Travel Tips

September 15th, 2011

Hvar, Croatia: Local Secrets of a Dalmatian Paradise

Posted by: Kaila McIntyre-Bader|0 comments

Hvar, Croatia has become a travel fad.  Ever since it was on the front page of the New York Times Travel Magazine, this “mountainous, lavender-scented isle set in the blue, sun-blasted Adriatic Sea” has experienced a new level of tourism.  It’s no longer just Italians on summer vacation; now the square is full of travelers from all over the world speaking a variety of languages, ready to party all day and all night in paradise.

But there is a different way of experiencing Hvar!  The locals choose not to partake in the drunken daytime debauchery, and know where the least crowded beaches with the most shade are. I was lucky enough to visit the island with Brad, who is half Croatian, and a wealth of knowledge about local secrets.

Brad has been visiting his Croatian family in Hvar each summer for the past 15 years.  The first few years he came with a skateboard, which gave the local eight-year-olds reason to approach him and ask him where he was from.  They thought his American ways were funny and his skating gear was cool, and they’ve been friends ever since.

The first night we arrived, we went out to enjoy the best pizza I’ve ever had at Alviž.  This family restaurant by the church has a beautiful outdoor seating area underneath hanging grapevines, and wonderful service.  Order a mushroom pizza with a tomato salad, and don’t forget a side of traditional blitva.

Full of food and wine, we went to one of the many corner stores and bought a couple beers to enjoy on the Riva, the walkway along the harbor.  Serendipitously, Ivek, Brad’s oldest friend from the town, walked by casually.  We called his name and exchanged hugs, and he demanded we come with him to meet up with the rest of the group at Kiva Bar.  A young local favorite, this place makes up for its weak drinks with a fun crowd and loud American pop music from the 90s.

After a short nights’ sleep (it’s hard to get much shut eye when there’s so much fun to be had) we stopped for our late morning cappuccino at Cafe Loco in the main square.  Carrying some mats for the rocky beaches, lots of water, and a towel, we jumped in a taxi boat.  For 30 Kuna (about 6 bucks), these taxi boats will take you from the main square of Hvar to either Jerolim or Stipanska, two smaller islands with beautiful bays and awesome swimming.  Many tourists like to pay for expensive sun chairs and wade into the water on the crowded bay beaches, but the more adventurous folks (and locals) take a stroll and find a piece of flat rock to lounge on away from the masses.  Once we found a good spot, we spent the day soaking up the sun and jumping in the bright blue water, feeling like we were the only people on the planet.

In Hvar, while enjoying local secrets, make sure not to miss a few more mainstream activities:

  • Walking up to the fortress to watch the sunset.  Bring 2o Kuna for the entrance fee, some wine and cheese, and grab a bench.  You can see the entire town and a breathtaking view of the smaller islands off shore.
  • A daytrip to a secluded beach.  Take the bus toward Stari Grad, but tell the bus driver you’re getting off at Dubovica.  Walk down the path (bring good shoes) and you’ll end up on a pebble beach where you can rent umbrellas for shade and buy an espresso from the nice family that runs a small shop from their home.
  • One night at Veneranda.  This nightclub is absolutely ridiculous, but they have fun dance parties and serve fancy drinks within the walls of an old fortification.  Always crowded, always a good time.
Categorized as: Adventure Travel, Travel Tips Read more →
September 02nd, 2011

5 Ways to Get the Best Deals on Airport Parking

Posted by: flipkey|2 comments

by Sharon Hurley Hall

If you’re planning a holiday getaway, don’t forget about airport parking. Travelers who neglect this part of travel planning until the last minute often pay the price – literally! Making airport parking reservations is just as important as taking care of other travel arrangements – and you don’t want to leave it to chance. Here are five tips on getting the best deals on airport parking.

