extra dollars, but we wanted to see what the locals lived like. Needless to say our travels took us off the beaten path. Some of the areas seemed a bit shady and we stood out like sore thumbs. In the local markets and even when we stopped at traffic lights, kids would ask for money. Strolling in and out of the shops I noticed a woman with a huge basket piled high with fruit balanced on her head. She waved me over and asked me to take a picture with her. Well that picture came at a price. My husband just laughed because he figured it wouldn’t be free. One more point and this is for the ladies. The local women think nothing of directing all of their attention to your significant other.

Most souvenir shops carry pretty much the same thing and some merchants will bargain with you and some not. Shop at the places that you feel most comfortable at and keep your purse and bags close to you. One of the best experiences in Jamaica is the food. If you like it hot, this is your place. Jerk chicken, pigeon peas and rice and some of the best cornbread you’ll ever taste are some of the best loved dishes. Expect the food to be spicy and hot. You’ll also find plenty of cold drinks alcoholic and kid friendly to wash it all down.

There are direct flights to the Caribbean island. Just make sure that you check with your airport to see what kinds of travel paperwork is required to visit Jamaica from your country.

Straight off the wire from Hot-Wire here’s a great family travel deal.

You can get an all-inclusive Grand Oasis Cancun beach resort from a low $379* per person, flight included. Kids stay, play and eat at no extra charge. Did you notice the * after the price along with the word “from”? That tells you that the price shown is a bare minimum. Most times you have to go upgrade a bit to get what you want. You wouldn’t be sleeping on the veranda but you won’t be in a penthouse suite either. One more thing that gets me about these type of buy now advertisements is the announcement that kids stay free. In my travels I’ve not come across a hotel or resort where the kids had to pay extra. Maybe I’ve just dodged those places or have been lucky. At any rate, this offer is exclusive to Cheapcaribbean.com so surf on over to their site and check it out. The greatest part about these inclusive offers is that kids eat free. Whether you have one child or five, free food for them is a bonus. And with this deal from CheapCaribbean alcohol is included, Woo-hoo!

Grand Oasis Cancun is a pyramid type structure which gives everyone a spectacular view of the sea. It’s located in the center of the Hotel Zone of Cancun, directly on the beach. You’ll get your fill of shopping, and there are plenty bars and restaurants. The Grand Oasis is only 12 miles from the Cancun International Airport which is about a 25 minute ride and 20 minutes from downtown Cancun.

This is a great venue for water sports, especially the complimentary kayaks, paddleboats and surfboards. They even offer complimentary green fees if you want to golf. Want to burn more calories? A tennis court is available with available instruction, if there’s an instructor free; plus rental equipment and lights for night play are available at an additional charge. OK, this place sounds awesome!!! I could be here all day describing the rest of the amenities so in the interest of brevity I’ll get right to it. There’s a multipurpose field, gymnasium, pool, entertainment provided by the hotel staff, live shows, free parking and taxes and gratuities are included. Wow, that’s a bunch!!

Travel dates for this offer are August 15th - October 31st and here’s one tidbit you should know. Check the list below for departure cities that will incur an additional fee.
Chicago: $20 more
Miami: $20 more
Orlando: $20 more
Dallas: $30 more
NYC: $30 more
Los Angeles: $50 more
San Francisco: $50 more

For more information and to book this deal, call 800-915-2322 and mention Travel Ticker.

When traveling to most cities of the world, finding discount accommodations when arriving to your destination is always a possibility. You might not want to take that chance if San Francisco is your destination. From the hills of Daly City to the plains of Berkeley, the environments and people are so diverse that your vacation could with one dial of the phone be a paradise made in heaven or an inferno designed in, well you know, that other place.

Families making their hotel reservations at the smaller hotels that dot the periphery of San Francisco might be able to land a bargain, but may find themselves sharing accommodations with some crawling critters that would make even the toughest tough guys squirm. Do your best to resist the urge to stay outside the city because of lower hotel prices. Booking a room at $59 a night might land you and your family on a poorly lit side street. Your accommodations may also be something you’d expect to see in medieval Europe, not in actuality.
In addition, fighting traffic and finding a decent place to park will also drive you up the wall. Some hotels charge from $20 to $50 a day for parking. You can pretty much get around most of the tourist areas without a car, so consider skipping the rental car use the money for a better place to stay.

If you’re planning on being in the area for more than a week, consider an extended stay hotel. Extended stay hotels make long-term stays a bit more affordable and create a home-like atmosphere. There is more space to live and play. Two of the best conveniences include a kitchen and 24 hour guest laundry facilities. You don’t just get a room, you get a studio suite that is larger than most typical rooms and can be more economical. The kids have their space and you have yours.

Once you’re in a nice cozy place it’s time to play tourist. And what’s a trip to San Francisco without visiting Fisherman’s Wharf? Even if seafood isn’t your thing, it’s a must see in the bay area. A trolley ride there will have you screaming (with joy) because it’s a wild ride straight up and straight down a city built on a mountain. Other than the wharf, there are lots of shops and of course, vendors. You’ll appreciate the freshness and multitude of shrimp and crab cocktails. You also can‘t leave San Francisco without visiting Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory. The original isn’t there anymore but you can still get some awesome chocolate and ice cream desserts. The Cannery, once the world’s largest fruit canning plant, houses a number of stores as well. You’ll also find the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, the Wax Museum, and the Guinness Book of Records.

