Real Vacations and Travel with VacationMamma

Summer Fun in Palm Desert CA

2011-08-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

One of the things I spent last weekend doing was taking new photographs around our vacation condo out near Palm Springs CA. I'm not a professional photographer or videographer, but I think I captured the essence of our immediate area at Palm Valley Country Club outdoors. The A/C in our vacation rental was cranking as the temperature rose over 100 F every day, and the pool shown here was empty save for us and some pool toys.

Solitude and a Foggy Day in Maine

2011-06-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

It's just 48 hours since I arrived atmy summer rental in Maine.I've been doing this for over a decade, but this time is different. I came alone. Yes one glorious week to be responsible to just myself.

I have visions of reading late into the night, eating a bit here and there that creates little mess, long leisurely walks beach combing, Antique hunting for the fixtures I should have bought, and completing my rock/fairy garden.

Down poors the rain, in rolls the fog...this is June in Maine. Poor weather and all this has been marvelous. I've managed to break bread with a dear friend, finish an entire summer read "Summer Rental," if you must know, and spent the day beach combing at Reid State Beach.

As for wildlife, it abounds: big fat Robin, agile squirrels, a couple of does, a mamma wild turkey & two babies, nesting Piping Plovers, a jellyfish, and the best of the day: a seal pup basking on the rocks & seaweed.

Sometimes having nothing to do gives you the opportunity to do everything you want. I capped off the evening making a summer cocktail appropriate for Maine: Blueberry Cosmopolitan: 1 part blueberry vodka, 3 part cosmo mix, ice. Shake, drain, adjust to tast, serve with 3 fresh blueberries,

Do you have a favorite solitary getaway? Or a signature cocktail?

Tea Travels

2011-03-09T00:48:00.000-08:00

Green Tea Reminds me of a Korean Colleague

Strange how tea can take us to places, times, and memories. A few minutes ago I tweeted to a fellow traveller who was mentioning being calm without coffee that he might want to try Rooibos Tea, as I find it calming. The truth is, I find it calming because I associate the tea with a special bond shared with my older daughter. You see she introduced me to Rooibos tea while we were sharing a flat in Fish Hoek near Cape Town South Africa. She had discovered the tea (it's from a local redbush indigenous to the western Cape) while in the bush of Botswana. Sure I'd tried a variety mixed with other teas from Teavana back at the mall in Orange County, but it just wasn't the same as a simple cup of Rooibos which was said to be poor man's tea (vs the tea from Dutch colonizers and British tourists.) So as I got up to write this post, I miss my daughter, think of our guest house visit, the hosts from Colorado & Namibia, and guests from Ghana.

Then my thoughts wander to my most recent trip. To a place I equate with tea: London. Harrods. English Breakfast Tea. Earl Grey. High Tea. Classic tea party. Funny thing is, tea has become such a luxury item business in the US that I was a bit disappointed in the teas in London. My hotel, the London Metropole, served "everyday" tea from Tetley in a bag. Kind of like a non vintage wine. That said, we have a Starbucks inspired tea here at home that will always make me think of London, and my younger daughter who loves the London and it's namesake concoction: London Fog. We make it with a cup of Earl Grey, Soy milk foamed with an aerolatte tool, and a splash of vanilla syrup. Perfect for cool coastal California mornings when we are covered in marine layer. Honestly, London makes a better latte, and beer. Enjoying a london fog is equivalent to driving my daughter to school along a foggy coastal road.

As I open the tea cabinet I spy yet another memory infused tea: Sweet Orange by Tazo. Oddly enough I tried this at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines where my husband and I were given free tickets and a day free of cell phones to watch Mickelson and Woods battle it out. I remember the fresh fruity smell of that tea late in the afternoon, and how I scoured the lawyer sponsored room for more of those tea bags to take home. Now whenever I drink this tea I think of the beautiful Torrey Pines, the tricky 15th hole, and how Tiger came from behind, but Mickelson had such class. Sweet Orange takes me to a place of privilege and a once in a life time "pinch me" moment that was just too good to be true, but it was!

Where does your tea take you?

Beach Rental Tips

2010-05-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Some great tips from my experiences as a vacationer, vacation rental owner, and vacation rental manager on getting the right beach rental over on our Oceanside CA and San Diego area blog.

Cape Town South Africa New Year's Mother Daughter Trip

2010-01-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

I must be the luckiest mom to hit this planet. I have two teenage daughters. Usually teenage daughters want little to do with their moms; but my older one is far too smart for that. Not only did she get us to agree to allow her to volunteer in Botswana once, but twice, she also "invited" me to join her in Cape Town South Africa for a week before her second trip (because she knew we wouldn't allow her to go alone). Hence started my first trip to the African continent for New Year's 2010 and my birthday (solidly middle aged).

First, I have always been enamored with stories of the explorers headed to India on the spice route and of Darwin coming the other direction. To me the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of the African continent is one of the most exotic locations in the world. When I was 16 I NEVER dreamed of going to Hawaii, never mind Cape Town. My dreams went no further than Southern California as a small town New Hampshire girl. My daughters, however, view Disneyland as a routine activity, so their dreams go to Africa, India, Australia, and Europe of course.
As a first time visitor to the African continent, regardless of the tourist information that I read, I had a stereotypical view of "Africa" - read: safari's, Zulu wars of the movies, and the infamous criminals praying on tourists. WRONG!

Cape Town South Africa is a cosmopolitan city, in many ways no different than any other that I've visited, and of course in more ways unique. With prudence and reasonable but not fearful caution, Cape Town is a city, and the Cape Peninsula/Western Cape of South Africa, one to be enjoyed: by more mother/daughter travel teams.

I'm looking forward to more posts and sharing our favorite sites, tips, and photos.

Tip for today:
Fish Hoek in False Bay is close enough, but a world away. Stay with Solveig and Peter at their guest house: Sunny Cove Manor and be sure to eat their hearty breakfast each day to save time and Rands by skipping a meal. We stayed for a week in the owner's "family flat" as the regular guest house rooms were full, and it cost about $900 USD. Moreover, our hostess helped us to make reservations, arranged for a local rental car when they were sold out all over the city, and our host set up a private visit to Masipumelele, a black township. Our hostess told us the best routes, and safe atms!

Vacation Mamma Where You been?

2009-11-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

Whew,
I need more vacation, more mamma, less work...If you want to see what I've been doing that keeps me from writing (not so much from travel), check out my company: BETTER Vacation Rentals. We've managed to grow even in this economy, launch a new web site, add properties, and still get BETTER at satisfying our guests and owners. Top it off with a family and company move 40 miles south...and a year flies by.

Where have I been exploring? Sequoia NP CA, Athens Greece, Temecula CA, Canyon de Chelly AZ, Painted Forest National Park AZ, Five Islands ME, Cape Cod MA, Washington DC, San Diego CA , and my new home town of Encinitas / Cardiff CA. Next up: Cape Town South Africa.

Promise more trip info to come...until then.

Cancel my Flight: I want to be in Georgetown ME on July 11, 2009

2009-05-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

Doggone it! The Georgetown Maine annual auction at the Five Islands Station is on July 11 this year...and of course that's when I'm due to fly home from almost 3 weeks at our great waterfront cottage just a few minutes down North End Road. This auction was my first experience with a live auction and I look forward to it every year. Mainers have lots of interesting stuff in their barns and it ends up at this auction... My list of buys include:
-a gas grill with a rodent nest that ended up at the transfer station
- a rabbit hutch we drove home 3000 miles - our bunny loved it but we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies for sure
- a collection of Harry Potter books on tape that have given my daughter hours of enjoyment
- some antique linens that probably saw many ladies play bridge, and now grace my bunco tables
- a wicker settee that looked cute but flaked paint and lasted a few seasons
- a custom name paint job for our boat that my husband never had done (I wonder if it expires?)
- a Hopper print that graces our cottage wall whose frame is worth more than I paid, but is matted in a slightly odd way
- a limited edition lighthouse serving tray from Georgetown Pottery

I'm small time at this auction...I'll never forget the year that the Moorings B&B was furnishing their place - they spent thousands...or all of the original artwork...and the dinghies, canoes, and even a sailboat now and then.

All proceeds benefit the Geoergetown Maine VOLUNTEER fire department who have saved many at Reid State Park. You can always count on some great live lobster packages, or just visit one of our in the rough lobster joints after the auction. Maine governors and officials have been known to auctioneer as well!

Where: Just left off 127 on Five Islands Road.
When: July 11 9 am.

Get there early to preview the merchandise or get the best of the White Elephant and bake sale. Buy a few chances for the Georgetown Working League's one of a kind quilt. To donate items (not stoves, fridges, washers, a/c, used mattresses) call David Knauber at 207-371-2020. Deadline is just a few days before the auction - so clean out the barn now!

Another Vacationer Discovers Vacation Rentals Apartments in NYC!

2009-03-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Summer of 2006 I took my girls to Manhattan and rented an amazing flat in midtown Manhattan for far less than a hotel, and with far better flavor and our own back yard. I'm pleased to see the following article as others discover the joys of vacation rentals in urban settings. In fact I stayed at a rental in the Belltown District of Seattle for just 3 nights last month while looking at colleges with my high school junior, and an Central Athens Apartment 2 weeks ago while accompanying my husband on a business trip to Athens Greece. Vacation rentals are no longer just for beach stays, golf getaways, and ski vacations. Check out the full article at:

Catholic Online - Travel: "Manhattan walk-up let us feel like native New Yorkers
By Joan Chrissos
3/16/2009

McClatchy Newspapers (www.mctdirect.com)
McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - I was at the point of canceling our New York City family vacation.

I had scoured travel Web sites, checked my American Express deals, talked to New York friends about bed & breakfasts _ yet couldn't find a place to stay in the Big Apple that was reasonably priced and could accommodate seven people, or two families traveling together.

Then a friend told me about Vacation Rental By Owner, or VRBO.com.

Thus began my journey into renting a New York apartment for four nights. By scrolling through VRBO.com and Googling 'New York City vacation rentals,' I discovered a cottage industry of New Yorkers who rent out apartments to travelers _ often for less or comparable rates to a New York hotel room, plus all the comforts of home, including a kitchen and washer-and-dryer.

A caveat, however: Know your neighborhoods. One listing was for a 'Beautiful Upper West Side 4-5 Bedroom, 2 baths,' with hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and a photo of a lush tree-lined street. The catch: The apartment was on West 171st Street, about 71 blocks north of the neighborhood most people would call the Upper West Side.

As we wanted to be near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park and a few subway st"

Scott Harrison Story & Charity Water

2009-02-26T06:58:00.000-08:00

Currently in Athens Greece, I came across this story while taking a break instead of my afternoon siesta. It moved me. Read it if you like.

Scott Harrison Story & Charity Water: "Scott Harrison Story & Charity Water

Just more than two years ago I left the streets of New York City for the shores of West Africa. I'd made my living for years in the big Apple promoting top nightclubs and fashion events, for the most part living selfishly, thoughtlessly. Unhappy, I desperately needed a change in my life."

Expired Passport and a Ticket to Greece in 8 Hours!*$@

2009-02-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

For 48 hours I worked diligently to get ready for a trip to Athens Greece this week. As a mom and business owner it's not a simple task to go away anywhere, never mind a this far away. I emailed the itineraries, the medical releases, called the schools, notified my clients, and arranged for everything...everything but one minor detail!

At 11:24 am the day of my trip, I ducked into my home from the garage office to use the facilities, as I ran quickly, my husband called out "it's important come here." I ignored him like any good wife of many years, and strolled over a few minutes later. He shows me my passport that expired in May and says "do you have another? I've searched and can't find it." I didn't see the telltale hole punches in the passport that they give to expired ones, and my heart sunk. "No - I don't - Oh my God!" No panic, just amazing disappointment and functionality ensued. I knew what had to be done, and thanked my lucky stars that we were flying out of LAX. My husband knew what had to be done as well, and contacted the US Passport agency - fortunately LA is one of the 6 regional centers that can do passports quickly (but they didn't say in hours).

Did I mention I hadn't started to pack for my trip to Athens? Nor had I showered! Gone to the bank? Had new passport photos taken? Post office? Picked up my boots that needed a new zipper or returned my overdue library books or movie? Yes, we did all these things, and kissed our youngest daughter goodbye, and by 1:30 pm were on the road for a 2 pm passport appointment a mere 70 miles away...we have never been such fools! What were we thinking?

I walked in to the US Passport office at 2:45 pm on a Friday afternoon. They close at 3 pm. I have never encountered nicer people in a government office. They were helpful and compassionate. Apparently it usually takes 2-3 hours to get a passport in person. I had mine before 4 pm!!! By 5 pm I was comfortably settled in the Admiral's Club at LAX courtesy of my husband's status as platinum (international flights, the club is complimentary), and paid my upcoming bills online... By 8 pm after a little delay...we were eastward bound.