1. Avoid the Airport

This may seem like a strange piece of advice, but one of the best ways to save money on airport parking is to avoid the airport. Airport parking lots can be expensive, so unless you have absolutely no choice, don’t park there. A recent survey by the UK’s Travel Supermarket found that parking off airport could result in savings of 572% across an 8 day stay.

Another disadvantage of airport parking lots is the amount of time you waste driving around looking for a space and then lugging your cases to the nearest pickup point. Why risk missing your flight when there’s a much better option?

2. Choose Off Airport Parking

This goes hand in hand with the previous tip. Off airport parking lots are usually located at suitable distances from airports and the process is much easier than at the airport. All you do is drive in, hand your car over and board a shuttle to your terminal – you even get help with your bags. Best of all, this option will cost much less per day than parking at the airport – the potential savings are huge! You’ll also have peace of mind, as there’s usually security in place to make sure your car is safe. One tip: check the actual location of the parking lot before making your reservation so you can be sure it’s as convenient as you need it to be.

Road Lines3. Book Online

While you can turn up and park at an offsite airport parking lot, you will save even more if you book in advance online. Most providers offer discounts for online booking and it makes the whole arrival and departure process much more convenient too. While you’re on the site, look out for coupons. Your local off airport parking provider might also have a promotion in local media channels so don’t forget to check out local advertising for additional savings.

4. Double Dip

Points – don’t we just love ‘em? Since airport parking providers often team up with other travel industry professionals, you might be able to score additional savings via your existing points schemes. Perhaps you can save on airport parking by paying with a particular credit card, while still earning points for what you spend. Check out your airport parking provider’s website to see who the company partners with in order to make additional savings.

5. Check for Rewards

If you’re a regular traveler, then it makes sense to join the rewards scheme for your local offsite airport parking provider. Once you’ve been a member for a while, you’ll be able to get additional services (think warming or cooling your car before pickup, a valet service, car wash or free parking days) which will help you to get more bang for your buck. You won’t have to pay for them and they will make your travel experience much more enjoyable.

Follow these tips and you’ll get to have a great airport parking experience at an affordable price.

Sharon Hurley Hall is a professional writer and blogger  who runs the Taking Off Travel Blog for off airport parking provider Park Ride Fly USA.

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September 01st, 2011

How to Take on a Hurricane in a Vacation Rental

Posted by: Dan Weisman|1 comment

The impact of Hurricane Irene marked the beginning of peak hurricane season on the East Coast and reminded us that tropical storm season and vacation season overlap considerably. President Obama experienced this coincidence firsthand, cutting his Martha’s Vineyard vacation short in order to return to Washington before Irene hit Massachusetts. Other travelers (self included) experienced the storm’s impact from a distance, as many flights to the Eastern Seaboard were cancelled over the weekend.

Hurricane Irene

Irene is just the beginning of a hurricane season that could last through November, during which time the National Hurricane Center predicts several severe storms will hit the United States. Nevertheless, autumn is a great time to travel! Here are eight tips from FlipKey  to help you prepare for the unexpected and weather the storm in your vacation rental…

1. Get Covered with Vacation Rental Insurance
If you’re planning to travel during hurricane season, then you should look into renter’s insurance policies. Vacation rental insurance is a form of travel insurance that can cover everything from cancelled flights to damaged property. Learn more about vacation rental insurance from Flipkey. Vacation home owners should also have insurance policies that cover storm damage.

2. Contact the Homeowner
Talk to the vacation rental owner or property manager about your resources and responsibilities during a severe storm. Make sure that you discuss a cancellation and refund policy before signing a rental agreement – you don’t want to eat the cost of a vacation that suddenly becomes unavailable. Property owners should leave a comprehensive list of contact information for local services from police and EMS to trusted maintenance companies and include it in their welcome book. It’s also a good idea to have a local emergency contact if the property owner lives far away.

3. Tune in to Weather Alerts
If a storm is on the radar in your area, then listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio to stay on top of storm warnings. You can get weather information online, but if you are staying in a home that does not have Internet or television then you should make sure there is a radio available to listen to important news such as evacuation orders.

