Family Trip Deals

When in a foreign country, do you have the guts to eat as they do?

A book that has recently been released titled Fierce Food: The Intrepid Diner’s Guide to the Unusual, Exotic, and Downright Bizarre challenges you to step up to that challenge. The author describes some rare delicacies in other nations. These include armadillo, shark and sheep eyeballs.

One of the things Weil describes in her book is the consumption of Live Monkey Brains. Doing a bit of research, I was lead to this interesting tidbit about such a thing in Guangxi Province, China. You can read in detail about the (::ahem::) “prep process” by referencing this article.

However, one of the things that struck me was the caption under one of the pictures:

It reads, “After the monkey is inebriated, it is placed on the table to await the hungry diners.”

Perhaps that it is even too much for me, the seasoned traveler. According to Amazon, “Even if one might not plan on eating a big plate of muttonbird, this book is entertaining enough for the most jaded foodie to enjoy.” Maybe your adventurous spirit will kick in, and you’ll be inspired to try that which you haven’t before.

Happy Reading.

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Check out these great travel blogs and add to your “travel arsenal”.

If you are a Luxury lover like me, add A Luxury Travel Blog to your mix.

Family Travel is a blog for those, like me, who want their kids to see the world.

Fly Away Cafe has some great original ideas and money saving tips.

Finally, if you are in need of some inspiration, check out Why Go? Good for you and good for you children, it will encourage dreams of travel.

One of the things that my family always did while I was growing up was camping. Now, I don’t know about you, but I never was crazy about it. I like the whole “communing with nature” aspect, but I hate having to walk to the facilities in the middle of the night. Now to mention sleeping on the hard ground in a tent.

Enter Costanoa. Now this is my kind of camping. I read about this place in USA Today several years ago. Although I haven’t had a chance to go yet, it looks like the comforts of the hotel world crossed with the best aspects of outdoor life. There is a spa, a full service restaurant and a general store. (and wireless internet, to boot!) There is a lodge and cabins for those who do not want to “be as adventurous”.

However, the most inexpensive rooms are small tent bungalows with beds inside. No two bungalows are exactly alike as they are placed around the property with different views in mind. You still have to share bathrooms with this option, but the floors in the “comfort station” are heated and the showers are hot.

Here is Costanoa’s Mission Statement:

Costanoa is an eco adventure resort where our guests can simply retreat from the chaos of everyday life and discover the pace of nature. We are committed to providing genuine service, unique accommodations, California coastal cuisine, as well as a variety of spa and adventure activities using sustainable methods to create a quality experience for our guests in a natural environment. Through sustainable wealth, we foster joy and wellness while sharing our unique resort.

There is so much to do in this area with the children! (Or this can be a romantic adventure away from home) Costanoa is situated on great coastline property with trails to hike and areas to explore. It is also close to Santa Cruz, San Francisco and San Jose. If the kids are getting restless take them to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, the children’s museum in San Jose or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

If you are alone with your partner, go to San Francisco for a great romantic dinner. I highly recommend Aqua. We ate here recently and it was divine! Then, after a great dinner, go back to “roughing it”.

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I’ve mentioned Priceline before and the strategies that one should use to get the best price on that service.

Another site to keep in mind if in desperation for a good deal and priceline doesn’t appear to be working: Hotwire.

There is no auction behind Hotwire. It justs gives you a price and star rating for a hotel, and you decide if you want to buy. After you buy, the name of the hotel is revealed to you.

Usually, if you see a price on Hotwire, you can get the same quality of hotel on Priceline for about 20-30% less. (Or, in the case of cars, this also applies!) However, Hotwire occasionally has some hotels that do not come up often on Priceline. For example, Hilton Hotels seem to come up frequently on Hotwire, while Hyatts appear more on Priceline. (if you are searching for three stars and higher) If you are targeting to get a “certain” hotel chain, it is good to know which service might produce the best result.

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Cruises are affordable. With your family in tow, there are tons of things to do on a cruise ship. You and your significant others can also get some much needed time alone with the kids programs offered on board, as well.