My advice for booking international travel:

1. Check your passport
2. Check your passport
3. Check your passport
4. When you realize your passport is expired, do not pass go, just go get it.
5. Remember to pack your medicine and glasses in your carry on luggage! Where the heck did I leave that bag of stuff? The kitchen table maybe?

See my next post for more on Greece, and hopefully getting medications while in Greece (waiting for Monday).

Art Galleries in Odd Places - Dana Point, CA

2009-01-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

The life of a suburban mom includes a lot of "travel." Travel to practice, school, friends, library, and the grocery. Mine includes a lot less to practice and games these days, but there are music lessons in Dana Point, CA twice a week, which are just far enough and long enough that I don't want to drive back home to San Clemente after dropping off. The week before Christmas I had my younger daughter in tow and we decided to check out a local strip mall type plaza nearby Danmans Music School. Mind you, Dana Point is the kind of place many people dream of going on vacation, and we just take the ocean view from this strip mall for granted. After I bored my daughter with stories of how we used to toss the football around on this cul-de-sac during half time of football games (before TiVo), we checked out the fish store, and then moseyed over to "The Mint." The Mint is an art gallery in an obscure corner of a strip mall on an obscure slice of the Del Prado/Pacific Coast Highway area. That said, it's a cool little place.

We met the owner, Mark, and were drawn in by the art work of Paul Bryan Jr. (who we never heard of) and were pleasantly surprised to see more than the local standard of surf and beach art. There was a large black and white Bob Dylan image and a Jimi Hendrix image in a window, and we went right in. Now, I grew up humbly, and am completely intimidated by art galleries, and love museums. My 13 year old however, thinks nothing of trying on $1000 dressed in boutiques for fun. We enjoyed the pop art from Bryan, but especially these wonderfully accessible "hoola hoop" pieces. They were stacked against the wall, and the canvas was framed around a hoola hoop. Images of the Gerber Baby, Smilee Face, the world, a clock and more Andy Warholesque pop art were fun to explore. Like all galleries though, I think artists and owners are out of touch with us real people. Without prices, it's fun like a museum, but we were too embarrasses to ask. No idea if these were $10,000 pieces or $100 pieces. Never-the-less, it was a fun way to burn a half our and act like tourists in our own backyard - and free!

If you are in the Dana Point area: visit The Mint at 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, #109, Dana Point, CA 92629

Knott's Scary Farm- Buena Park, CA

2008-11-11T00:44:00.000-08:00

What do amusement parks do to pack in the people in the off season - that time between summer vacation and Christmas Break? Why dress up for Halloween of course! This marked my third or fourth visit to Knotts "Halloween Haunt" which is better known as Knotts Scary Farm by locals. This amusement park manages to get all of us parents of pre and young teens as well as teens and young adults to shell out $40-$50 to come in after dark and go through gross mazes, be scared by chain saw toting clowns, and go on rides that promise to scare you even without monsters. What more could you ask for?

I hate roller coasters and most rides since I get terrible motion sickness, but I love to be included in my teens' lives...this time my 13 year old and her friend let me join them, but rarely held my hand when goons and ghouls jumped out of the dark. Me, I loved the fog and the clowns...they loved the rides.

This is a definite right of passage for all parents of young teens in Southern CA. Be sure to catch this experience some time.

Traveler IQ Challenge- TripAdvisor

2008-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a self employed mom. I don't play many games online or by myself, though I LOVE games. This is one that I could probably play all day. It's on Trip Advisor and it is a "where in the world is? kind of game. Have fun trying and playing:

Traveler IQ Challenge- TripAdvisor

Vacation Mamma Suffers No Vacation Stress

2008-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wow - I've been neglecting this blog something awful. I wish it were because I've been off traveling. Instead, I've been building my new vacation rental property management business. I took and passed my CA RE Broker's license and have been building a boutique property management firm specializing in beach rentals. It's a huge labor, love, and learning curve. Needless to say there hasn't been a lot of time or money for travel the last 6-9 months.

Hmmm...you know it's bad when your teenager says - "gee we haven't been anywhere good since last summer." Well of course I disagree (she's 15 we don't agree on much these days). There's dad's birthday RV rental and staying at Casper Wilderness Park outside San Juan Capistrano. There's that trip to Las Vegas (the Venetian, MGM Grand, Ka and Dane Cook) in December. There's my birthday trip to LA (architectural tour, Westin Bonaventura, and Wicked at the gorgeous Pantages Theater) in January. "Those don't count" she recants. In fact she says "we should have skipped those and saved for something big." Of course I'm thinking "we did save for something big: new furniture and blinds for the family room." Of course it's hard to feel good about that when we are sitting in the same family room with the sun keeping the TV faded on the same worn love seat while we still wait for said furniture. Funny how spoiled my family has become when we don't count $1000 weekends as vacations any more!

Well instead of getting depressed...I'll instead focus on my blessings near to home and those mini trips in addition to those above that I have been able to enjoy:
- a day trip to the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve near Lancaster, CA (2.5 hours from south Orange County CA)
- a day trip to Temecula for a Cancer for College Golf Tournament with Will Ferrell (I lost that photo when my iPhone broke)
- an overnight trip wine tasting in Temecula, CA with my book club just an hour away (we are reading our 100th book this fall! - and trying to get on Oprah)
- an overnight business trip to Las Vegas two weeks ago for a Vacation Rental Manager's seminar/conference with my good friend and business partner (where we checked out the condotel MGM Signature Towers (fantastic), the new club LAX, and surprisingly good appetizers and wine at the Golden Nugget during our conference)
-countless trips to the beach at T-Street in San Clemente,CA to drop my teenager
-at least two sunsets at Pine's Park in Dana Point, CA with my pre teen
-innumerable trips to North Coast Village in Oceanside, CA to look at and set up new vacation rentals for my clients at the beach
-many afternoons in my back yard pool hear in Southern CA when most others still have the heat running (at least I just have to heat my pool and spa)

Whew - stress gone! I'm not feeling stressed at all now...hmm time to get planning our trip to Maine this summer and to check out colleges in NYC and Boston!

MyNauticalMile - Boat and Fishing Charters: Top 10 Fishing Vacation Destinations

2008-04-08T02:28:00.000-07:00

Though not a fisherman really, I do love to travel, and have been known to troll for a fish or two.

Of this gentleman's blog list about the top ten fishing spots, I have actually visited his number one spot (Quepos near Manual Antonio national park in Costa Rica - a great vacation), number 6 (Alaska - where I cruised the inside passage with my mom on our only real vacation together and caught my very own 25 lb king salmon), and British Columbia (where I've only explored Victoria by land). Good taste this man has...

MyNauticalMile - Boat and Fishing Charters: Top 10 Fishing Vacation Destinations: "Top 10 Fishing Vacation Destinations"

Eight questions to ask before booking a vacation rental - SmarterTravel.com

2008-03-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Eight questions to ask before booking a vacation rental - SmarterTravel.com: "Eight questions to ask before booking a vacation rental
by Sarah Pascarella, SmarterTravel.com Staff - March 14, 2008

As my friends and family will attest, I'm a big fan of vacation rentals: It's my first-choice accommodations type whenever I take a trip. But before I book, I always research the property thoroughly. This gives me peace of mind because I know the place I'm renting is clean and comfortable, and also ensures I won't get any surprise charges after checking out."

Christmas Wish List for the Traveling Mom

2007-11-27T20:51:00.000-08:00

I got the idea for this post from another blog: WAHM Spotlite who published a Christmas wish list for work at home mom's (which I am).

Here's A Christmas Wish List for the Traveling Mom on Your Gift List this Year

Warning: these items are practical, but what she really wants!

1. An L.L. Bean or other brand hang up sundrie bag. I bring a ton of stuff as a woman - shampoo, conditioner, razor, lotion - you know the essentials and then some. It would be nice to pack them in something other than ziplock bags (I check my toiletries now thanks to the TSA). Practical - easy for family from away to purchase and have shipped directly.

2. A pretty passport/travel folio. I got a very male looking travel folio with the last piece of nice luggage I bought from Travel Pro. Although it's very functional, I'd like one with a bit more style, or even color. I use this folio now every time I travel, after a trip to Europe a year ago. With the new security regulations I find it handy even if I'm not bringing my passport. I put my tickets, itinerary, photo ID, some cash, and a credit card in there so I never have to fish around in my purse as I go through security. I found that this folio can replace my wallet when I'm on vacation since I don't need all those extra items I usually have in there. The perfect gift from a sister or close friend.

3. Stocking Stuffers:
Travel size (less than 3.5 oz) of my favorite lotion or at least one that's similar. With all the handwashing and lugging around on a trip, my hands are eternally dry. Perfect item to ask the kids to buy you. Inexpesive, but special.

Ditto with lips - so a fresh ChapStick (not a stinky one please) would be a welcome stocking stuffer too.

A memory stick in case I need to bring files not on my laptop. For guys to purchase who don't like to shop at Origins, Bath and Body Works, and the Body Shop.

Luggage ID. My mother in law crocheted these brightly colored "snakes" that we can tie on our suitcases. Makes them easy and quick to identify at baggage claim. Perfect gift from the handy crafter.

4. A new MacBook Pro. You didn't think everything would be easy and inexpensive did you? I have a Dell. I hate it. He has a MacBook Pro. I love it.

5. A soft eye mask for sleeping and a small but comfortable neck/travel pillow. Though not practical for most short trips, worth the extra carry on baggage for international and cross country flights and train rides. Throw in a pair of ear plugs (not those ugly orange ones for in the workshop) and make a gift basket out of this! Skip the blow up pillow - they are very uncomfortable.

6. A pair of noise cancelling headphones. I'm coveting the Bose on the ear product, but there are lots out there. She'll wear them on the plane even without music and be in a much better mood when she arrives a her travel destination.

7. A gift certificate to iTunes or her favorite music download spot. Nothing like her own new music to make the trip shorter. If she isn't a music person, how about a bookstore gift certificate to Amazon or her favorite book seller.

8. For the "roadtrip" warrior who travels by auto or RV with her family, buy an eyemask that can be put in the fridge for stress relief. Not only will mom enjoy, but when the kids get antsy, they'll have fun passing this number around!

9. Round Trip Tickets to a New or Favorite Destination, a night or two in a hotel in a nearby city, an already planned trip...
For the travel junkie, what do they want most? More travel! Go for it and surprise the one you love with a trip - before the New Year!

Vacation at Home You'll Discover Why You Live There! Gifts from the School District?

2007-11-23T10:15:00.000-08:00

I love when the school vacation calendar is published each year. I find all the days the kids have off and treat them like little gifts - days to go away, travel, explore! Sometimes I plan a year in advance what we'll do with those gifts, and some years I wait until the last minute. Rarely do I let these presents sit unwrapped and unused. There are of course exceptions... and this Thanksgiving week was one of them.

We get an entire week off at Thanksgiving. The first time the school district tried this calendar, I whisked my family away on frequent flier miles to Maui and Oahu (for two weeks - much to the school's chagrin). We've gone to New England to visit family, and the Plimouth Plantation. We've gone skiing in Colorado many years. We've gone hiking in Zion National Park. Occassionally we've stayed home. Never, before, though have we spent the entire week at home!

Day One and Two: My husband couldn't let an unbooked weekend go unused at our Palm Desert vacation condo so he spent the first weekend of our 9 day break golfing and making repairs at Palm Valley Country Club. The kids and I spent the first weekend "hanging out with friends" (that means the mall to the younger one) and having a Survivor China marathon and eating our meals on the couch. We had about 5 episodes on TiVo. I turned off my laptop, let the phones go to voicemail, and just enjoyed being with my girls. Why Survivor? Because we can watch all the silly antics, see a bit of an exotic location, fast forward through the gross things, and talk all the way through without missing anything important. We hung out together reading and relaxing. My husband had to work until Thanksgiving, so we also began to plot our "vacation at home" strategy; one that he wouldn't feel too left out on.

Day Three: we drove up to Los Angeles to the Museum of Tolerance. This museum is not a happy place, so it should not be the last thing you do on a southern California vacation. The museum is already under renovation, though it seems so new. The spiral staircase in the middle is reminiscent of the great Guggenheim Museum in NYC. There is no photography allowed in the museum in keeping with the solemn environs. We spent quite a bit of time in the exhibits regarding the current time and examining our own attitudes. The Millenium Machine was especially educational. Then we moved through the structured Holocaust Exhibit and ended in the gas chambers with tears. Caution, not for young children - be sure your group is emotionally able to handle this. Interestingly enough, my family was moved, but not shocked by any of this. They've been well educated in the issues of tolerance I think.

