Let the kids help!

Picture this: beautiful countryside, breathtaking adventures around every corner and just off to the side- there's you 12year old playing Fruit Ninja on their tablet!

Sounds frustrating, but that's the reality of our high tech world. It takes more than natural beauty and wonder to get our kids hyped up for your vacation.

However, there is hope! There's a lot of ways to get your children more involved in your next trip. Planning for a family vacation should be a whole-family process. Not only will it excite them for the coming adventure, it's a great life skill for when their out wandering on their own. So bring on the lil' vagabonds and let's get to it!

Step 1. Create the itinerary

I know this might be harder with the young ones, but it's important to be fair. You need to hit something for everyone and while you might know all there is to see in Washington D.C., the kids don't. So rent some travel DVDs or look up a few episodes of your favorite travel show. Personally, I'm a huge fan of Samantha Brown and she's done it all- Weekends in  your favorite US locales, European hotspots, even trips to central and South America!

Once the kids know what there is to see, have them create a list of their top 5 ( less if you're only going for a few days). Build your itineraries around these Must Do's. This way, everyone feels there's something for them.

Tip: If you find overlap: everyone wrote down "Go to the zoo"- add it to the itinerary, but still find a unique item on each kids list. It's says to that child "hey, this moment on the trip is all about you!" That's an awesome feeling for kids.

Tip: So you've got a teenager. - sigh- It happens to the best of them... Actually, it happens to all of them, sadly! And you've watched to videos, read the travel books, looked up all the Must Sees and they still don't have an item for the list? Get creative! Online research some bizarre or high tech tourist options. Maybe find the hottest, most hip restaurant in town- where their favorite actor eats"like all the time!" In short, con them! ;)

Step 2. Start a Countdown. This works great with younger kids. Create something visual that you can make a big ceremony of by ripping of each day. With the older ones, you might want to go high tech again. I use an app with built-in reminders for my trips. This might not be the exact thing your teen needs, but there are several count down apps to choose from.

This could be any iconic shape: Big Ben, The Space Needle, St. Louis Arch... Be creative!

Step 3. Save for Souvenirs. With little ones this might be harder or if you have an allowance set up. But if you create "piggy bank" type saving options for the kids that let them know all that money is money they can spend on the trip! For whatever they want!! It's a lot of freedom and a great way to build your trip up.

Tip: beware the teenager! Let them know that this fund is for fun on the trip. Just because they saved $40 in their fund does not mean that they can spend it on iTunes or apps. This is for something to remember the trip by!

Step 4. Make travel kits. Again, more for the little ones here; but if you're road trippin' it's a must! I suggest a combination of old and new. Make sure you take the security blanket or Mr. Stuffington, but also include new coloring books or trip specific bingo. If you're driving along Route 66, there are going to be things that you can only see there!

Tip: Target has $1 spot and there are some great options for creating an awesome Travel Kit!

Also: http://thefrugalgirls.com/2012/05/free-printable-travel-bingo-pages.html

Step 5. Relatable Vacation Reading. Some school assign summer reading lists -and you're welcome to go off of that when helping your kids find something for your trip. However, if you don't have a book picked out I suggest finding something that matches your destination! Actually, I do this for myself pretty often. I read Dan Brown's DaVinci Code right before going to Paris and it really added a cool layer to the sights I was seeing!

Step 6. Limit the technology. I'm not saying they can't keep their iPod or cell phone, but there's no reason they need their Laptop, SD, cell phone, iPod, tablet, Ereader, and portable DVD player... I say 1. And don't let me trick you! If one is taking their laptop and another wants the portable DVD player, but they each NEED their phones... They are playing you!

Step 7. Packing. Again, this is a bigger deal for the little kids... Then again, if you remind your teenager that these will be the pictures you're tagging them in on Facebook or Twitter- I bet that will get them REALLY involved! Just make sure you're monitoring, last thing you want is little Bobby packing all his awesome Dino tees and no undies.

Step 8. Prep the pets. If you're taking them with you, great! Let the kids help you pack their things. If they are getting a sitter, let the kids help you outline a schedule for them. If they are going to a Pet hotel, let the kids know what Fido is going to do on his own vacation!