4. Take Stock of Your Supplies
Check to make sure that your rental home has emergency essentials. In the event of a serious storm warning, you may need to purchase non-perishable food and store clean drinking water, but every home should be equipped with the following:

  • Flashlights
  • Battery-operated radio
  • First aid kit
  • Warm blankets

Check with the property owner or manager if you can’t find any of the above items.

5. Charge Up
When you hear that a storm is coming your way, make sure you are prepared by charging important batteries and filling the tank of your car. If you lose power in your area, then you will want to be able to reach the outside world. Here are some important devices to have ready:

  • Cell phones
  • Flashlights
  • Radio
  • Car

6. Batten Down the Hatches
Whether you plan to weather the storm or evacuate the area, you should make sure that the house is secure before it gets hit by high winds and heavy rain. The owner should explain in advance any specific emergency procedures, such as boarding up windows, but here are some guidelines of what to look for on your own:

  • Put away or tie down any outdoor furniture and toys that could be lifted by strong winds.
  • If there are boats, find out the safest place to keep them during a storm to avoid damage.
  • Unplug small electrical appliances.
  • Disconnect propane tanks and make sure that they are secured.
  • Close windows and storm shutters before a storm hits, making sure that basement windows are sealed to minimize flooding.
  • Check with the owner to find out if there are any pumps or procedures to keep flooding under control.
  • Find a safe internal room in which to wait out the storm. Stay away from windows and doors if there are dangerous winds in your area. Evacuate high-rises and mobile homes.

7. Plan an Exit Strategy
Before a storm reaches you, you should have an evacuation plan in place. If you have plenty of advance warning, then you may choose to follow the president’s example and cut your vacation short. If you can’t get out of town, then at least determine the best way to get yourself and your family to safety. It’s a good idea to plan a meeting place well in advance, and remember to make a plan for pets. If an evacuation order is issued, then make sure you follow your plan and get to safety as efficiently as possible.

8. Be Prepared
Hopefully your fall vacation will go smoothly and have only good weather, but it’s important to prepare for the unexpected. A little research can go a long way to making safe decisions about dealing with extreme weather. For further hurricane resources, we recommend checking out the National Weather Service’s Tropical Cyclones preparedness guide and hurricane safety pamphlet.

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August 31st, 2011

Cannes and Pan Bagnat

Posted by: Emily Monaco|0 comments

I have lived all over France, from the cold, coal-digging North to the sunny South to infamous, nearly central Paris. And while I have chosen the latter as my current home, it was actually during a four-month stint in Cannes that I decided to move to France.

I went to Cannes, as so many American students do, as part of a study abroad program. I spent the spring semester of my sophomore year of college taking classes in French language, history, culture and cooking, and by the time my four months were over, I was certain I wanted to move, not only to France, but to Cannes… and this was before the summer season had begun.

Cannes is a city, like many seaside cities, that is best known in its high period, when international movie stars arrive to walk the red carpet at the film festival, and glamorous hotels put out chaise lounges for those wishing to sip cocktails at the seaside. But the Cannes I knew – the Cannes that exists for the rest of the year – was much different.

In the winter, native cannois bundle up against the (relative) cold, seeking shelter indoors and company over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. They do their daily shopping at the Forville market in the old town, picking local produce and cheeses and eating, not in expensive, seaside restaurants, but in the comfort of their own homes, with friends around the table. When the summer season arrives, the people that flood Cannes’ streets are not the natives: they’ve already departed for picnics at the public beaches and hikes in the Alpes Maritimes… which is where knowledge of one of the local specialities, pan bagnat, comes in handy.