We ran out of time to finish our plans which were to go to the LA Fashion District for cheap shopping. I've been before to celebrate a 14th birthday and it is a teenage girl's heaven. LA is so much more than Hollywood! We instead took a random drive to our dinner destination, taking in some sites including lots of CA bungalows and the edges of USC's campus. On the way home, we passed the new Disney Concert Hall and the court house and decided our next time to LA will be a guided architectural tour. We parked at Pershing Square where they already had trees lit for Christmas, and were operating a winter ice skating rink - yes ice skating in downtown LA! We took in dinner at The Water Grill where we were celebrating a birthday and met up with more family. This restaurant is noted for its fresh fish, and was recently awarded a Michelin star. The service was excellent (they did the oddest thing and switched our white napkins out for black napkins as we were dressed in black). All of the food was excellent, and the fish very fresh. The bill was large of course. Expect $15 for a cocktail, and $40 for an entree. Our family vegetarian ate a salad and bread, not much else on the menu for her. The downtown LA location makes for a great night out, and the architecture of the Pacific Building is worth seeing.

Day Four: Recovery...and Business. One of the negatives of vacationing at home is there is always business to conduct. Doctor's appointments, phone calls, groceries to buy for the holiday. That said, when spent with a pleasant teenager (yes they exist some days), it can still be vacation. We managed to make fun out of work and had lunch in San Juan Capistrano near the Mission at Ruby's Diner at the train depot, and at least got a fantastic glimpse at the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Day Five: World Famous San Diego Zoo. How may people are lucky enough to live within an hour's drive of the Museum of Tolerance, Mission San Juan Capistrano, AND the San Diego Zoo? A lot...I know I sat in the traffic on the way home. Regardless, I bet most everyone can easily find new things to explore within an hour of home. We have to remind ourselves often that people come here to vacation and that we have almost everything within an hour or two of home. I've been to the zoo dozens of times as have my kids, but every time is new. Every time I see something differently, or an animal doing something different, or a new exhibit. This time there were some new exhibits with water, and I saw a snake neck turtle which although kind of disgusting, was certainly memorable. I've never seen a gazelle run like crazy, but we watched one go round and round and watched her herd respond. Even a young gazelle tried to imitate, but just didn't have the jumping or running skills of the mature gazelle. Absolutely the best time to see the animals is the last hour before sunset - so many of them wake up and get fed. The cats and the koalas were a treat at this time of day.

Between the Museum of Tolerance and the San Diego Zoo, I certainly went home thinking about bigger issues of how we consume, what we consume, and what I can do to make a difference. I'm doing my best to stay out of the consumer frenzy, today, "Black Friday."

Day Six: Thanksgiving. Traditions. Food. Feast. Football. Family. Our menu: free range turkey free of hormones and junk, herb stuffing with mushrooms and onions, classic green bean casserole, whole cranberry sauce (easy 1 bag cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water - simmered 10 min), mashed potatoes, gravy, home made dinner rolls, maple walnut sweet potatoes, 5 pies, California wines (Woodbridge and Wilson Creek), sparkling cider. Naps. AMC showing of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds".

Day Seven: Recovery. Kids with friends. Swimming in the pool which was accidentally heated to spa temperature. Blogging. Web Surfing. hmm...those last two are definitely not vacationing - I remember why going away on vacation is very different from vacationing at home.
Day Eight and Day Nine - Everyone be me seems to be coming down with a cold. My husband pushes through it because his one request is to go see Beowolf at the IMAX theater at the Irvine Spectrum. This is in 3D too which always makes things seem more like a holiday. Our discount coupons expired a few weeks ago and we fork out $30 for two of us. The girls opted not to see this film. The previews were a bit graphic for the younger daughter, and the older one has read the story Beowolf and said that if the story was that disgusting and graphic, a film in IMAX 3D would be unbearable. The truth is she was right! I nearly lost my lunch twice and spent a lot of time with my eyes closed. The story is one I enjoyed; IMAX clarity is amazing; the 3D was extremely well done, but do people really want to see Grindel chew his human food? Not me.

Our final day of vacation at home in Southern California is typical. We scatter to our corners of the home, and start to focus our minds and energies back to work, school, and home needs.

All in all a wonderful vacation, and far less expensive, though not cheap, than it would cost to "go somewhere." We're staying home for Christmas, New Years, and my birthday, so I think next time we'll go to priceline and get a hotel for a few nights and improve upon this theme a little. I love where I live, and need to live it a little more like someone on holiday!

Temecula CA Day Tripping and Wine Tasting

2007-10-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Temecula CA is a day tripper or weekender's paradise from the Los Angeles - Orange County - San Diego - Palm Springs Megalopolis. I discovered this little town more than 15 years ago, when it was still considered in it's wine infancy. In those days, a leisurely drive, wine tasting, a picnic and a drive home was something easy for a couple of yuppies to do. Fast forward, and to fall 2006, and somehow a decade and a half had passed since my last visit to this great valley surrounded by rolling hills and a thriving wine industry. I'm told that the wineries here host more guests than the famed Sonoma and Napa regions, because of the proximity to the locations named earlier. Truth is, the wine here is good too.

I came back to this little haven last week for an afternoon of wine tasting, a lunch, and a charity dinner at the Temecula Creek Inn to benefit Cancer for College (and my chance to make my kids jealous and meet Will Ferrell). When I was under 40, I would have never had the "guts" to go wine tasting by myself, nor the self discipline to pace out the tastes and stay sober.

After an easy one hour drive from Orange County, I dropped my other half at the College for Kids Golf Tournament, and headed over to Thornton Winery (32575 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 951-699-0099). I had decided to try smaller wineries that I had not yet visited, and that I didn't think were on my book club's itinerary for our now annual trip. Thornton was one of the first wineries I saw, but what caught my eye was the sign for "champagne" - one of my favorite wines!

I had a light lunch in the Cafe Champagne (the lunch entrees looked good but large and expensive for what I wanted) of a soup and bread. The service was excellent as was the Champagne. There is a lovely center courtyard with a fountain and plenty of room to take in the neighboring hills. The tasting room is far more civilized than many, and instead of standing at the bar, you sit at a table indoors or out, and choose a "flight" of wines to taste. I of course chose the champagne flight. A flight is typically a set of wines (4-6) that are served at one time and move from driest to sweetest. While waiting, I enjoyed the reading material which included a bit about the 19th annual champagne jazz series on Saturdays in September and October. One of my favorite jazz artists: Candy Dulfer was scheduled to play there Oct. 7. I'll have to check out this series for next year. Only an hour away, it would make for a great "date" with a spouse, friend, or even alone.
My favorite Thornton champagnes were: the 1996 Brut Reserve (served with my lunch), the Non-vintage Brut, and the 1996 Brut Reserve Natural. Your results may vary. I also learned that being alone has it's advantages as I met two nice women from Escondido, north of San Diego. The best part: the chance to go home with 4 bottles for the price of 3!

Next stop was Stuart Cellars (33515 Rancho California Road, Temecula CA 951-699-0099) which was just down the road and looked like just what I wanted: a small winery. This winery is a wonderful, small little gem. I liked every wine I tasted, the wine tender (Kenny) was gracious, informed, and efficient with all of the guests, and the guests were very friendly. Here I met two women from Rhode Island that were working in CA for 2 weeks, a gentleman involved in RV Fractional ownership, and a couple who lives literally a 1/4 mile from me. Small world indeed. I came home with a great Chardonnay, and an unexpected pink wine (I don't do pink anymore - HAH!). The port here is excellent To this winery, I'll be back.

As the golf tournament went long, I found myself looking for a place that was open after 5, and hoping for a snack. My choices seemed to be Mount Palomar, South Coast, and Miramonte. I chose the last because it was the smallest. I arrived just after 5 and found the small tasting room and lounge alive and just starting "Flamenco Fridays." Unfortunately tasting ends at 5 (thought the tasting menus were still out), but they will let you taste your wine before you order it. I settled on something I can't remember because the "wine tender" seemed terribly uninterested in helping me find a wine I liked. This place has these gorgeous labels of rock stars like Mick Jagger, Madonna, and others on some bottles. I asked the host about them, and he just tersely responded that they were for sale as collectors items. Guess I wasn't what he though might by one...even though the Madonna label is something I was VERY interested in. On the bright side, the flamenco food was delicious and inexpensive (try the spinach empanada), and the music was certainly entertaining. I will not however return to Miramonte, as I was made to feel unwelcome.

The charity dinner was at the lovely Temecula Creek Inn, well run, well provisioned. Excellent location for an event with great staff.

Other wineries worth visiting: Wilson Creek, Maurice Car'rie, Oak Mountain (not on the tourist map), and my favorite besides Stuart: Leonesse.

Happy Day Tripping and wine tasting.

I Pick George Clooney's Location - How About You?

2007-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

What's the last weekend of summer for if not for dreaming? Take a few minutes and feast your eyes upon the locations where the stars spend their vacations and time away from home. From Santa Barbara to Italy - which location would you pick? Me I'd like Oprah's Santa Barbara place, and George Clooney's Lake Como estate. Take a look at the article from Forbes for more luxury second home locations.

Celebrity Second Homes | ForbesTraveler.com

Deja Vu in Colorado

2007-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about being over 40 is that you start to get invited to weddings again. When I was in my 20s it seemed there was at least one wedding every summer or fall to look forward to: a new dress, maybe even a brides maid gown, dancing, free food, cocktails, and a new location or venue to explore. After the flurry of activity in those years though, the weddings die down, and I think I went about a decade with no weddings in the summer. But alas, now I have nieces and nephews, and neighbors' children, and I find myself having to choose between weddings to attend once again! This year's wedding: my nephew's. This year's destination: Estes Park, CO. Bonus: my 3 siblings and their families!

I've been to Colorado many times before. Mostly for skiing in Summit County, and a few summer or spring visits here and there. If I didn't have salt water in my veins, I'd live there. I'll never forget my first trip to the Rocky Mountains in 1986. Before that, I'd never even been west of the Mississippi River! I couldn't have imagined such grandeur and beauty. Over 20 years later, this place still takes my breath away, and holds surprises at every turn.

After leaving LA in the wee hours of the morning and arriving at that God forsaken airport they call Denver International and being whisked away by my sister, who has a little trouble with directions, I find myself taken in once again as we head north and west - even over the out of tune singing being performed by my kids, sister, and myself (my husband refrained...). Mind you this scenario: my sister, me, my husband is reminiscent of that trip 21 years ago, as it was with this sister that I met my husband here in Colorado...

A few hours later, and "voila", we are in the mountains winding through Estes Park, past the Stanley Hotel (the wedding reception venue)and arrive at a villa rented by my brother that backs on to a gorgeous river that I never learned that name of. Here we do the normal for families: hug, eat, and talk too loudly. I start to feel 12 again, as that's the last time all 4 of us kids lived at home together!

Shortly we find ourselves checked in to The Stanley Hotel (more on that later), and hurtling toward a rehearsal dinner at The Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, CO. The drive is breath taking, but the speeding trap is frustrating. Ah...but this is the stuff of family legend: "remember Geoff's wedding and we were late for the rehearsal dinner because Karen got a speeding ticket, and when we finally got there, (brother) Fred had been stopped too!" Since my husband was videographer for this event - we even have it documented for posterity. Can you picture a minivan with 3 kids and 3 adults just try not to laugh at my sister's misfortune?! and get her in more trouble with the police... The Wild Basin Lodge was not only the destination for a delicious and nicely casual rehearsal dinner, but also for the most beautiful wedding location I think I've ever seen. The wedding the next day was in a field with the clear sky of high altitude and the mountains as a backdrop. The only thing more beautiful, was of course the bride!

.The Stanley Hotel, famed as one of the historic hotels in the US, and infamous as the rumored inspiration and writing location of "The Shining" by Stephen King (which he denies) served up a private building for the reception, excellent food, pricey (but good) cocktails, and attentive service for the wedding. My only gripe: air conditioning needed for receptions!

Our rooms at the Stanley were non descript, but the hotel itself cannot be criticized as it is one of those old beauties. My favorite experiences at the Stanley are sitting in the evening on the expansive front porch, having morning coffee in the modern back courtyard with my family, and of course: watching The Shining on the 24/7 showing on the TV. I think, however the Stanley Hotel and staff needs to step up the cleanliness and old school mentality of service

No trip to the area would be complete without a foray into Rocky Mountain National Park, and because ours was a group of mixed ages from 12 to 80 something, we chose the accessible Sprague Lake for our outing. We enjoyed food, hiking, taking photos, and most of all my other brother's antics with his cat and bird, who ended up tragically flying away (I KNOW ...no domestic animals in NPs, why didn't he?...)...more family legend fodder. Funny how it was the same brother (macho as he is) who strapped bells on the laces of every one's sneakers when we hiked at Glacier National Park on one of these reunions several years ago. Some things never change.