Currently on cruise.com, you can cruise the Caribbean in December for $294/person round trip from Ft. Lauderdale for 6 nights.

Click here for more information and itinerary. If those dates don’t work for you, there are other great deals and prices to be found.

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Aer Lingus is offering a special for the beginning of the winter season. Visit the Aer Lingus website and take advantage of the Warm Welcomes fare button at the top of the page.

Travel January 7-February 28 to either Shannon or Dublin each way from:

* Boston… $169
* New York… $169
* Chicago… $199
* Los Angeles … $242

If you need more than airfare, the Warm Welcomes tour includes lodging, touring and some meals starting at $699 person including RT airfare. Want more? The upscale Ultimate Ireland Dream Castle Package is also available. The castle stay includes RT airfare as well as castle lodging, rental car and breakfast. What child doesn’t think that castles are cool?

This is a significant savings over the summer high season. (and the massive amounts of tourists!)

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Check out these links on Sky Auction for vacation rentals over the next couple months that may auction off for $1. (Plus $195 administration fee…read the print at the end of the auction)

2 Bedroom Condo in Orlando–Choose from selected dates in October, November and December

Princeville, Kauai 1 Bedroom Condo-October

2 Bedroom Condo at Sheraton’s Vistana Resort-Selected Dates in November and December

Studio in Lake Tahoe-Selected Dates in November and December

I highly recommend Sky Auction for looking for vacation rental deals. You have to be vigilent, but offers pop up all the time. My thinking is they have a deal with RCI, who is one of the largest timeshare trading partners. When a vacation rental falls through, RCI puts it up for “auction” to get what they can for it.

My husband and I have been to Hawaii twice for $200 for a two bedroom condo, so this is legitimate. It was just a property that fell through at the last minute.

Other than for great rental deals, my advice is make sure you read the fine print in every Sky Auction auction. There are always “hidden fees”, which is one of the reasons I never use them except to find vacation rentals. And then, you may find a steal!

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Ah, plane travel with children. Screaming babies and tight bathrooms with children who have to go potty every 15 minutes. The Joy of Parenting….

We were just coming home yesterday on a plane trip with the kids when my son indicated he had to go potty. Not accustomed to airplane lavatories, his aim was a bit off while simultaneously hitting some turbulence, causing some spraying action similar to this sprinkler.

Which lead me to these:

Doesn’t this just make you want to be a guy?

With good aim? Damn, you men get to have all the fun!

I am going to have to stock up for the next family plane ride.

Any advice how to maintain a straight line during turbulence?

Meanwhile, check out these 10 best bargain priced family adventures on Budget Travel. Also, check out Flying With Kids to get great tips on what to expect and keeping the little buggers entertained.

I wish you more luck in you airplane bathroom endeavors.

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Check out these spooky facts about cities near you!

And while you are there, see what last minute deals Site 59 is offering. Site 59 offers last minute getaways to all types of cities. Here are their current trips for under $250/person, which includes family friendly cities like Orlando, Washington D.C. and Boston. And if you’re a glutton for punishment, there is always Detroit. (oh, I’m kidding…)

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We are going to Legoland tomorrow. My son is delirious with excitement since he spends hours with the blocks. The other day he was decapitating the little lego men and removing their arms and legs, as well, just to see how to put them back together. An engineer in the making, I say. Or perhaps something more sinister? But I digress.

Admission is typically $57/adult and $44/child. However, Carl’s Jr. and Burger King in Southern California locations are offering coupons for buy one adult admission, get a children’s admission free. We are going to try to hit one of those restaurants before going to the park. Coupons are good until 1/31/07.

Other places to look for discounts to this park are through the Orange County and San Diego Entertainment Books which offer $7 off for up to six people.

Or sign up for the free Lego Magazine which occasionally offers coupons for discounted admission. If you can’t afford to go, at least you have some reading material to keep your children busy for awhile.