It’s kind of hard to think San Francisco and not think of the Golden Gate Bridge. Most first time visitor wants to see this landmark, and it’s one of the places to see if you’re in the area. Driving across it is fun, also considering walking or biking the bridge if your kids are old enough. It’s a great way to walk off that chocolate from Ghirardelli’s. The east walkway is open to bikers on weekdays, and the west walkway is open on weekends. You can pick up a bike at American Bicycle Rental on Hyde Street. For additional information, call the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department at 415-666-7201.

You might also call the state Office of Tourism, 800-462-2543, for additional listings and directories of San Francisco accommodations. Here are some well known and family friendly chains that may offer family discounts, kids programs or other special kid-friendly amenities. Make sure to call each property for current information.

BEST WESTERN, 800-528-1234
CHOICE HOTELS, 800-424-6423
EMBASSY SUITES, 800-362-2779
HOLIDAY INN, 800-465-4329
HOWARD JOHNSON HOTELS, 800-446-4656
RADISSON, 800-333-3333

The whole idea of motion sickness wasn’t brought on by air or sea travel. Even in biblical times, the problem of motion sickness was prevalent. In fact, it was even referred to as “camel sickness” , where the camel riders experienced nausea due to moderate swaying. With the advent of technology, motion sickness has evolved into many forms such as seasickness, carsickness, space motion sickness, and airsickness; and the reason why more and more people are now traveling by air is because of its capacity to transport people faster.

Generally, airsickness refers to that feeling of nausea, triggered by the motion usually experienced when the aircraft escalates to higher altitudes. Some of the common signs of airsickness are loss of appetite, headaches, vertigo, burping, stomach awareness, nausea, and increased swallowing and salivation.

Contrary to most popular beliefs, airsickness is not a disorder. It’s just a normal response of the body to an unusual stimulus. Simply put: airsickness is due to the disparity between what people see with their eyes and the data received from the “vestibular organs” of the ears. A simple discrepancy between what people see and what they feel. The end result is confusion of the brain’s regular processing of sensory awareness. Airsickness.

Airsickness also isn‘t limited to passengers. Surveys show that 29% of aircraft pilots experience airsickness. Comforting thought, isn’t it? Here are some tips for everyone onboard to keep things on an even keel:

• Studies show that two of the common causes of airsickness are stress and anxieties. These increase the probability of experiencing airsickness. This is because the body will have more difficulty in coping up with the sudden change of environment. Emotional factors trigger the brain to get more confused.
• Eat light meals only before traveling . Large meals, especially those that have high salt content are possible causes of airsickness. Makes you wonder why they serve salty peanuts and chips.
• Lemon or ginger flavored hard candy also helps, as well as peppermints and peppermint tea.
• While on board, do your best to stay put and avoid too much moving within the aircraft. Motion is the number one factor why airsickness occurs.
• Scopolamine patches are helpful as an alternative to taking a pills or capsules like Dramamine. A newer alternative is an acupressure wristbands. Something I thought was just a bad fashion accessory until my daughter-in-law explained what they were.
• Focused breathing and meditation help to keep you calm. If it happens, go with the flow and don’t freak out about it. Remember the first tip about stress and anxiety exacerbating or bringing on the condition.

Airsickness isn’t a big problem, a nuisance yes. . It is just a matter of adjusting the body’s condition so as to avoid conflict of senses. Keep telling yourself that you’ll be there soon and the fun is on the way.

Indeed there is strength in numbers, and in regards to travel, a discount may be available as well. Group travel, providing you have an amicable relationship with the rest of the group, may be your ticket. One of my nieces is a member of a travel club and throughout the year they hold raffles, bake sales, and taco sales. This group endeavor does require some effort and time. And this venture will work better if all share in the responsibilities equally. The money is put into a pot and they decide when and where they want to travel to. They’ve taken many cruises and trips to Vegas. When it comes to booking their vacation they work with a travel agent who can offer them the best package deals. In most instances they have to chip in for their total expenses, but not nearly as much had they not had the club jackpot.

When you’re working with an agent keep in mind that this is their business and in all likelihood they‘re also looking for leverage. Some resorts will set up private meet and greets, cocktail parties and other excursions. These can add to your expenses and are things you can book yourself and save money by doing. Some agents add up to a ten percent fee for their services when booking these extras for you.

Another consideration is your relationship with the agent. Initially you may do a bit of agent shopping to see who’ll give you the best deal; and that’s a good thing. Find one that’s a good fit for you and build a rapport with them. Ask for referrals from friends or co-workers, and listen to your gut. Once on family trip to Vegas, one of the members had to cancel. When asked for her refund which was within the specified guidelines she was told that I (the one who’d done the booking) was responsible for giving her the refund from the discount we’d received. As you can imagine that didn’t go over well with either of us. It almost took legal action to get my family member her refund from the agency. Needless to say we never booked with that agency again.

Group travel probably commands more attention to detail and more time but it’s worth it. You can receive substantial discounts and then you have the pleasure of traveling with the people you care about the most.

Happy travels and think long and hard about the family t-shirts. That’s so yesterday.