Surviving Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Tackling a new sport like skiing -- whether you're my age or a toddler -- is a challenge that the snow sports industry helps overcome each January with Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month. Perhaps a child, a new companion, or a childhood yearning have driven you to try skiing or snowboarding. Some may be ready to face...
Read More 4 min read
Celebrate First Night On New Years
Archaeologists believe the Babylonians were the first civilization to celebrate the New Year, with an 11-day holiday tied to the vernal (spring) equinox starting with a first-night festivity. Sometime during the Roman era, New Year's was set as January 1st, a custom that was adopted in the Middle Ages by many Western countries. For millions who equate New Year's Eve with a party, however, that date...
Read More 5 min read
Skiing On A Budget
Mountainside hostels, many private inns and Airbnbs invite families to enjoy snow sports in cheap, comfortable, spotless and private facilities at new style ski hostels. Hostelling has come a long way from your youthful backpacking days; in fact, many refer to young travelers sporting rolling suitcases, iPhones and tablets as "flashpackers" because of their aversion to truly spartan accommodations....
Read More 4 min read
Top Holiday Lights Celebrations Across America
We love the holiday season, when bright lights, Christmas decorations, menorahs, colorfully wrapped gifts and imaginative retail displays illuminate cities and towns around the world, regardless of whether there is sun or snow outside. For many, ’tis the season to spend time with family, bake and decorate (see our
Read More 18 min read
Christmas Tree Farms: Where and How to Harvest Your Own Tree
Family excursions make the holidays special, so why not take the kids to a Christmas tree farm this winter? We make it easy with this guide to the U-Pick Christmas Tree Farm nearest you. Did you grow up with a fake Christmas tree? According to the National Christmas Tree Association, about 20% of all...
Read More 5 min read
How To Avoid Typical Travel Ripoffs
As smart as we all are about buying vacation packages online, it's even smarter to refresh our "scam" antennae every once in awhile about new ripoffs. Booking online seems so simple — you search for the lowest rates, you click, and you’re on your way. But being your own travel agent isn’t as easy as it might seem, according to ShopSmart magazine from Consumer Reports. The consumer...
Read More 3 min read
Paris On A Petite Budget
Mon dieu! A trip to Paris is still considered too expensive by many potential visitors, especially those traveling with kids. Inexpensive European travel in Paris, France is really possible if you take the advice of locals who know to navigate the system and succeed. Take heart, for here, like the Pont Neuf and the other beautiful Seine River crossings, there are many ways to walk the line between...
Read More 4 min read
Blizzard Beach, Orlando’s Cheap Theme Park
Blizzard Beach, a Disney water park, is one my favorite places to take my sons Wyatt, age 10, and Joseph, age 12, as well as my husband. Done up only as Disney can do, a day at Blizzard Beach is all about family fun, no matter how old your children might be. What's more, this is one Orlando attraction that won't break the bank. Designed like an Alpine Village, adults and kids make waves under...
Read More 2 min read
Ireland is Our Land
It must have been the "Luck of the Irish" rubbing off on us when three generations of our clan set down at Dublin airport to sunny 70°F (21°C) weather... and it stayed that way for the entire week. That wasn't the only miracle. It was just as amazing that our family of six, ranging in age from 11 to 70, had managed to get here at all when the only common denominator amongst us was a desire to visit...
Read More 10 min read
No-Cost Fun In Indianapolis, Indiana
Head to Indy for concerts, museums, history, transportation and endless fun throughout spring, summer and fall (winter's cold!) The best things in life are still free, at least in Indiana's capitol of Indianapolis. Spend the day listening to music, learn about the city's rich history, get involved in the Arts, and make your way through downtown: all for free. You might discover that Indianapolis doesn't...
Read More 6 min read