Tip: make it fun, if you can! Maybe work out a doggy photo shoot where he spends a day at the spa or something equally funny. The kids will love to see that the dog was enjoying himself while all those pesky humans were away!

Step 9. Talk to the Teachers. If you are pulling them out for a day or two, it's not the end of the world. But by letting the teachers know, they might be able to assign something more interesting than the regular homework! Teachers are the most creative people I know, so give them a chance and they'll probably make your life a little easier.

Step 10. This is the last one: Give each person a job. Something to be responsible for throughout the trip! Maybe someone loads the suitcases every time. Or someone is in charge of the gps. Growing up, I like to be in charge of picking the lunch location! I'd spend at least an hour looking for every rest stop I thought would work. It was fun.

My final tip: research, Research, RESEARCH! You know your family better than anyone. Find the things you know are your style and be ready to make these the trips they talk about with their kids some day! 

Good luck and watch out for the teenagers... They're everywhere!!!!!

Where to spend those extra $$$$ on a cruise!

With my cruise on the calendar next fall I've been thinking on that oh-so important concept: BUDGET. Usually I find cruises to be an amazing deal and this one will be no different. However, once I add in airfare I'm getting very close to being outside my comfort level. Still, that's why I'm looking into it now. It will require savings and I need to start today.

So where will I cut back?

Probably in airfare (monitor for te best deal)

Where will I splurge?

I ran across this article online that suggested the following as the best options for areas to splurge on your next cruise:

1. Specialty Dining- Each ship has at least one signature dining experience on board. A survey of experienced cruisers (10 or more sailings) showed that budgeting for one meal out was well worth the cost.

2. Early Boarding- This option allows you on the boat prior to your cabin's availability. You'll still have to kill time, but on the ship that is much easier that in the harbor port. Some cruise companies offer unique experiences during this time. For example, Royal Caribbean usually offers free lessons on table games in their casinos during Early boarding hours.

3. Group Photos- If you are traveling with several different cabins or your cruise has more that 3 ports, this is a great deal! By paying a flat rate you receive all the pictures you're included in for the whole cruise.

4. Beverage Packages- From sodas to wine pairings, there are usually several types of beverage packages. The ship usually has a vast selection of wine, so the quality is guaranteed.

5. Laundry Service- Believe me, well worth the cost and the space it will save you in your suitcase! If you're cruising for more than 4nights, pay the fee!

Now I think for my trip I will be choosing laundry and a beverage package. If my flight works out to arriving EARLY, then maybe the boarding as well. We'll have to wait and see how this works into the budget.

More to come!

~Greet

Decision Made

Well thanks for all the feed back! I loved some of the private messages. The votes were pretty much all for Manchu Pichu, completely understandable! I really considered it for a while. Then I received a message from my good friend, the Kiwi (bird, not fruit). She let me know that she was going to be in the SoCal region in late February for a wedding. This lead to some chatting amongst my friends who also work for the Mouse-- We're going to Disneyland!
I've never been, so I find this very exciting! But not to worry, this means I'll get to take a few other trips throughout the year. No way is my best friend Daniel going to let me get out of diving that easily! So here are my thoughts on 2014 so far:

February 16th-20th: California

• Disneyland for atleast 2 days.
• Maybe rent a car and visit Yosemite or Wine Country.
• Maybe cross the boarder into Mexico.

Early June: The Florida Keys

• Diving/Snorkling with Daniel
• Chillin' with my friend Lexi on her dad's boat.
• Enjoying the local food.

September or October: Cruise through the Caribbean

• Possible locations: Belize, Honduras,  Eastern Caribbean
• Definitely Royal Caribbean- NO CARNIVAL or Disney(which location-wise is limiting).
• Going to hit at least 2 new countries on this cruise.--- can't forget to work towards my 30 by 30 goal!

Unknown: Kansas

• I have to get home some time this year!

So that's how things stand. You'll be seeing a lot of planning going on soon. Especially for the California trip! I'm not sure who all will be going with me, but as it currently stands: Holly, Kristen, and Bret (Kristen and Bret are my roommates). It should be a good time, but I'm nervous- See next post to understand why ;)
Safe Travels!
~Greet

10 Signs that you're not the perfect match for your travel partner.

I have done a lot of solo travel in my adulthood (note that I use that term lightly since I often still consider myself a child at the approaching age of 27), so when friends started to suggest and plan trips with me I was EXTREMELY nervous. I'm not an easy person to travel with. It was one of my biggest fears that I would come across as a "know-it-all" because I love to research my locations, or that my "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" attitude would be hard for people to handle.