.Our trip though draws to an end too soon for me (with a stop at a rock shop and the go karts in Estes Park), and we're back outside of Denver, and on to the next stop for summer vacation: Boston's North End

Summertime

2007-07-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ah - summer - my favorite time of year because the kids are out of school and we can travel a little. Where have we been this summer?

Estes Park, CO & Rocky Mountain National Park for a wedding and family gathering
Boston, MA - staid in the North End and behaved like tourists
Georgetown, Maine - worked on our cottage, visited with friends and family, boated on the Sheepscot River
Tewksbury, MA - visited family
San Clemente, CA - vacationing at home - including the beach, pool, and San Diego

Summer wish list: local vacationing: Wild Rivers Waterpark, the beach, Oceanside condo, Lake Arrowhead (vacation rental exchange), LA fashion district for back to school shopping, the pool, Old Town San Diego, the Dead Sea Scrolls in San Diego, Tijuana, maybe a cruise to Mexico?

I'm still getting it together from nearly 3 weeks on the road, but hope to post on these locations before long. Need to get my photos ready!

Here's wishing your summer vacation is the best!

Spend a week's vacation with Jordin Sparks or Paris Hilton - you choose!

2007-06-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

First, I'll say I'm sorry, but I couldn't resist. First news on the radio this morning was that Paris Hilton is out of jail after only 3 days in the slammer. Then when I opened my browser this afternoon, there it was: The Jordin Sparks / MeMe Roth "scandal" over obesity. Two stars, one looking anorexic and in jail with no talent, and one with lots of talent, a pleasant smile, and on no: 5'10" and a size 12 "the picture of unhealth" according to an obesity expert!Jordin Sparks: I Like My Curves - American Idol (Series), Jordin Sparks : People.com: "Jordin Sparks didn't just win American Idol last week – she won a lifelong battle to accept herself.

'I think it really helped boost her self-esteem and made her realize she's beautiful as she is,' her grandmother, Pam Weidmann, tells PEOPLE for its new issue. Jordin's mom, Jodi, says of her daughter's May 23 victory: 'It was huge to see her confidence level grow. ... She's standing taller now.' "

I have the pleasure of driving around girls ages 11-15 every day and guess what? Most of them are healthy and beautiful and they range in sizes from 0 to 18. Guess what else: they all think they are fat! Diets, exercise, even personal trainers are part of their daily conversations. Since when can anyone consider a young woman who is 5'10" tall and a size 12 unhealthy? MeMe Roth needs to get a grip and focus on preventing obesity and not picking on someone she's never even met! What kind of person talks about a 17 year old in public like that? I don't care that Jordin just won Idol; it's just so unneccessary.

Any way what I want to know is this: who would you rather spend a week long vacation with? Jordin Sparks or Paris Hilton? Your paying, not them!

My vote goes to Jordin - the one who will enjoy the local cuisine, smile broadly when something makes her happy, and who cleans up quite nicely thank you. Paris no thanks - we don't want to end up in some Mexican or LA jail!

Spring Break 2007 - Cooper Island, BVI

2007-04-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Riddle: What took 21 hours, $2000, and a bottle of sunscreen and was worth it all?

Answer: Spring break for Vacation Mamma and 2 girls at Quart-A-Nancy Point at Cooper Island in the British Virgin Islands from Los Angeles/Orange County

Note: Your cost will be significantly higher as our food and lodging were supplied courtesy of my big brother! Estimate $2500 for a week of lodging and double your normal grocery bill.

I wasn't planning on going anywhere for spring break this year. My taxes aren't done, the property tax bills were a bear, and we took a big trip to Europe in December. Plus my husband really couldn't get away right now. I figured we'd heat the pool and enjoy our own southern California backyard - that was until my nephew called 2 weeks ago with this great $560 round trip air fare to St. Thomas! Being "vacation mamma" I resisted for about 5 minutes and succumbed to the promise of warm water snorkeling in the Caribbean.

I'd been to Tortola before for a week stay at "Bananas on the Beach" in West End (284-495-4318) more than a decade ago and a day trip to Virgin Gorda with snorkeling at the famed Baths, but never to any of the smaller islands in the BVIs. That's where my brother comes in. He bought a place on Cooper Island a few years ago, but I'd never had the chance to visit (truth is he's been working so hard on his place, and I'm tired of working hard on my vacation rentals when I "vacation" so I was waiting until I might be able to actually vacation.)

Although St. Thomas is not the best place to fly into to reach Cooper Island (Tortola is)- we managed the extra ferry to Tortola and then the Cooper Island Beach Club shuttle/charter boat and never looked back (well only for sunsets. Our spring break consisted of 3 days full of snorkeling and sitting on the spectacular deck watching the day and night go by. Everything we needed was there, especially the hammock that my oldest daughter enjoyed sleeping in. Our wake up call was not an alarm clock, but the bleating of a goat owned by an islander. The birds visited the courtyard and made us feel as if we were in a sanctuary. The snorkeling right from the dock blessed us with squid, rays including an eagle ray, blue tang, parrot fish, flounder, puffer fish, grouper, and our own resident barracuda. Every evening we delighted in a sighting of a turtle just off shore, and watched the sun go down and the multitude of starts appear.

Spring break was short, but oh so very sweet this year. There is nothing like a little warm water and sun for the soul.

Up up and away

2007-04-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

I can't even remember where I snapped this photo, but I thought it captured my sentiment today before I fly to Chicago, St. Thomas then ferry to Tortola and Cooper Island, BVI today!

Palm Springs Golf Events Coming Quickly-Valley golf notes for Dec. 20

2006-12-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

thedesertsun.com | Valley golf notes for Dec. 20: "Tickets for donors
The Community Blood Bank will give out free tickets to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic to blood donors starting this week. Donors will receive one ticket good for admission for one day to the Classic, to be played Jan. 17-21 at four desert courses. Tickets are at the Community Blood Bank's permanent locations in Rancho Mirage, at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio, at Sun Lakes Shopping Center in Banning and in Yucca Valley. Info: 773-4190. Tickets for the Hope, including packages that include sponsorship or smaller packages that include multiple badges, shirts, hats and other tournament memorabilia, may be purchased at at www.bhcc.com, or 1-888-MRBHope.
Kraft tickets
Advance tickets for the LPGA's Kraft Nabisco are on sale by phone or on the tournament's Web site, www.kncgolf.com. Single-day tickets are $15 in advance and will be $20 closer to the tournament. Week-long clubhouse badges are $70. They will be $75 at the tournament. The event is March 27-April 1 at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Info: 346-4546."

I still have condos at Palm Valley Country Club with availability for the dates of the Chrysler Classic and the Kraft Nabisco tournement! Reserve now for $50 off, free golf, or country club gift certificates.

More on Child Safety, and other Precautions While on Vacation

2006-12-28T12:52:00.000-08:00

I recently posted on a handy id/location reminder bracelet for vacation safety. Here is another link to a good habit for family vacations and visits to tourist attractions where you may become separated: Tangerine Suites - Orlando Vacation Homes - Post details: Safety for your children while on vacation: "Take a current, wallet-sized school picture of your child(ren) with you on your trip."

Other handy tips:
1. Make photo copies of your passports, driver's licenses and other travel documents and keep them separate from the originals in case of loss or theft while traveling. Just try to catch a flight home when you've lost your wallet on vacation!

2. Keep an updated will, and send a copy to your executor.

3. Make sure a trusted friend, neighbor or family member can get into your home in case of emergency. While away we've needed clothes shipped for a funeral, had a neighbor have to break in because the pet sitter got locked out, and needed our computers turned on.

4. Leave your itinerary and numbers to your accommodations with friends or family and a neighbor. We've found this to bring peace to people in these terrorist troubled times, and to bring peace to the neighborhood when the sprinklers create a geyser.

5. Call your credit card company and bank before you go so your charges aren't declined! With fraud on the rise, more and more financial institutions are declining out of the norm transactions. Unfortunately, they often call your home phone and leave a message, while you are away and can't charge that once in a lifetime excursion.

Bon Voyage!

10 plus Great Online Vacation Planning Tools

2006-12-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

January is one of the best times to plan spring break and summer vacations in popular destinations like New England, Florida, southeast US beaches, National Parks, California, Arizona, and of course Europe. I've got a decent grasp on available online trip planning resources, but saw a few new ones at:
Do your pre-trip homework online | IndyStar.com. Of his list, I find these make it to mine:
1. www.vrbo.com for vacation rentals worldwide
2. www.tripadvisor.com for details on hotels, attractions, locations, and valuable forums especially for new trips to you
3. www.railpass.com for Eurail passes
4. www.raileurope.com for Eurail passes, rail tickets, and information
5. www.anchorfree.com for free wireless hotspots for those of us who have to be in contact on vacation
6. www.travel.state.gov for information on TSA, passports, and government warnings

The resources that are desperately missing include:
1. www.homeaway.com the largest vacation rental listing site out there (they now own www.vrbo.com; www.a1vacations.com; www.cyberrentals.com)
2. www.vacationrentals.com another excellent vacation rental resource
3. www.priceline.com my new favorite for excellent hotel prices
4. www.expedia.com for booking flights and hotels online
5. the major airline sites - www.aa.com American Airlines is my family's personal favorite - don't forget www.jetblue.com which doesn't show up on some of the major booking sites
6. www.google.com; www.yahoo.com; www.ask.com ALWAYS "Google" your destination and attractions to find out about local agencies, insider information, and money saving coupons
7. www.aaa.com is one of my favorites for saving money at attractions and hotels and transportation
8. www.entertainment.com This book is worth a purchase for your destination. You can save 50% on hotels, plus coupons for most major tourist stops. I found my Hawaii book saved us hundreds, and now provide a book in each of my vacation rentals in California
9. www.amazon.com - my favorite bookstore for travel guides, which even with internet preplanning, are still needed on site - we like Fodor's and the Top 10 series
10. www.nps.gov is the National Park Service site where all visits to America's national parks should start

Usually Luggage has Better ID than Kids - Keeping Your Children Safe While Traveling

2006-11-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

Anyone who reads this blog even semi regularly knows I love my kids and being a mom. I especially love traveling with them and exposing them to different places and cultures. What I don't love is worrying about them when I travel.

I'm part a huge network of hard working, entrepeneurial moms called "The MomPack" and through this network, I met Cynthia of Chicks and Cubs. She responded to my request for samples of products for guests in my vacation rentals.

There are just some ideas worth sharing and before seeing her product first hand, I kept thinking of all these moments that I wished I had some of her child safety id bracelets, even for my teen and preteen and their friends! Please read on if you have a child (or even an older forgetful family member) traveling with you this busy holiday season...

Child Safety While Traveling

Do you go to busy, crowded places on vacation? What would you do if your child got lost on vacation? What would your child do if he got lost on vacation?

Usually luggage has better identification than children – why? Is it because we think kids can talk for themselves? If your child is lost, do you think he will know the right information and be able to communicate it to others? A better idea is for your child to have the phone numbers and information written down in an identification bracelet, tag or card.

Children are infinitely more precious than luggage and therefore need to have some sort of ID at all times, especially when on vacation. The best way for a lost child to be returned quickly is for them to have all the information needed to reach you, written down.

There are many different styles of child identification. You have to pick what will work best for your child and the situation. There are stickers to go inside shoes, shoe tags that go on the shoelaces, ID bracelets, ID tags that can be attached to the child’s cloths, and ID cards that can be carried in a pocket.

The ID should contain all the information needed for the child to get in touch with you. At a minimum it should include: mom and dad’s cell numbers, grandparent’s number(s), and your hotel phone number. Give it some thought and see what you think your child would need if they were to become lost. Then, put that information in writing and put it on your child in some form.

One word of caution, don’t put your child’s name on the outside of bracelets, bags or clothing. This would give a stranger the opportunity to speak to them by name, making some children feel like the person is not a stranger since they knew their name. All the information can be written inside the bracelet or tag so that it can be looked at only if needed.

Small children need to be taught what being lost means. One way to describe it is if they can’t see mommy or daddy. Then they need to be told what to do if they are lost. One suggestion is to teach them to look for another mommy with kids to ask for help.

Cynthia Powell, Chicks & Cubs
Offering Child Safety Products for Families
Click Here to Look at Child Identification Bracelets

___________________________________________________

Happy Thanksgiving and Be Safe!
-VacationMamma

10 Tips to Make Holiday Travel with Children Tantrum Free

2006-11-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

As the mother of adolescents I can still recall "meltdowns" and all that we did to avoid them when we traveled with our girls as babies, toddlers, and young children. Like the following author, I turned to my old Girl Scout Motto: "Be Prepared." I especially like her simple travel games. I found that there were times when what the children needed most was interesting interaction with us. We spent countless hours playing "I'm thinking of a famous person. - 20 questions". Funny, we still play these games when they get tired of entertaining themselves: just more mature versions.