My professor in Cannes, a Frenchman by the name of Serge, complete with a moustache, tiny glasses, a large red scarf and a boisterous laugh, answered all my questions about the natives of this little corner of the Riviera. In their language, pan bagnat means pain baignée, or “bathed bread” in English: a sandwich made of a special local bread, “bathed” in olive oil and topped with local specialties: tuna, anchovies, tomatoes, olives, boiled eggs. The exact combination can vary from family to family and according to your personal tastes, but in the end, what you get is a sandwich that only gets better with time. Make them before leaving on a walk or a hike, and when you finally unwrap them to eat, you’ll be rewarded with bread that has soaked up the juices and flavors of this very Provencal group of ingredients.

Recipe: Pan Bagnat

Summary: Southern French Sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 1 bread for pain bagnat (or any crusty French bread)
  • 2 tsp. good olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/3 cup tuna fish, canned in oil and drained
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • ½ tomato, sliced
  • 3-5 anchovies
  • 1 hard boiled egg, sliced into rounds
  • several leaves of lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the bread in two horizontally. If the bread is particularly doughy, remove some of the interior ofthe bread.
  2. Brush each side with olive oil. Cut the clove of garlic in half, and rub it vigorously against each side of bread.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the tuna, salt and shallot. Place the tuna mixture on one side of the bread. Top with tomato slices, anchovies, egg and lettuce, if using. Place the other side of the bread on top.
  4. Wrap the sandwich very tightly in plastic wrap to secure the ingredients. Best if prepared several hours in advance.

Emily Monaco is native New Yorker, living and writing in Paris since 2007. She loves discovering new places and, of course, their local cuisines! Read about her adventures in food and travel at tomatokumato.com or follow her on Twitter at @emiglia

Categorized as: Food & Drink, Travel Tips Read more →
August 30th, 2011

Top 7 Public Transit Systems in the World

Posted by: Joanna Eng|2 comments

Paris MetropolitainIs an urban adventure on your list of dream vacations? Consider choosing one of these cities with impressively extensive public transportation so you can zip around to all the museums, shopping, restaurants, bars, and parks on your itinerary—rather than getting stuck in traffic, getting lost, or driving on the wrong side of the street. Your car-less mode of transport will not only be easier on the environment; it’ll let you pack in a lot more people-watching too.

Tokyo

The Japanese capital has not only one of the biggest and most-used public transportation systems in the world; but the system is remarkably clean and on time. The subway includes bonuses like heated seats and computerized messages in Japanese and English. You can zip around the city seeing everything from temples to parks to museums. The extra adventurous can brave the subway at rush hour and get pushed into an overcrowded car by a platform attendant.

New York

While the stations aren’t exactly sparkling clean, the subway system is extensive enough to create an incredible walking culture in New York, where most residents aren’t even expected to have cars. Besides obvious spots like Times Square, Wall Street and museums galore, the subways and buses can take you to beaches, zoos, botanical gardens, and ethnic enclaves—all for the same flat price. Or hop on the Metro-North or Long Island Railroad to explore the peaceful views of the Hudson Valley or the string of beaches on Long Island.

London

The famous London Underground was the first underground railway in the world, and nowadays the system is impressively large. The long lines allow you to check out central sights like Westminster Abbey, as well as further out locales like Wimbledon. Besides riding the Tube, you can connect to a light rail that offers spectacular views of the Thames.

Paris

Here, Métro stops are closer together than in any other city, so you don’t have to tire your feet out wandering from café to museum to cathedral. Plus, if you miss your stop, you won’t have much distance to backtrack. The subway, buses, commuter trains, and trams, not to mention the admirable bike-sharing program, can get you everywhere you need to go in the City of Love.

Hong Kong

An impressive 90 percent of all traveling in Hong Kong is done by mass transit. And it’s no wonder, with conveniences like 3G network coverage underground, and an “octopus card” that can quickly pay for subway fares, parking, and purchases at convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. The subway moves visitors easily from the airport to Lantau Island to Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, and beyond.