For the most part, my fears were unjustified. My friends are well aware of my personality and while that may be amplied in high-stress situations, they seemed to be fine with me for the most part. However this list below is something that I have experienced first hand while traveling. Check it out:

1. Budgets Don't Match-

      Easiest solution is to just have the frank discussion. Set limits and decide what you would be willing to splurge on and what you'd like to hold back on.

2. Your Planning Styles Don't Match-

      Let everyone be as much a part of it as they want to! The solution I've finally worked out for my crew is for everyone to write out a top 5 musts and then build an itinery from that.

3. Dining Tastes Don't Match-

      Basically it comes to which would you rather have: complaining and multiple bathroom breaks OR a balance to unique and safe. With food you can't push people, they systems might not handle the change well. That being said, there is no reason to live of MacDonald and KFC the whole trip!

4. Conflicting Sleeping Habits-

      Schedules help to force this lazybones out of bed and keep those early risers from complaining about having to wait.

5. Opposite Activity Levels-

      Again a top 5 list will help you balance these.

6. Extroverts vs. Introverts-

      Be respectful to your introverts, but don't let a great connect slip by!

7. You're Not Both Road-Warriors-

       Have this discussion when making the itinery, as well as the sleep schedule discussion. They go hand in hand.

8. Dissimilar Interests-

      That top 5 list will sort all of that!

9. Your views on tourist attractions vary-

       Balance. Also, some things can't be missed! I hate the Eiffle tower, but I definitely have a photo of me "climbing" it through corny forced perspective! Some cheesy is a good thing ;)

10. One of you loves the nightlife the other prefers a quiet night at the resort-

      Agree that this will not be a nightly event. There's a balancing act and if you're dealing with opposite personalities you have probably had this discussion before on a Friday night a home! Use those interactions as a good base for your planning.

So even though I have experience almost every one of these and they were very challenging, I want to STRESS to you that nothing is more important than experiencing something completely new with your friends! Just go into your tip knowing that things might be rough, but they'll definitely be worth it.

Safe Travels,

~Greet

Planning for 2014

As the new year is on quick approach my company is calling for our vacation day bids. This means I need to start planning!!! I hadn't really give much thought to when and where before joining the Real World's workforce. My lifestyle is more a live life as it comes type. Never the less, I LOVE to plan and you all get the joys of my decision making process.

Considerations:

1. A very large trip towards the end of the year, after saving as much as possible!
         Possible Locations-

Manchu Pichu, Peru

Melody Cave, Scotland

2. Two more affordable trips to closer, yet still exotic destinations!
         Possible Locations-

Wreck Diving, Bonaire

Turks and Caicos

3. Disneyland for a few days in February and then weekend trips every other month to places within 10hrs of central Florida.
          Possible Locations-

Atlanta, GA

Savannah, GA

The Keys, FL

St. Augustine, FL

Ok, I'm going to need some feed back. Help me out here. I have to make my decision before the 22nd of this month... which is really flippin' soon!

~Greet

Planning for the NBA

With a title like that I'm not talking about basketball! Its all about the Next Big Adventure. I've got 2 lined up for next year. It's going to be a pricey year, but I'm watching the web and hoping to snag some good deals too.

The first NBA is coming my way next Febuary. I'm heading downunder, Mate! Flights from the US can cost anywhere from $1500 to $2300, so you have to keep a close eye on them. Also, since I'm visiting friends I should have free housing... althought I've been considering getting them both to just hop on a cruise with me. I love big cruising! The downside is that it really sets your flight dates to more expensive days. Unfortunately, I am somewhat resigned to the cost of this trip. There's just no way to travel all the way around the world and have it NOT cost you an arm and a leg. And while I'm excited to see my pals, it's the 2nd NBA that really exciteds me.
This trip is all for me! I'll be traveling back to Venice to catch a cruise that I've been dreaming about for the last 4 years:  7 Night Greek Isles & Turkey Cruise The itinerary is so perfect, you would think that I planned the whole thing ;) Just kidding, but it really is a dream cruise for me. Croatia, Turkey, and several ports in Greece?! Motherload doesn't even begin to describe it. Who knows, I might even splurge and pay for one of the ship's excursions... probably not! I love planning my own.
2014 is going to be the year of travel for me. I plan to change companies and move in the process, this will hopefully result in more financial stability! I'm hoping that will mean that I will have more time to dedicate to my passions.