Avoid Meltdowns While Traveling!
10 Tips to Make Holiday Travel with Children Tantrum Free
By: Penny Cohen
San Diego, Ca ( October 23, 2006)---As the holidays approach and families are beginning their preparations for traveling – be it to the beach to escape winter, theme parks, or grandma’s house for the holidays, the key is to be prepared. Family trips are often our best memories of our kids’ young years. The laughing, the discovery of new and exciting places, and for some just being away from home and experiencing life in a hotel room can be the best vacation ever. But traveling with young ones can be a challenge.

Penny Cohen, Child Development Specialist and Speech and Language Pathologist and Co-Founder of Tot-a-Doodle-Do! series of DVDs packaged with, easy-to-do crafts says the key to keeping kids from meltdowns while traveling is to be prepared.

“Keep this list of tips handy when you start to pack,” says Cohen. “It will be a great resource and help everyone have a safe and memorable trip.”

10 Tips for happy travel with children:

 If you can, plan to leave late, so they're only awake for a couple of hours of the trip - or time it for naptime so they sleep part of the way
 Bring hand held games/toys – a lot of toys are now available in hand-held models and can keep preschoolers busy.
 Meals can also help take up time. Pack plenty of yummy yet not messy foods and beverages in spill proof cups with straws. Aim for healthy snacks such as trail mix, cut-up apples, cheese cubes, food that will provide nutritional value.
 Listen to children’s CDs with stories or music. Many story tapes have books that go along with them. Consider purchasing mini tape recorders with earphones so they can control what and how many times they listen to the music or story.
 Buy small, relatively inexpensive toys and wrap them to surprise the kids.
 For car trips, consider renting a portable DVD or TV/VCR combo that plugs into a cigarette lighter if your car/van doesn’t come with one.
 Bring a tray for simple arts and crafts projects in the car.
 It's worth bringing a training potty if your child has need-to-go-NOW emergency. Pack some wipes as well and a plastic baggie. This is easier than trying to find a bush.
 Bring plastic cups; band aids, a dishtowel; Frisbee and ball for rest stops, and baby-wipes no matter how old your kids are.
 Explain your travel rules before the trip (ie. No kicking the seats. Keep your arms and legs to yourself. Always ask for things with “please” and “thank-you”). .

“Travel games are great for keeping kids occupied and also a wonderful opportunity to stretch their imaginations,” says Cohen. “Favorites such as ‘I Spy’ or ‘I’m Going on a Trip’ can engage kids of different ages and can turn a mundane trip into a lively one!”

Six fun travel games:

 “I Spy” - Pick out an object that everyone can see. Then give them a clue by saying, "I spy something ..." (Say its shape, color or size) The other players ask questions about what you see and you only answer with "yes" or "no". The first player who guesses right becomes the new spy.
 “I’m Going on a Trip?” - Start this game out by saying, "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing..." . The first player should name an item. The next player will say the same thing and add another item and so on.
 “Guess the number” - Let your child think of a number between a stated range of numbers. You try to guess the number by asking questions. Here's a sample of how it might go: Your child: I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 100. You ask: Is it more than 50?
 “Find the numbers” - Have the kids watch for numbers on streets and buildings, phone numbers on the sides of trucks and other vehicles, dates on buildings, or business signs with numbers in them
 “Circle Story” – One person starts making up a story and each person adds to the story. Let the story be silly, creative and fun.
 “20 Questions” – Have your child think of an object (ie. animal, food, toy….) and everyone can ask yes/no questions until you’ve asked 20.

For more information about Tot-a-Doodle-Do! products, please visit www.totadoodledo.com or call toll free 1-866-816-4997.

Let me add a few tried and true tips to this already great list:
1. Books on tape or CD are available at many public libraries. Some even allow downloads now. Stock up before you go on vacation. I can't read in a car, nor can one of my children; this solves that problem.

2. Make a master packing list on your computer for trips. I used the list with my children before they could read; progressed to checking their packing after they used the list; and now they are completely independent packers who still ask for my list before we go. Train them from early on to carry a bag or backpack with personal entertainment items. It gives them the feeling of control to know what's in the bag.

3. Pack a little surprise for each child. Novelty has it's place. Simple food treats, simple items from the dollar store, and unexpected craft - all will head off boredom and the subsequent tantrum.

4. If you can afford it, do not stay in an over crowded home with all of your extended family, or even a crammed hotel room. Having a roomy home base of your own allows you to discipline and rest. Let the kids spend the night with cousins, but also let them have a place to get away from all the overstimulation. Vacation rentals are of course my favorite respite when we are 3 days or more; suite hotels like Embassy Suites or Marriott Residence Inn are the next best thing.Enjoy the Holidays Without Meltdowns!

Skis, Cribs, and Groceries at Your Vacation Rental's Door!

2006-11-14T00:38:00.000-08:00

File this in the why didn't I think of that category! Tahoe Daily Tribune - News: "a mobile company called Black Tie Ski Rentals.

From a warehouse based on lower Kingsbury Grade, DeBacker will deliver ski equipment to those who either don't want to haul it on vacation or would like to try out newer stuff than what they may already own."

How many times have you hauled all your ski equipment along in a car or airplane, paid extra, waited for it to arrive (hoping it wasn't stolen), crammed it in the rental car that was supposed to have ski racks, etc? Too many times right? Me too! Next time have it delivered by www.blacktieskies.com

What about all the baby stuff? Car seat? Check. Portable crib? Check. Stroller? Gate check. Booster seat? no way - Well www.babysaway.com will deliver to your destination. Makes me almost want to have another baby - well not really!

Then there's the shopping for food issue. You are with the kids, arrive late and hungry, and you have to stop at the local grocery to stock that fridge because they'll be hungry when they get up, and well, you do need that morning cup of coffee, right? If you are lucky, you'll be vacationing in the delivery area of www.freshdirect.com or a similar service. I used them this summer, and besides a broken bottle of beer that was probably my fault; they stocked our NYC vacation rental apartment quite well for the week!

I wonder who is going to start delivering boogie boards, surf boards, snorkels, and fins for all us beach bums next?

Plymouth Rock - Visit Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts

2006-11-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

As we quickly approach Thanksgiving I often think of the year we left school a few days early to travel to New Hampshire to have Thanksgiving with my mom, my sister and her family, and my husband's family. This was 6 years ago, and mom had recently had a close call with her health.

As the typical "overachiever mom" I was feeling a bit guilty about pulling the kids out of school; so I decided to take them to Plimouth Plantation (the way they spell it); Plymouth Rock; and the Mayflower II near Cape Cod MA the day after Thanksgiving. Living History lesson!

The day was beyond cold, but the trip was well worth the few days of lost school and class plays. There is nothing like watching a Wampanoag carve a canoe; or like entering the "homes" like the original Pilgrims; or viewing their farm plots and feeling the initial bite of the first winter they faced.

Plan your visit or at least virtual visit to Plimouth Plantation.

For the sailor or pirate of your family, at stop at the Mayflower II is right next to the Plymouth Rock.

Check out Plymouth Rock for yourself here:Plymouth Rock - Visit Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Next on my "to do list" for Plymouth is a Cranberry Bog Tour. In the meantime I must content myself with the Google Earth's rendition of the cranberry bogs. I'm told October is the best time to tour the bogs.

On a side note: I am thankful that my mom now lives a meager 2.5 miles from me and visiting her no longer involves a cross country trek. I am thankful that her health is greatly improved.

Navigating in the Post 9/11 Travel Scene

2006-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Since 9/11 travel has changed in many ways. No longer can the US domestic traveler hope to arrive shortly before their flight and run to catch the plane as the door closes. However, your travel, domestic or international can go smoothly with just a little homework ahead of time. I provide links here for some of the most common issues travelers face today.

Passports
Do I need a passport to go to Canada? Mexico? The British Virgin Islands?
Do I need a passport for my 11 year old?
When will the new electronic passports be available?
Where do I go to get a passport and what documents will I need to show?
These are questions that many Americans are now finding themselves asking, and if they haven't they are finding out that they must now consider these issues. For complete information on documents required for re-entering the United States from travel outside, go to the reliable source:Passport Home - at the US Department of State. You will find that any US Citizen, regardless of age, and out of country destination, will need a passport shortly.

Carry on and Item Restrictions for Airline Travel

I was fortunate enough to take my last flight before the new scare involving liquid components in London. As I prepare, though, for my next flight, I'm really not sure what I can take and what I can't. To answer all questions "TSA" I recommend you start at the banned items page for the most current information. Personally, my motto is "if in doubt leave it out." Who wants the hassle? The most interesting NO carry-on items on the list, to vacation rental guests are probably golf clubs and many food and drink items. I'm glad my children are no longer little. We used to travel with many of the the banned items in a small cooler gel ice packs and quite a few trips were salvaged...plan on buying your drinks after the security check and make sure you have good luggage for all your checked items.

US Customs - the only way to be up to date on US Customs policies for your specific travel requirements is to check out the current US Customs website - here you will find links for procedures, restricted goods, and advisory.

Traveler's Health - worried about something as exotic as Avian Flu or as simple as what vaccines you need for safe travel? Go to the CDC Website for Travelers

Visas - do you need a visa to travel to Italy? Start at the State Department's website and you will be led to the consulate for the place you wish to visit. Are you coming to the United States and need a visa? See Destination USA.

Where's the cheap season?...still to be had in the Carolinas

2006-09-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe that this is the coming of the cheap season in the Carolinas- summer seems a bit warm to me. If you are looking for a getaway though this article has some fine tips:Charlotte Observer | 09/03/2006 | Where's the cheap season?

8 Great Vacations Where Your Dollar Goes Far - The Boston Globe

2006-09-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Finally a "top 10 list" - well 8 - that you can sink your teeth into: The Boston Globe has this great one with good ideas; non traditional ideas; and lots of help to plan the next getaway. Hmmm...Minneapolis or Nashville?8 Great Vacations Where Your Dollar Goes Far - The Boston Globe: "8 Great Vacations Where Your Dollar Goes Far
You can travel to exotic locales or indulge in choice hotels and meals - and still not break the bank. Our complete guide shows you how.
By Judith Fein, Martha Hume, Stephen Jermanok, Erin O'Donnell, and Janice O'Leary | September 24, 2006"

New England Fall Foliage

2006-08-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

Fall is fast approaching in New England. I talked with my sister yesterday who is camping in North Conway, NH this week. She's camping a week later than normal, and said that the change in weather is noticable already. Primarily, the nights are cooler. As I sit here in Southern California, trying to keep cool (I don't expect any sympathy), I start to daydream about fall in New England. See I moved away in 1989, and have missed the fall season and foliage ever since!

Fall in New England, is without question, the best anywhere. I've met more people since I moved away that get a dreamy look in their eyes about New England and Maine and the dream they think of is those amazing colors, blue sky, warm days, crisp nights, apples, and lobster.

Most visitors, however, have no idea how to approach New England, especially in the fall. It's a moving target for the best colors, and most of the best colors happen in places without a local Marriott.

Of all the fall guides, and foliage guides, I think you will find this one: "New England Foliage Central - Autumn in New England - Complete Guide to Fall for Travelers and Others Who Love the Season" at About.com to be the most comprehensive, and easy to follow with email updates. Keep in mind, everyone want to time the "perfect trip" - book now or travel midweek.

Enjoy - I'm dreaming of my fall trip when the kids graduate high school already!

Vacations Teens Will Love? - "Whatever"

2006-08-17T11:39:00.001-07:00

As much as many marketing professionals honestly try to do their jobs well (I know it is my chosen, if not deferred profession), some things just don't ring true. Take this great press release by a vacation rental web site. It headlines with "Top 10 Excursions Even Teens Will Love". It got me to click through! Although the excursions sound great (helicoptering, white water rafting, surf lessons, ski racing) and would definitely entertain the teen for the day (what about the other 5 or 6), the truth is, many teens can be pleased occasionally...But they are still likely to resist the familial efforts at togetherness. In my opinion though, the writer did get something right besides high excitement (and cost) outings that will help to get your teen on the plane or in the car: stay in a private vacation rental - preferably with a room of their own. You know, the one they can turn into a cave while they sleep until noon when you are out having the time of your life! Other leading places to look for rentals include (these are just a few):
Vacation Rentals
HomeAway
Vacation Rentals by Owner
Great Family Rentals
and now for last minute getaways within the next 2 weeks (why not surprise your teen)is Lickety Trip

My tongue in cheek Top 10 Ways to Make Teens Happy on Vacation:
1. Rent private home with high def satellite plasma TV in their room.
2. Stock pantry with lots of junk food and chocolate.
3. Make sure there is good cell phone reception.
4. Ditto for wireless internet.
5. Let them bring a friend.
6. Take them on one or two high priced, high excitement outings without their younger sibling(s).
7. Drop them at the local shopping attraction.
8. Drop them at the local hot looking teen attraction.
9. Let them sleep until 2pm and stay up all night.
10.Enjoy!