Seoul

The South Korea metropolis makes public transit easy for residents and visitors alike, with integrated subways and buses, announcements in Korean and English, Wi-Fi access underground and in stations, and even service robots to answer your questions. You’ll get a window into the future using this ultra-contemporary transit system.

Moscow

The Moscow Metro sticks to a very precise schedule, so you’ll always be on time—impressive, considering the eight million passengers riding it on an average weekday. The subway stations are destinations in themselves, with their ornate and memorable architecture. So when you’re not taking in the Kremlin and other famous sights, you can gawk at the elaborate underground city.

Joanna Eng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers travel, green living, food, careers, entrepreneurship, and more. Her travel experiences have ranged from hostel hopping in Mexico to staying with distant relatives in China to renting a beach apartment in New Jersey.

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August 26th, 2011

New England Fall Foliage – When to Visit and Where to Go

Posted by: flipkey|4 comments

by Cliff Calderwood

I’ve been experiencing and writing about the vibrant New England Fall Foliage for 30 years and not surprisingly the most common questions I get are related to what is the best time to visit and where is the best place to see the spectacular show? This is understandable as for many visitors a trip to New England in autumn is likely a once-in-a-lifetime trip and not an inexpensive one either. So planning dates and destinations to coincide with peak foliage is critical… or is it?  The fact is that there are ample opportunities to see brilliant color all around New England in during the autumn months, but you just have to be prepared to put some miles on your car.

Best Time to Visit:

Understand that Mother Nature decides when fall colors begin to emerge in New England and not the Weather Channel scientists analyzing if a late spring or summer drought will herald an early or late fall with muted colors.Most people want to see peak foliage – this is the time when the leaves are their most brilliant colors of mixed yellow, orange and red. But the fact is that finding a peak viewing time is an inexact science dependent on a location at a particular moment. Colors can be brilliant two weeks before and after peak and even different from one mountain to another.

Traditionally Columbus Day weekend in October is considered the best time to visit for great foliage color. Columbus Day is the second Monday in October. I would not argue against this but then again it seems most of the world visits New England this weekend as well. And frankly depending on when Columbus Day actually falls it can be too early or late for many locations.My best advice is for you, is to plan to visit during the first three weeks of October and be prepared to drive and explore. Early to mid-October peak foliage will be focused in the northern New England states of Vermont and Maine while mid to late-October in the southern regions of Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Which brings us on to the next most popular question of where to go?

Best Destinations to Visit:

One of the things that make New England so special is its coastline. But with rare exceptions, when it comes to fall foliage color these are not the best destinations for leaf peeping. The brilliant yellow, reds and oranges of fall are predominately reserved for inland locations and in the hilly and mountain regions of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.  The Maine Woods, Great Woods of North Hampshire and Northeast Kingdom in Vermont all hug the Canadian border and peak season comes in early October to these areas.

Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is vast and full of surprises with villages, lakes, country stores and friendly folks willing to share why this is the best place on earth and not just in the fall. The northern woods in Maine and New Hampshire is remote and stunning and you’re more likely to be sharing space with an animal than another person.As the fall moves south to cover the White Mountains and Green Mountains the peak color seems to accelerate in time for Columbus Day weekend and the crowds of leaf peepers. Destinations such as Jackson and North Conway, NH are starting points for the drive across the awe inspiring Kancamagus Highway and the 100-mile White Mountains Trail.

Vermont is synonymous with vibrant fall colors and it never fails to inspire with the entire length of the Green Mountains seemingly peaking in unison. Stowe in the north and Rutland and Woodstock in the central region are crowd-pleasers with scenic drives and access to the National Forest trails and hikes to get the best views.After mid-October peak foliage has reached the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts and sneaks down to the Litchfield Hills in Northwestern Connecticut. A sunny fall day in the towns of Stockbridge or Lenox or spent walking along the Housatonic River trails are as good as it gets before the heavy snows of winter come to bury the remains of the best show on earth.