Thanks to Southwest Airlines for our $80 flights from Sacramento, we can occasionally enjoy taking the kids down south. Make sure you check Southwest’s internet specials from your city. Sometimes, they are really amazing.

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Not exactly a “bargain”, but apropos for the coming holiday, nevertheless. When it comes to your children, aren’t they worth it? (::Stifled laugh::)

It does look pretty cool, especially from a kid’s perspective…and you really can’t get enough of Sponge Bob, can you? (::More laughter::) There is tons to do with the children, the rooms are great (especially if you are like my husband and me and just wish for 5 minutes of privacy!) and it’s Halloween themed!

Nick-Or-Treat Package at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn:

* Two bedroom kidsuite accommodations
* Two adult tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
* Nick After Dark Halloween Style, up to two kids*
* Nick or Treat (Mondays, Wednesdays, & Oct. 31 from 12:30pm – 2pm)
* Scary-oke (Sundays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays at 10:15pm)
* Dive In Halloween Movies (Fridays at 8pm)

Halloween Horror Dates:

* Friday Oct 6, 7, 8
* Wed Oct 11, 12, 13, 14
* Thu Oct 19, 20, 21, 22
* Oct 26, 27, 28, 29
* Tues Oct 31

To top it off. you can scare your 18 month old by having breakfast with a giant Dora the Explorer and Boots characters. Ahhhh, the vacation memories…they’re priceless.

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One of the websites that I ALWAYS check out before I purchase any hotel stay is tripadvisor.com. I have, especially over the past couple years, come to depend on the reviews on this website as a good indication as to the level of quality of the place I will be staying.

Years ago, when I traveled, I’d always confirm my hotel selection based on a Fodor’s or Frommer’s review. However, things with them were spotty. Sometimes I would agree with their review decisions, and other times, I would greatly disagree. And be very disappointed! Recently, I learned through a New York Times article that the reviewers who work for those two companies are allowed to take kickbacks (free food and other items that the hotel wants to give). How can you get an objective review from someone who is being pampered at the very hotel he/she is reviewing? I think not!

It explained a lot to me and why in the past I didn’t agree with many of their reviews. Tripadvisor is all random people, like you and me, contributing their reviews. Granted, throw out the extremes. But if a hotel has at least 5-10 reviews, it’s usually a fair assessment. You also can get many, many details about the property from all the different people’s perspectives.

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Do you mind doing a little work for a big discount? Fill out this form for Marriott Timeshares, indicate interest in one of the Hawaii properties in Kauai, Oahu or Maui, and I guarantee they will send you an offer to visit one of their properties for about $699.

This price will include approximately 5 nights in a condo type unit and a rental car. All they ask in return is that you attend a 90 minute timeshare presentation. Small price to ask for a great vacation discount.

One of my absolute favorite places in California is the Monterey/Carmel area. Looking for a trip alone with your spouse/significant other? The Seven Gables Inn and Grand View Inn are absolutely gorgeous bed and breakfasts. I have stayed at the Seven Gables, and everything about it is wonderful! They are worth the splurge if you are looking to get away.

Thinking of taking the kids on a budget? This area has a lot to do. Check out my priceline strategy below to get the best rate in the area as the Hyatt in Monterey comes up often. Take the kids to the aquarium. Enjoy the rugged coastline and kid (and dog) friendly beach in Carmel off Ocean Avenue. Check out the Horseback Riding. Go wine tasting with your spouse while the kids get to run around the spacious vineyards. Let the kids nap while you enjoy the views from 17 Mile Drive.

I love California!

Many of you are probably familiar with priceline.com, where you bid to get air travel, rental cars and hotels at great rates. However, did you know there is a strategy behind using priceline to secure the best deal possible?

Go to www.biddingfortravel.com, and spend some time reading that site in detail.

Because of this site, our family has secured four and five star hotel rooms from $40 to $60 a night in cities like San Francisco, San Diego, and Miami. I have gotten rental cars for around $15 a day. Make sure you read the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and spend some time reading posts in the cities you are interested in. It has been a definite money saver for us!

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