What to do? Balance, don't expect them to be different people from who they are at home, and bring the iPod!

New York City with teens- My Top 10

2006-08-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

I love the "about topics" especially travel. So when I was heading to NYC last month, I read this article:New York City with teens- visiting New York City with teenagers which is basically a top 10 list for New York city with teens. The about author's top 10 are:
1. Big Apple Greeters (didn't try)
2. NYC Movie Tours (we're from CA so we can get this at home)
3. The Tenement Museum (I wanted to go, but they didn't)
4. Grand Central Station (they were underimpressed and totally distressed by the crowds)
5. Broadway Play (our number 1)
6. Harbor Tour (around Statue of Liberty in a speed boat)-didn't try this
7. Staten Island Ferry (great deal and experience)
8. Natural History Museum (they chose to skip it this time, as they've enjoyed Chicago's Field Museum)
9. World Trade Center Site (ground zero)- important for anyone visiting NYC now
10. Empire State Building (one of those must dos)
11. Metropolitan Museum of Art (regrettably ran out of time, but on our list for next visit)

I know that's a list of 11 - even the pros make numbering mistakes occasionally!

Our list varies a little. I was traveling with a teen and a preteen, both girls. The author appears to have traveled with a 13 year old boy. Hence the differences possibly.

1. Broadway play. We didn't want to waste valuable time waiting for discount tickets, and we didn't want to miss out or take a chance of not getting one of our top choices which were: Hairspray, Rent, and Wicked. So we bought our tickets in advance by signing up at www.playbill.com as soon as we made our reservations, and waiting until they had a special (half price) offer for Hairspray. Our goals were: good seats, non Disney (we are southern Californians and get enough of that). We also tried to get walk in tickets at the theaters one night in Times Square, but alas, everything was sold out. Hairspray turned out to be just perfect for a "real Broadway" show, and the intimate Neil Simon Theater was so much better than anything in southern California.

2. Shopping in Chinatown. I know a lot of the items here are knockoffs, but my girls didn't care. They went for cheap jewelry, Chinese peace art, funky sunglasses, shoes for the theater, sassy hats. Shop with the official vendors, not the folks hawking "Prada" in your ear. Start on Canal Street.

3. Shopping on 5th avenue. Bendel, Tiffany's, FAO Schwartz, Apple, H&M, Abercrombie, and all the little boutiques. Even if you just window shop - the whole place is full of eye candy for the teenage soul.

4. Guggenheim Museum - Teenagers are not notoriously "into" museums. However, once you get them inside, they usually lose the attitude, and find something to interest them. I struck a deal to get mine inside: we'd take a cab instead of the subway. Remember, it's hot in NYC in July, and we took the subway and walked everywhere. Once inside, pay your fee (the 11 year old was free!), pick up your FREE audio tour, and take the elevator to the top. Go opposite of traffic and the intended display and work your way down. They'll like the idea of going against the crowd (it's in a teen's nature to rebel), and love that they don't have to walk up the magnificent spiral. FWIW, I visited this museum on my first trip to NYC at about 15, and it was what I remembered and wanted to return to after all these years. My kids loved that the art here was intimate and approachable. No stuffy "what do you think she meant when she did this." Modern art is like that. The 13 year old couldn't believe that furniture or fenders could be considered art! That said, it was the 9 panel new male nude that left the lasting impression on the 11 year old, but as a result, we've had some good discussions about attitudes toward female vs male models in traditional art. Take the bus from out in front down 5th avenue to do your shopping.

5. Discovering the city together. Forget the tours. Get closer with your teens by a sense of adventure together. Each day we got up (around noon)and headed out to an area of the city by subway (the 6 train for us) using our metro cards (only $24/7 days). We typically had one item on the agenda for the day, with very few set times. This allowed us to explore whatever attraction looked good (like the Empire State Building when the wait was short) and to avoid disappointments and rushing. We found little shops, ate when we were hungry, and went to bed as late (or early am) as we wanted. Some of our favorite memories came from new discoveries.

6. The View at the Marriott in Times Square. This restaurant is now the only 360 degree revolving restaurant in Manhattan. We showed up around 8pm, and took the spectacular glass elevators to the top. Here we enjoyed expensive, but delightful and decadent dessert & cheese buffets for the girls, and a dinner style buffet for me. Everything about the experience was loved by the girls: from eating dessert for dinner, to ordering special drinks, to peaking in people's offices at night and making up stories about them!

7. Yankees Baseball - take the train/subway and be prepared for crowds (and nosebleeds if you get our seats). Even as Boston Red Sox faithfuls, this is a must do event for anyone remotely taken by America's pastime. Yankee stadium is one of those ballparks where a game is what you hoped it would be. Leave any backpacks or big items at home - you cannot take them in.

8. Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. Free. We did this, and then took the Circle Line cruise to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Teen skipped this to sleep in and regrets it. Preteen loved the whole experience. If you want to go up in Lady Liberty, be sure to make reservations in advance - see www.nps.gov for more information.

9. Empire State Building at night. See the city in all its glitzy glory by going up at night. Until this trip, that's the only time I'd ever been to the top. I got to go twice this trip with my husband's later arrival (you didn't think he shopped til he dropped did you?). If you can tolerate it go, first at night (open late) and then again during the day. It's like two different places. Prebuying your tickets will save you from a line or two, but not the security line which was the longest. Skip the extra money for the audio and just enjoy yourself.

10. Discount shopping at Century 21 and Daffys. Century 21 is across from the World Trade Center Site which seems almost wrong, but you'll quickly forget once inside this "Filene's basement on steroids." We spent 3 hours and it wasn't enough. Great for back to school shopping, because items under $110 are not taxed! Where cool comfortable clothing because their dressing room system stinks. Daffys is not quite as big or diverse, but worth a stop as we had some good finds.

San Diego CityBEAT

2006-08-09T21:38:00.000-07:00

Looking for something fun to do in southern California this weekend? Check out:San Diego CityBEAT. You'll find a plethora of fun in and around Balboa Park in San Diego.

Delusions of Summer -A Quiz about summer just for fun.

2006-08-06T00:30:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do if you get stung by a jelly fish? To where spf 60 or 15 sunscreen?
Pass a few minutes of summer with this silly, but fun quiz from Encarta.
I only scored 7/10 - bet you can top that!
Delusions of Summer

Alaska's Inside Passage - Overview

2006-06-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

Formula For Fun or Not? =
12 days
mother (72)and daughter (42)- both rookie cruisers
oxygen, walker, new Canon EOS Digital SLR
2 overstuffed suitcases
2 bus rides to and from San Francisco and Orange County CA
Regal Princess Cruise Ship
Alaska's Inside Passage Itinerary:
San Francisco - Juneau - Skagway - Glacier Bay NP - Victoria BC - San Francisco

Mom's reason for travel: because she is so delighted to be able to go somewhere with the oxygen worries taken care of by someone else
Daughter's reason for travel: to see Alaska and accompany mom

In a nutshell: we survived the bus travel (barely); we tolerated our days at sea when outside of the inside passage on the way north (2 days and 2 nights); we enjoyed the impeccable service on Princess Cruise lines, specifically our wait staff and cabin steward; we were discouraged with being nickeled and dimed to death on the cruise; we loved our shore excursions; we think the Regal Princess is in dire need of retirement and that cruises should be non smoking; Alaska's Glacier Bay is the most beautiful place in North America if not anywhere. Mothers and daughters should take a vacation together at least once in their adult lifetime.

Ten big honeymoon trips - on little budgets

2006-06-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

The article:Salt Lake Tribune - Ten big honeymoon trips - on little budgets is just the kind of thing that today's Brides and common vacationers alike need more of. This newspaper looked into current trends in weddings and honeymoons, and noted that costs keep rising. I know when I was married, some 15+ years ago I wanted the same thing brides want now: romance and adventure, that won't cause me (or for some their parents) to go into debt for years to come. Although all the magazines had great ideas for romance and adventure, the budget always seemed ridiculous.

Finally, so real life sensible alternatives, short of camping and backpacking...

Here is an excerpt from the text. View the full article at the link above.

"* St. Barths, a tony French island in the Caribbean, made it into the top 10 for the first time, garnering mentions for romance, food, seclusion and sexy ambience. Hotel Guanahani & Spa ($406-plus per night) was ranked high for its plunge pools.
Cheap alternative: Instead of flying to St. Barths, which can cost upward of $1,000 round trip, fly to St. Maarten (about $580 on American) and take a ferry to St. Barths (about $110 round trip). Book a villa through a private owner: At Vacation Rentals by Owner (http://www.vrbo.com), a three-bedroom villa starts at about $1,650 a week. "

Travel Deals: "Book Early" and "Shop Wisely"

2006-05-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting how one expert in a business will tell you one thing, and another will tell you the opposite, and to some extent they are both correct. Less than a week after I read the article "Save Hundreds of Dollars with a Summer Rental", which advocates waiting 2-3 weeks before you leave to get lodging deals, this article:"The Summer Travel Size-up" appears and says that planning ahead is one key to bargains. I tend to agree with the latter expert, because in many cases, the best options (at least for lodging) disappear quickly. I started planning a side trip to NYC this summer hoping to go the week after I visit my vacation home in Maine in July. Low and behold, not only were the vacation rental apartments I wanted already booked, but so were the best suite hotels in Manhattan. Forget about deals! I just want good, uncramped accommodations... I ended up having to go the week before I planned - Tip: Be Flexible in your Travel Plans

Anyway, don't wait - book early. However, if you haven't firmed up your plans for summer the second expert has other good advice: try off season. The Caribbean and the desert Southwest are two spots where you can get more than your money's worth in the summer, you just have to approach things differently. If you are headed to the Caribbean or southeastern Unites States, pick up trip insurance just in case, and plan on spending lots of time snorkeling in the clear water or sipping cold cocktails to keep cool. If you head to the desert, get up early in the morning to enjoy the outdoors before it heats up; spend 11-5 relaxing at the movies, taking in a museum, or shopping in air conditioning; and head back out for dinner and evenings outside in the great summer nights of Palm Springs.

Keep this in mind for fall travel: the National Parks clear out considerably after Labor Day, but book now for fall and Holiday stays. Personal favorites for shoulder season travel: Zion, Bryce, and Yellowstone.

ABC News: Americans Still Traveling Despite High Prices-Tips to Save on Vacations

2006-05-23T22:55:00.000-07:00

ABC News: Americans Still Traveling Despite High Prices - I'm still going are you? ABC News says yes.

AAA says 1 million more Americans will travel this coming weekend, the unofficial start of the summer vacation season.

Check out the ABC travel article above for a few of their tips that are decent, but DO take advantage of these:
Stay at a vacation rental instead of a hotel. You'll save and save again. You can choose from coastal cottages, Caribbean villas, to condos in resort settings.
Eat at Least One Meal a Day Out of a Restaurant - buy a cheap cooler that you can throw away or leave behind if one isn't supplied with your rental. Stock up on local specialties and bring along a picnic, or eat cereal and fruit on the patio. Your waist and wallet will thank you and you can spend your money on local fun, or save it for another vacation.
Search for Coupons and Deals Online. Before you go, pick up an Entertainment Guide for your destination or check out the special attractions online. Do a search for "attraction discounts" and see what local stores might have well priced tickets. Costco and other warehouse memberships are famous for this.