Until the same time next year when the crimson red, burnt orange, and subtle yellow of changing leaves resurfaces.

For more destinations ideas for a New England Fall Foliage trip and to get a free trip planner package to download visit Cliff Calderwood’s New England Vacations Guide website at www.new-england-vacations-guide.com.

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August 23rd, 2011

Back to the City for Back to School!

Posted by: Suzanne Johnson|0 comments

Whether your family’s summer was full of baseball games, fishing at the lake, or just hanging out with friends, I hope it was like ours: a grand reprieve from the structure and routine of the school schedule. I know—summer’s not officially over until the Fall Equinox in late September, but that’s just a technicality! Ask any kid and they’ll tell you summer winds down on Labor Day Weekend.

In some ways September is more a New Year’s event than January, especially for families with school-age kids. It’s a fresh start with new teachers, a new set of classmates, and a whole new set of goals and challenges. Labor Day weekend offers a perfect opportunity to say farewell to summer while kick-starting the school year. Instead of another trip to the lake or another relaxing picnic gathering, families can embrace the upcoming school year with an urban weekend that jumpstarts the brains after a long lazy summer, and fills the closets with back-to-school gear.

Midwesterners have an easy choice for a Labor Day urban getaway: Minneapolis is easy to get to and easy to negotiate, with great vacation rentals and more than enough culture to engage the whole family. Whether your family gravitates towards art, science, or theater, you can find it on Labor Day Weekend, plus fill in the gaps with great shopping.

Spend an afternoon meandering the Minneapolis Institute of Arts for a look at how people have expressed themselves across the globe and through time, from African masks to Japanese scrolls. Then go big and head over to one of my favorite spots, the Walker Sculpture Garden, where the Standing Frame sculpture frames the city scenes and Prophecy of the Ancients frames the sky. The sculptures in this garden aim to change your perspective on the world, and one way or another they do succeed.

Across the river in St. Paul, the experiment gallery in the Science Museum of Minnesota is a favorite destination for kids of all ages, followed by a visit through the dinosaur and fossil exhibit. The best reason to go to this science museum over Labor Day?  It’s the last chance to walk like an Egyptian through the King Tut exhibit – it closes right after Labor Day.

If your family is more into Shakespeare than mummies, here is a good option: take in a performance of Hamlet, a modern take on the classic story, at the Jungle Theater in Minneapolis. After which you might ask… “To shop, or not to shop?” and the answer will definitely be “Shop!” Without a doubt, you’ll want to give yourselves a full day for the Mall of America, where you can break up the shopping with adrenaline-charged roller coaster rides and flight simulator experiences, or head for a quieter diversion in the aquarium.  Whichever activities you choose to fill the urban getaway, it’ll add up to a great transition back to the new school routine, and maybe will even become a family tradition.

Suzanne Johnson lives, writes and plays in the Cascade mountains of Oregon with her family of adventure-prone boys. More of her writing can be found a SuzanneMyhreJohnson.com.

Categorized as: Events To Travel For, Family, Travel Tips Read more →
August 12th, 2011

Late Summer Martha's Vineyard Vacation Tips

Posted by: flipkey|0 comments

by Scott Garrity

Oak Bluffs Mad Martha's

Many folks visit Martha’s Vineyard during August and September and, each month offers different attractions and qualities. If you’re thinking of planning a visit to the Vineyard this month or next, here are some thoughts to help with your planning.

August is a great month to visit the Vineyard because the weather and the water temperatures are generally at the warmest of the year. President Obama has scheduled two vacations on the Vineyard during August in past years and is expected once again during this month this year.

The Top Gun Marlin & Tuna Shoot-Out Tournament and the 12-Metre Edgartown Regatta are two events held during August. If you are an offshore fisherman, you can register for the marlin and tuna tournament at the Wesley Hotel in Oak Bluffs. Viewing the regatta race can be quite thrilling and may be a unique experience to try to be a part of.

