Post Updated June, 2018 We are avid fans of Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA. The park is consistently rated the most beautiful theme park in the country. Their food, especially the ribs at Trappers Smokehouse, is really good. And, the portions are huge! In years past, Busch Gardens offered a … [Read more...]
Road Trip Safety: cars, trucks and rain. Oh my!
Driving home from Virginia in a horrific rain storm, my husband noticed that all the truckers had moved to the left lane of the highway. He asked, "Okay travel blogger, why do 18-wheelers move to the left lane every time it rains?" He's confused, of course. I plan trips and execute routes with … [Read more...]
How to get the best travel rates during peak seasons
Today's post about getting the best travel rates is a follow-up to the last one, "How to benefit from flexible travel dates." Linda commented, "I really appreciate this. Is there an easy way to tell when prices will drop for certain expenses?" That's a great question! The short answer to the … [Read more...]
Disney Lodging: On property or off property?
So, you're going to Disney! Will you stay at a hotel at Disney or will you stay off property? There are so many great hotels in Orlando that this is one of the hardest decisions to make. We've been to Walt Disney World at least 20 times, and have stayed on property and off property. You'll … [Read more...]
6 tips for a fabulous staycation
A staycation is a budget-friendly alternative to expensive family vacations. But, if they're not planned, staycations can look like any other day of the week. Our "failure to plan" mistakes in the early years meant we learned the hard way. Hopefully these tips will save you some of our frustration … [Read more...]
Rip Currents: More dangerous than JAWS
Jaws, released in theaters way back in 1975, forever cemented a fear of shark attacks in our minds. Innocent porpoises diving and out of waves can clear the water instantly when one person screams, "Shark!" No one questions it -- see a fin and panic ensues. Sharks, though, are hardly … [Read more...]
Beach Bag Essentials
A day at the beach always brings big smiles! A properly packed beach bag virtually guarantees that those smiles will last all day long. Use this handy dandy checklist to pack your bag and never forget beach bag essentials again. Beach Bag Essentials Packing List: Sunscreen: That … [Read more...]
Weekend Getaway: New York City on a Budget
I love New York. Simply love it! The food. The entertainment. The storefronts. The noise. The people. Yes, I said it. I love New Yorkers. They're funny! Intentional. Nice, in their own NYC way. My son and I went to NYC for the Thanksgiving week festivities a few years ago. We had an ulterior … [Read more...]
Weekend Getaways: San Francisco, CA
The Golden Gate Bridge. Fisherman's Wharf. Ghirardelli Square. Chinatown. Cable cars. San Francisco has it all... well, except warm, sunny days! Years ago, our son studied San Francisco for school and begged and begged and begged to go. We finally made it, and the city did not … [Read more...]
Preparing your car for travel
Between packing clothes, reserving the hotel and mapping the route, sometimes we forget to think about the car. A couple days before travel, we make the mad dash to get it ready. Use this checklist to prepare your car so it's as ready for vacation as you are! Regular Maintenance (One week before … [Read more...]