Save Hundreds of Dollars With a Summer Rental

2006-05-23T22:36:00.001-07:00

ABC News: Save Hundreds of Dollars With a Summer Rental -great headline, misleading and superficial article. As someone in the vacation rental business I am thankful that the reporter chose to publicize the opportunities for vacationers by staying in homes rather than hotels. At the same time, I am terribly disappointed that she neglected to really research and portray the situation realistically. Her tips are in italics:
Save 20 Percent to 50 Percent - verses a hotel stay. She got this right. Typically the guest will get 2 or more bedrooms and more for the price of one. The cost savings grow exponentially when you figure in eating at the rental for at least 1 meal a day. We like to eat breakfast at home, pack a lunch for our activity of the day, and splurge on dinner.
Come and Go as You Please - this holds true for off season, and shoulder season rentals, but in many many desirable summer vacation spots, owners and agencies dictate a specific weekly stay, with most being Saturday afternoon to Saturday morning. Why? The peak season pretty much pays the bills for many folks, and owners cannot afford to leave a few days vacant. Why Saturday to Saturday? When you figure it out let me know!
It Pays to Wait - well maybe, but probably not for the nicest places. Remember this: the best places usually fill up very quickly. Waiting until 2 weeks before your vacation is VERY risky. Many owners do not negotiate on prices; but if they will it will be last minute. I recommend picking out your favorite place, and emailing the owner or agent to let you know about last minute cancellations or specials for the time of travel, but be prepared to do something else. My summer weeks can book up as early as a year in advance on both the West Coast and the East Coast. You can sign up for last minute specials for all of my places...
Size Matters - if you have more than 6 people, start looking a year in advance, or rent more than one vacation rental. The easiest groups to accommodate are 2-4. Don't wait if you have a larger or extended family.
Barbara's Top 3 Vacation Destinations include Tybee Island, GA; Treasure Beach, Jamaica; and Lake Ouichita, AR - I'm sure these are great places, but since I haven't been I cannot judge. I would like to try out Tybee Island myself though. My usual picks would of course be my own coastal places in Maine and California(though I don't get to vacation much at them because they are booked all summer...) those aside, I'd highly recommend Martha's vineyard or Cape Cod, Southern Oregon along the Rogue River, and out of the box: a New York City vacation rental (our pick for this summer). You would be hard pressed to find much for July or the first 2 weeks in August now. So look for something out of the way or non traditional.
A Great Deal Is Just a Click Away - oh how true... The author names a few good sites, but there are many. Start with a Google (or other)search using the terms "Your Dream Location" Vacation Rental. See what pops up for vacation rental listing sites, or even owners (though they will probably be found deeper in the search results.) You can also just start at any of these: vacationrentals.com; greatfamilyrentals.com; petfriendlyrentals.com; or even craigslist.com. I'm biased, but I wouldn't bother with a rental agency or property manager. They take a 10-50% cut, and leave the owner with less money to keep your vacation rental nice.

Most of all - enjoy your vacation this summer!

Fodor's Travel Wire | 6 Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing

2006-05-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Do you hate to iron? Do you hate it even more when you are on vacation? I just learned a few tips from Fodor's Travel Wire | 6 Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing. As a former frequent flier and business warrior, I thought I knew all the tricks to keeping clothes wrinkle free or at least only minorly wrinkled. Tips #2, about the plastic is news to me. Try it, and let us all know if it really works on your next vacation.

Summer Rentals Hot in New England this Year

2006-04-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

According to MA real estate offices and property managers interviewed for this article: Lowell Sun Online - Home summer rentals on the Cape, NH, and north (like myGeorgetown Maine cottage) are filling up fast for summer. I would concur that this has been the earliest booking season I've experienced since 1999, though my coastal cottage always fills up for summer by April or May. What is different this year, is that we are filled for June and half of September too, already. Personally, September and October are my favorite times in New England.

Still want to come up to the midcoast? Check out my friend's new cottage on Robinhood Cove and ask for Howard. His cottage is just like mine, but newer, and on a long tidal cove, which is famous for its Robinhood Marina. He's still got some summer availablity, but not for long I'm sure.

Looking for something smaller, or a little less expensive? Try the Back River Bend Cottages on the Back River in Georgetown and ask for Ruth.

Want to be closer to Five Islands Wharf? Then check out the cottages on Gott's Cove run by Sonya. Her husband even runs fishing charters.

Wherever you stay, have fun, and may the sun be shining! There is no place like a cottage in New England. Coastal Maine, NH Lakes, Cape Cod - you choose and you can't lose!

Lake Tahoe Here We Come

2006-04-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Imagine my delight when 6 hours into our drive from OC to Tahoe, my husband reminds me that I can access high speed internet from one of the laptops in the back seat. He borrowed someone's with a Verizon Broadband Wi Fi card (or whatever it is called), and now I'm blogging while he's driving up the I5!

Lucky for me, when I checked my RSS feed from Bloglines, the second article was about there still being time to ski at Lake Tahoe, our destination for today.

I put our ski gear away in January, and thought we wouldn't get it out again until next year. Luckily for me, I received an inquiry a few weeks ago from a fellow vacation rental owner via Great Rentals. I'll be staying at her cabin near Northstar, and she'll use my vacation rental in Palm Desert at a later date!

I'll give you my own review on her Enchanted Cottage and Northstar at Tahoe in a few days.

One week later...

I hadn't been to Lake Tahoe in nearly 15 years. I really can't figure out why I hadn't been back?! The lake is clear and beautiful. The skiing is good and reasonably uncrowded...now with a great place to stay, I've got no excuse.

Our hostess, Marci, made her North Lake Tahoe cottage truly enchanted. The cottage was thoughtfully appointed, appropriately themed and decorated, and perfectly cleaned and stocked. We loved the fireplace, the outdoor hot tub, and the in house washer & dryer. She even had snacks stocked for us after the long drive. I found myself envious of her ability to personalize and welcome each guest uniquely, that comes with living nearby her vacation rentals.

Our skiing at Northstar at Tahoe was typical spring skiing. The top third of the mountain was great packed powder, which turned to mashed potatoes as we moved lower. Northstart has great potential, but the infrastructure just wasn't quite there. It took more than an hour to get from the skiier dropoff to the top of the mountain. The mountain was crowded and the staff was short. Though we enjoyed the mountain, it was certainly evident that they were closing in a few weeks. Regardless, we viewed this trip as a gift! Skiing in mid April - I'll take it.

Unfortunately you won't see us buying and renting out a vacation condo at Northstart any time soon. We took a serious look, but at 1.6 million for one of the least expensive 3 bedroom village units - well, it's out of our league! Let us know if you buy one, we'll stay next time.

Travel: Intrepid Traveler: Fun sleeps that don't cost a fortune

2006-04-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

I don't usually blog about real cheap vacations - getting the most for your dollar, yes; good value, yes, but really cheap - no! That said, my 22 year old, recent college graduate, nephew has been staying with us for a few weeks now, while he gains some work experience courtesy of my husband's company, and while he looks for something more permanent. I had nearly forgotten what it was like to truly have no money. Not no money in my pocket, not no money in my checking account, but really no money...that doesn't come from benevolent family members...

I'm starting to remember, and as I recall those times coincided not only with a strong desire to see and do everything, but also with a willingness to bunk with friends, sleep on the floor, share bathrooms, and stay in apartments on top of the train tracks, just to experience life. Along comes this article: Fun sleeps that don't cost a fortune. The article points out and gives you contact information for several US hostels or hostel type accomodations (which are a common way to travel on the cheap in Europe) in great locations. On this little list alone you can find cheap places to sleep in Redwood National Park, Breckenridge Colorado, Cape Cod, and NYC! Too bad I've grown old and cranky and like luxury beds, and private baths too much :)

Hershey Park in April!

2006-04-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe Hershey Park is open in April! We visited the great place:Family Vacation idea: Hersheypark in April in July of 2003 as part of 9 week RV adventure from California, to Maine, to California. This was my older daughter's favorite man made stop, by a landslide! Great Park - must go! Ther are fun rides, and something special about that ride through the "Hershey Plant" even if it ends it the biggest chocolate store ever. Have fun and eat a Reese's or two for me. What would it be like to relax in chocolate? Tell me if you stay at the Hotel Hershey!

5 Days in San Diego

2006-02-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

By the same author as my last post comes:Fodor's Travel Wire | 5 Days in San Diego. The San Diego area is an amazing place to visit, and a guest can spend weeks with something new every day, and a resident can spend a lifetime exploring. This article does hit some highlights:
San Diego Zoo (AAA or Entertainment Guide for discounts) and Balboa Park
Seaport Village (this carousel originates from Salsbury Beach in MA) and Sea World (get the feeding schedules before you go and discounts from AAA)
La Jolla Cove and the Sea Lions - I would add the Birch Aquarium at Scripps as well
Cabrillo National Monument -provides a days worth of browsing and a lovely view of the city of San Diego - stop in at the WW II Museum and visit the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary - take a hike as well
Old Town - when you go come back here and post a comment - I've yet to visit this renowned spot!
Legolad CA - is best for the under 10 crowd, and only a few minutes from my beach condo
Mission San Luis Rey - in Oceanside - all the missions in CA are worth a stop - not one has ever failed to impress and teach adult and child alike.

Some of Southern California's Best Shores

2006-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

I love water, I love sand, I love waves, I love boats, I love sun...Well you get the picture - so I am a sucker for anything that says " Southern California's Best Shores."

Do I agree that these are the best? Nope, but are they good? Yup. They are far too heavily focused on LA and San Diego, and forget about Orange County. They left out the coves of Laguna Beach, The fine sand and waves of Salt Creek in Dana Point, and the world class surfing of Trestles in San Clemente/San Onofre, and in San Diego county: Oceanside.

Listings of Vacation Rentals, Hotels, and other Lodging with Free Wireless Now Available

2006-02-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I need more vacation than my work and my husband's work allows me to take. Are you with me? Then take a look at this site for vacation rentals with free wi-fi wireless high speed internet. This site provides a directory of rentals, hotels, and other places that supply free wireless access. In addition they talk about wireless security, products, how to guides, and the latest information on wi-fi.

With a laptop, cell phone, and handy dandy notebook (yes I still find paper useful for some things), I can work almost anywhere. Which means, hey I can go almost anywhere...so why am I writing this blog from my desk on a Saturday night?!

Yes, my 2 California vacation rentals have free wireless access!

Have a "Home Base" with a Vacation Rental or Holiday Home

2006-02-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

I'll skip reinventing the wheel on this one as the author of: Have a "Home Base" with a Vacation Rental or Holiday Home did a nice job of explaining some of the advantages of staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. Though keep in mind, I've never heard of the web sites he refers to, and I've been doing this 7 years - that doesn't mean they aren't valid resources though! If you still need convincing that a vacation rental or holiday home is right for you - read his article.

If you aren't staying in one of my vacation rentals in CA or ME, check out more vacation rentals in AL, FL, HI, NJ, RI, and TX, or general vacation rental listing sites.

San Diego Zoo - Visiting with the Mobility Challenged

2006-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

I've been to the San Diego Zoo dozens of times: with toddlers, my husband, nephews, neices, visitors, and even with twice with a dozen Brownie Girl Scouts each time, but never before with anyone who faced any physical handicaps, until today. After convincing my mom to move to southern CA from NH, and of course promising her a trip to the world famous zoo more than 6 months ago, we finally came through on our promise. Mom is in decent health, but cannot walk 25 yards without severe shortness of breath. Anyone who has ever been to any zoo knows that walking around is a major component to the trip; San Diego zoo is notorious for its sprawling campus and steep grades. So how to do this?

Stop 1: Before leaving home check the San Diego Zoo website for information on enjoying the zoo with people with handicaps.
Stop 2: Check on the internet for specials both at the San Diego Zoo website, but also at Entertainment and AAA. We were able to get 10% of with our AAA card.
Stop 3: Check the weather, calendar, and set your alarm clock. We have trouble getting go in the am, and unfortunately hit traffic from Orange County. You could also stay closer to San Diego. Pick a cool day if you can, even better one that threatens rain to keep the crowds down. Summer, school vacations, and weekends are most crowded in that order. If you do get a late start, just stay until they kick you out (evening and early mornings are the best times to see active animals).
Stop 4: Remember your handicap placard, but don't count on parking close. They don't have enough handicap spots, and you will likely need to drop off your party at the entrance. Send them directly to guest services to chose their entrance package.
Stop 5: Either go to security to arrange free shuttle transportation or go directly to the guided tour bus for a 30 minute drive around the zoo to get your bearings.
Stop 6: Go back to security and rent a foldable wheel chair - only $10. Bring at least two people who can push your person, the hills get a bit tiring. You can arrange free handicap shuttles, or ride on and off the express buses to your locations, or do as we did, and mosy around on foot taking turns at the wheelchair. There is no where you can't go with a little will and elbow grease.
Enjoy!!
Stop 7: Don't forget to go see the mamma and baby pandas. We poked our noses in at 4:45, 15 minutes after official exhibit close, and the wonderful docent/keepers, still allowed us our own private viewing - amazing!

New at California Adventure

2006-02-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

I've been planning an article here about California Adventure and Disneyland, but since this popped up today I just couldn't wait. We went on this new ride during its soft opening this winter, and guess what, it was mediocre at best...Fine for the younger set and to sit for a few minutes, but just seemed like the old rides in Fantasyland at Disneyland.

Not a bad way to rest on the "backlots" section,which is pretty lame with the exception of Tower of Terror anyway.New at California Adventure

Washington DC - No Need to Stop and Ask for Directions

2006-02-06T13:12:00.000-08:00

It's been over 15 years (I feel old!) since my one and only pleasure trip to Washington DC (I cannot wait to get back there - it just hasn't happened). My memories of that DC trip include the monuments, a taste of the Smithsonian, the National Zoo, and lots of walking - I can still feel the pain from the blisters in my mind. Now the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority home offers not only their popular trip planner feature, but also this nifty walking maps tool. Next time, I'll wear better shoes (one of the pluses of getting older), and I'll walk smarter thanks to Metro.