Flying Horses Oak BluffsVisiting the Vineyard in September comes with the benefit of reduced prices on lodging and fewer crowds and lines at the favored attractions. The majority of Martha’s Vineyard hotels, inns and rentals reduce their rates after Labor Day because many people are in the “back to school” and “summer is over” mode. However, the weather can still be quite nice and sunny days in the 70′s are possible. Although you might not dare to swim at the beaches, the charm of the Vineyard scenery is still fun to enjoy in jeans and a sweatshirt. There will be less traffic and fewer waits at restaurants and shops during this time.

The West Tisbury Farmer’s Market is a popular event during September. The Grange Hall in West Tisbury is the venue and showcase for fresh produce, unique flowers and great home cooking. This fits into the “quintessential New England Fall activities” category and is sure to please folks young and old.

Of course, any time of year is a great time for taking in the sights in downtown Oak Bluffs. Stroll down Circuit Ave and browse through the charming shops. There are many options for coffee, snacks, lunch and dinner. Mad Martha’s is a favorite spot for ice cream and Murdick’s Fudge has fresh fudge made daily. The Flying Horses Carousel is a landmark attraction and is the nation’s oldest operating platform carousel. The rides are a huge bargain, about $2 per ride, and if a rider gets the special brass ring they get a free ride.

August and September are great months to visit Martha’s Vineyard and we hope these ideas help you plan your visit to the island.

Scott Garrity runs marthas-vineyard-vacation-tips.com. Visit his site to see large photos and read about other tips for a Martha’s Vineyard vacation.

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August 05th, 2011

5 Tips for Healthy Eating on the Road

Posted by: flipkey|1 comment

by Sheri Wallace

As road trip experts, we drive thousands of miles every year as a family. We’re the people who can hardly wait to pack everyone in the car and find a new scenic byway, a downhill grade over 10%, or an unknown territory. Notice I say “we” because our whole family is an expert on everything that goes with a road trip. But, typically, as the mom, I’m the one most concerned with nutrition and vegetables as we travel. It’s far too easy to grab onion rings when you stop for gas, a root beer float at a roadside stand and top that off with cheese curds you’ve seen advertised for 200 miles — not exactly pediatrician or cardiologist approved.

Tip #1

To make healthy eating easier takes a little planning, but you can do it. The first tip coincides with the first rule of the road trip. Stop rushing. When you sit down to plan the trip, it’s tempting to try to do 600 miles a day, but you’ll live (maybe) to regret that. Slow down and allow plenty of time to enjoy what you find around the next bend. That lets you plan meals much more easily and adjust for your family’s needs.

You might get on the road early before breakfast, let the kids sleep a little and then stop for breakfast. Or, eat breakfast in the car and stop for a mid-morning break. You get the idea. But a healthy breakfast makes everyone a lot happier – and doesn’t cost a fortune. We’re fans of bagels and hard boiled eggs or chicken – nothing too messy. We avoid food dyes and sugar as much as possible — keeps the tantrums less likely.

Tip #2

Getting gas is not where we eat, take a break, or buy anything. Except for gas. Planning your day in advance lets you have a pretty good idea when the kids will need to get out of the car and when you’ll need to stop for gas. Stop before the fill-up and let everyone work off some steam. Eat a picnic and play a game of Frisbee. See who can climb the rocks the fastest or do some geocaching. But, do it before the petrol. If you get snacks or a lunch break combined with the scheduled stop, no one will suddenly go into convulsions at the sight of cookies or Cheetos. Avoiding temptation is 90% of the game.

Tip #3

Involve everyone in the healthy eating game. We consider food out of the cooler free. Everything else is budgeted and we set a daily budget of about $20 for food not out of the cooler. You can set a personal budget or a family budget and let people make choices. Even the little people. If you feel it’s your decision to stop now because you really have to have that ice cream sandwich and you don’t have money for the root beer float later, it’s your own tragedy. Money left over from the budget can go to souvenirs or attractions you didn’t have money to schedule. You’ll probably be shocked at how much ice cream suddenly isn’t as important as another day at Wally World.