Costa Rica

2006-02-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

This article caught my eye :Fodor's Travel Wire | Just Back from Costa Rica because my one trip to Costa Rica 5 years ago for my 10th anniversary is one I'll never forget, and hope to expand upon sooner rather than later. Like my feelings for the southwest of Puerto Rico, this place is somewhere to enjoy.

The Fodor's art director gets the feeling just right: no matter how long you stay, or how much you do, you know there was more and that Costa Rica would deliver to your expectations and beyond.

I must second her regrets:
-go to Arenal - the volcano
-Arenal is the place to see and hear those howler monkeys (stay at the former observatory)
-do the canopy tour (I didn't and I regret it)
-hike as much as you can in the rainforest (I want to do more)
-enjoy San Jose - it's demise is over reported - our short time was rewarded with great food and accomodations
I would add: Go white water rafting! What a treat in warm water - now I'm hooked - once I realized I wasn't going to die (a good fall out of the boat, and my rescue did that for me).

Flip Flops, Slush, and Gloves or Travel Attire Made Simple

2006-02-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

The headlineABC News: Of Bikinis and Blizzards certainly caught my attention...how about yours? You can read the whole article from ABC and John Nance, or you can take some simple advice about airline or even land travel: (in fact if you are a mom like me you probably tell your kids numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 each and every time they leave the house!)

1. Wear comfortable but suitable clothes (shorts & halters suddenly look unsuitable among a see of business suits or winter coats at your destination).
2.ALWAYS bring a jacket, sweatshirt, or light sweater on board.
3. If traveling to a colder climate pack gloves and your heavy coat in the top or outermost part of your luggage and pray that it arrives with you.
4. Wear sensible shoes for walking and for the weather of your destination. For example: we wear flip flops year round here in Southern California. Those would not be sensible for a trek to visit family in Massachusetts until next June!
5. Pack snacks and a water bottle.

The Seattle Times: Outdoors: Dreaming of the perfect summer vacation? It's time to book it

2006-01-26T22:10:00.000-08:00

It's almost the end of January, have you booked your summer vacation yet? No, fear not, there are options out there, maybe not what you had first envisioned, but still great. Check out The Seattle Times: Outdoors: Dreaming of the perfect summer vacation? It's time to book it for some ideas that are good for Northwesterner's or adapt them to your own local. Me? I still haven't planned spring break yet! Are you kidding?

On my wish list for this summer: New York City.
On my husband's wish list for this summer: House boating on Lake Powell and 2 weeks in Maine.
On my eldest's: stay home and hang with friends.
My youngest's: go to the cottage in Maine for 3 weeks.

Check back to see what happens...
Oh, and I'll be taking my first cruise and vacation ever with my mom, to Alaska's Inside Passage.

THE PLACES TO BE IN 2006 From Las Vegas to Easter Island, we select this year's most tempting far-flung destinations

2006-01-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

THE PLACES TO BE IN 2006 From Las Vegas to Easter Island, we select this year's most tempting far-flung destinations

Check out this article - lots of great ideas for travel in 2006 including a few of my personal favorite places:
Boston - my first love (I grew up 30 miles north)
CA wine country - first place I'm going back to when the kids go off to college
San Francisco - can't wait to post on this city
Zion & Bryce National Parks - already posted on Zion
Moab, Utah - gateway to Canyonlands and Arches NPs
Monument Valley - at the Navajo reservation and home of the best jeep ride ever!
NYC - something for everyone
Washington DC - the Smithsonian and the monuments are not to be missed in this lifetime
Yellowstone - amazing geology and wildlife
Costa Rica - THE place to white water raft because the water is warm - great people

Many suggestions for places I've not yet been, but I have to ask myself: if they got so many right that I have been to, then their other suggestions are probably right on!
Happy Travels.

Zion National Park in the Fall

2006-01-14T23:13:00.000-08:00

Visiting Zion National Park in southwestern Utah makes the perfect fall getaway for families or couples seeking some calm before the onslaught of holiday madness.
We weren't new to Zion and count it among my husband's and my favorites for hiking. We however, had never spent more than a day at the time in the park,
nor camped or stayed at the park lodge operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts for the
National Park Service.

This year we travelled by car from southern California with our school age children, one of them suffering from the tail end of the flu. After a few of the normal stops, as well as a stop in
Saint George, UT for shoes someone forgot(this is the last big town before the park if you forgot something that you wouldn't find in very small town) we arrived in about 8 hours.
What a sight for sore eyes Zion is! and in all of her fall splendor. I grew up in New England, and know good fall foliage. Living in CA for nearly the last decade had dimmed my memories, but not my love of this season. Thank you Zion for bringing it all rushing back, and allowing my children to experience the joy of autumn. There is nothing like the smell from the leaves, and the blue of the sky. The joy of a child jumping in the leaves, and chasing us with leaves is one of the simplest pleasures.

In the late fall, the roads in Zion are no longer controlled and accessed by shuttle access only. This alone is a good reason to visit out of season.

Five good reasons to visit Zion out of season:

Crowds are gone
Autos allowed on inner road
Amazing foliage
Comfortable hiking temperatures
Short notice availability at the lodge and historic cabins

Our first night was spent in the lovely, but tiny historic cabin. Unfortunately, this Vacation Mamma, had no vacation that night! At one point I had one child hacking away, one crying in front of the lovely gas fireplace, and one husband snoring from the long drive. Though a nice idea, the cabin is just too small for four people, never mind four with sickness, insomnia, and snoring thrown it...

The front desk staff at the lodge were extremely accomodating, and the next morning we not only moved to the lodge nearby, but we rented adjoining rooms with a total of four queen size beds, and a convenient first floor local. We lost the fireplace, but boy was the sleep worth it. The cozy and rustic historical cabins were priced at approximately $142/ night plus tax, plus for every night we stayed, the second night was half off. The remodeled lodge was $132/night, second night 1/2 off.

Because we were trying to relax, breakfast was simple snacks & fruit from the lodge's coffee stand, lunches were picnics from our cooler on hikes (no room fridges, but plenty of ice), and most dinners were taken at the lodge's dining room upstairs, which requires dinner reservations. Contrary to other reviews I read, the food was excellent, and with one rare lunch exception, the service quite attentive. The best value was the soup and salad bar. Surprisingly the fish was great (I am always afraid to order fish away from the coast).

Much has been said about Zion hiking and can be easily found, so I won't elaborate too much, except to say "Just Do It." The hiking is some of the best in the country, and November provides perfect temperatures to climb. Expect 40's in the morning and evening, with perfect sunny days in the mid 60's. Bring your camera, sun screen, and plenty of water.

Total bill 5 nights:approx $815

Plan and Book Spring Break Now

2005-12-29T10:58:00.000-08:00

Planning to go away for spring break (or February Vacation, or Easter break, or just to get away from snow, slush, wind, and rain? Do it now!
Though you may be just recovering from the holidays, and the kids may be busy with projects, vocabulary lists, and papers, NOW is the time to book your getaway.
May I personally recommend:

The American Southwest: from Arizona (Phoenix and Tuscon are especially nice), to New Mexico (Santa Fe isn't warm, but it sure is pretty), to the beaches or deserts of Southern California, there is something for everyone.

The Colorado Rockies: Out of the mountains you will find the weather to be milder, and the days sunnier. If you are only skiing part of the time stay down in Boulder or go all the way up to Silverthorn or Frisco if you want to do a lot of skiing at Copper, Breckenridge, or Keystone. Don't miss the Denver Zoo, the Celestial Seasonings tour in Boulder, and the Coors Factory Tour in Golden.

Reliable Florida: Skip the mouse and try something different. You will find you and your family better rested when you are done. We especially enjoyed a stay on Anna Maria island and were blessed with warm weather and gulf water. There you can swim, beach snorkel (no coral), explore Tampa Bay(and the Devil Rays if you are late enough, and go south to the manatee rescue center.

For more information and other ideas check out the article at about.comhttp://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/springbreakbook.htm

Robinhood Free Meetinghouse in Georgetown Maine Freezes!

2005-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Imagine my surprise this morning when my Google Alerts showed up in my inbox with something about Robinhood Free Meetinghouse restaurant in Georgetown Maine. For anyone who has never been to midcoast Maine, never mind Georgetown ME, this little restaurant in a historic meeting house, on a little island (connected by bridges), is a bit obscure - but highly praised by food critics and guests alike. Apparently, they have started selling a "famous" item - frozen. Check it out at boston.com . Want to taste these pastries in person and experience traditional Maine? Plan your stay for this summer now at Mussel Cove vacation rental in Georgetown.

Copper Mountain Skiing and Lodging, Colorado

2005-12-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

I've been skiing at Copper Mountain in Colorado for 19 years (exactly on 12/26) - even met my husband there on that date. Last week, however, was the first time I've actually stayed in any on mountain lodging. It'll be the last as well!

We keep going back to Copper for many reasons:
-it's near my brother's home in Frisco
-it is a big mountain with lots of terrain at all levels
-we can ski cheaper there than anywhere in California if we plan ahead

I rented a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo from Copper Mountain Lodging, "silver level" at Union Creek (the west side of the resort). It was a little over $2000 for 6 nights of lodging, and 7 days of "free" Beeline lift tickets for 2 adults and 2 kids. Copper only guarantees the level (silver) of lodging, and supposedly the general location. Now I know why...

After arriving several hours late on a packed United flight from Orange County to Denver, getting a Cadillac that was supposed to be a SUV (without ski racks) from Budget for $100 more than we were supposed to pay, driving through horizontal snow for 2 hours, picking up skis at Virgin Island Rentals($128 for 5 days boots & skis for 2 kids & 1 adult), stopping for dinner at my sister-in-law's, we finally arrived at the Copper lodging desk around 10:30pm.

Apparently there was just one "silver" unit left open just for us, and it couldn't have been in a worse location! The only set of condos across the main street at Copper was supposedly only 3 minutes form Union Creek lifts, and 5 minutes (walking in ski gear of course) from the American Flyer lift. They must have measured their time in running gear in the summer, without skis or kids! The shuttle no longer stops anywhere but the shuttle stops, which were nearly as far as the lifts...We complained, but the only alternatives were further away from the beginner slopes we needed for my youngest, and $100 more, and a "bronze" instead of silver level of quality. Sometimes the known evil is better than the unknown?!

Gripe #1: bad location
Gripe #2: garage door broken, no opener
Gripe #3: stained carpets, stained furniture, broken furniture
Bonus #1: spacious 3 level condo, with bonus den in the kids suite
Bonus #2: awesome mountain views
Gripe #4: broken blinds, broken security lock, funky heat, no wood, no matches

Did I mention that this turned out to be a privately owned vacation rental, operated by Copper Mountain lodging / Club Intrawest? No? I didn't know it was privately owned when I rented it...why is this important? I own 3 vacation rentals myself, and know what to look for and what to ask. I would have stayed in Frisco only a 5-10 minute drive away had I understood what was happening - classic bait and switch in the usually honest property management and vacation rental business. One of the first things that a traveler should look for in a condo or vacation rental is that they are guaranteed a specific unit. A company's failure to do so is either an indication that all units are identical (which is fine and what we thought we were getting) or that the units vary considerably and they are just guaranteeing you a place to stay...Privately owned vacation rentals are often the best places you could ever ask to stay, but shame on me for not asking if these were company owned or privately owned! This particular unit was showing some serious wear & tear. Learn from my mistake :)

We spent nearly a week skiing at Copper with the best early season skiing we've experienced in nearly 20 years. We even had the pleasure of 12 fresh inches of snow and fantastic ski lessons for our youngest. The view from our unit "Beeler Place Townhomes" was breathtaking.

If your vacation travel plans include Copper Mountain, Colorado, VacationMamma says:

rent a home or condo in Frisco or Silverthorne (try Great Rentals or Value Vacation Rentals, instead of on the mountain. The shuttle service comes every 30 minutes, or you can park and take the Copper shuttles. The accomodations are likely to be more affordable, and the location more reliable.
If you insist on staying at Copper: book early (September for December), book a "gold" level condo, book in Center Village.
Four Passes, inexpensive season passes, and ski/stay combos are plentiful for skiing before Christmas - just start visiting their site in September. Four days of great skiing can be had for less than $100.
Make sure your car rental paperwork says "ski racks guaranteed".
Stop in at Virgin Island Ski Rentals (800) 525-9186, 241 Summit Pl, Silverthorne, CO 80498, for great ski and board rentals.

Welcome to Real Vacations and Travel with VacationMamma

2005-12-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the vacation and travel blog that has been long in coming, and even longer in my brain. I've wanted to share/write travel tips and stories since 1989 and now is finally the time. Buckle up, hop in, and enjoy the ride, or flight as it may be!