We try to use the food budget as a way to teach map reading, build interest in upcoming stops and try local foods we aren’t familiar with. Farmer’s markets or ethnic supermarkets are a fun topic of conversation. And it works really well. If you add up the empty calories and junk you miss along the way it’s probably pretty substantial.

Tip #4

Keep the cooler stocked. It’s hard to suggest a healthy snack if the cooler is empty. We tend to stock up every couple of days and be sure we can make sandwiches at the drop of a hat. Our longer trips usually involve our trailer so we stop at a rest area and make hot food quickly and then get back on the road. We mix it up and try to not fall into a rut, and most importantly, we let everyone pick foods. Maybe your family appoints everyone a day and they manage the cooler inventory or you just stick to snack appointments. You’ll be shocked at how much the backseat can talk about food choices and what they might do with their next budget. Older kids can make a competition out of calories or grams of sugar, etc.

Tip #5

Sometimes you just have to let it go. Get out and have that root beer float or the fried cheese curds. Try to make it special and not a Taco Bell or some other restaurant you have at home, but once in a while, familiarity is a good thing. Every day is a new day and no matter how much junk you’re avoiding you’re still avoiding some. Stay positive and don’t try to do too much too fast. No one gets healthy overnight – especially on a road trip!

Sheri is an experienced publishing, public relations, and marketing professional and the editor at http://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com/.

Categorized as: Budget Travel, Family, Food & Drink, Travel Tips Read more →
August 04th, 2011

10 Ways to Say "Thanks!"

Posted by: ashleyfmiller|4 comments

When you’ve had a nice time at a Vacation Home and you want to thank the owner – particularly if you want first pick of some popular vacation dates next year – leaving a gift can be a thoughtful and fun way to express your gratitude.  For all the following gift ideas, remember to keep in mind the décor of the house and the location – beach homes are different from mountain homes, which are different from urban apartments.

Say Thanks!

1.   Pillows

Any decorative additions to a house can be somewhat difficult – does it match the decor? is it to the owner’s taste? – but pillows are generally a sure bet.

2.   Books

If you took a great book on vacation with you, especially if it’s one of those beach bum sort of books, then it’s always nice to leave it behind when you’ve finished.  Most houses have a little collection of books for the guests to enjoy, and a small contribution is always appreciated.

3.   Vases

Vases are always useful – they’re perfect for flowers or any sort of display and difficult to get wrong.  If you want to leave a particularly nice gift, give a vase with some fresh flowers as well.

4.   Windchimes

Windchimes are charming and relaxing, they’re a unique gift that will give pleasure to guests and the owners alike.

5.   Board games

Even the greatest vacation can face a rainy day or two.  To help others get through the gloom, you can always buy a board game.  Anything works, but take into account whether the house is aimed at adults or families and try to buy for the appropriate audience.

6.   Kitchenware

Most owners just stock the kitchen with the essentials, but everyone appreciates specialized tools.  If there’s no blender or toaster or good chef’s knife, then these are perfect gifts.

7.   Gift baskets

If you want to get more personal, you can always send the owners a gift basket, or leave a basket of goodies for the next renter.  One great idea – a s’mores basket, with all the necessary ingredients to make s’mores.

8.   Wine

You can almost never go wrong with wine. Even if the owners don’t want it, a future renter will.

9.   Frames

Many homes are filled with photos and paintings. The gift of a frame can be creative, useful and thoughtful.

10.  Special food

Along the lines of kitchenware, kitchens are often stoked with salt and pepper and some herbs and spices, but you can always leave some goodies behind for the next renter.  Maybe some good chocolate, a nice spice rack or anything that you wished had been there when you arrived.

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