Travel On, my friends!
~Greet

Annual Campout Cancellation

It has been the tradition of the last 6... Holy cow, 7!!! years that my college buddies and I meet for our annual campout. Normally it's nothing special- Just driving down to Wilson Lake in the middle of Kansas and enjoy a weekend of grilling, fishing, roasting, and campfire talk. It's so relaxing even though it always rains. Once we decided to get fancy and drove to Santa Fe, where one of us was participating in an internship and we camped in the mountains.
Sadly, this year I have neither the funds or the time to get back to Kansas. We exhausted every option searching for a way to keep the magic going another year- I fly into Denver, we camp the Rockies. I fly into KC, we camp the Ozarks. I fly into Cheyanne, we camp... in a field. Some were more desirable than others. But try as we might, we just couldn't make it work- sorry Tim Gun!

So now you're asking yourself, why do I care? How could she possibly think this would be interesting to her readers?! STOP WASTING OUR TIME! Well calm down everybody! Geez, I'm getting there.

In all my research, I came across some pretty amazing camping locations! Today, I'm going to share my top 5 from my research. I had never even heard of a few of these.
1.  Lake McConaughy, Nebraska- From what I've read, I'd say that Eagle Canyon Hideaway is the best area to camp. It's tucked away on the south side of the lake. The place is the cleanest, friendliest, great food, and cute log cabins according to the reviews. But it was the pictures that won me over!

2. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida- I had read an article on this place months ago and thought it sounded amazing. Now the more research I've done, the more I can't wait to see it for myself. Few visitors to Key West take the ferry 70 miles to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Even fewer camp under the stars next to historic Fort Jefferson. Those who do are rewarded with world-class snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife watching and an island almost all to themselves.

3. Limekiln State Park, New York-  The park features breataking views of the Big Sur Coast, the beauty of the redwoods, the rugged coast and the cultural history of limekilns. The park has 28 campsites. Hike half a mile through fragrant redwoods to four kiln towers, adjacent by a stream.

4. Ouray, Colorado- I've camped here before. The local KOA is a great option, but so are any of the area's campgrounds. If you're looking for action and adventure this is the area for you. Take a jeep off-roading on some of the coolest trails ever. If the season is right you can even cross right over the mountains and into Telluride. I did that once... scared the crap out of me! I actually made my dad let me out so I could walk part of the way- Did I mention I hate hights?

5. Jenny Lake Campground, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming- The Grand Tetons are some of the most beautiful landscapes the Rockies ever shaped and Jenny Lake is the best place to see them! Pitch a tent near the lake at the base of the Teton Range and close to Yellowstone National Park. Take the short, shaded uphill hike to 200-foot Hidden Falls.

Yet after all this research I still can't go camping... I'll probably suffer some major withdrawl. Look out everyone!
Happy Travels
~Greet

Planning your own excursion

Recently I've done a lot of research into Day Trips and Excursions for my upcoming trip to Italy. These are a great way to see more of a country without have to live out of a suitcase (not that I mind that at all!) However, sometimes it is better economically or personally (like if you're traveling with kids) to find a central location and explore the areas one day at a time.
Now you can buy day trips and tours if you're in a popular destination and visiting another popular area. These can vary in price and quality. The more a company tries to squeeze into a day, the less enjoyable the experience will likely be. Take my advice and never try for more than 4 stops in a tour.

After you decide that you want to plan you excursion on your own, the next most important thing is to identify what are your main attractions for the day. This is entirely dependent on the type of traveler you are. I recommend take the quiz I previously posted on this blog. It will help you pinpoint sites that you may want to research more.

No matter what kind of person you are, I would stick with this formula: 3 sites+1 dining option= successful Day Trip. It doesn't matter which meal of the day your choose, but it tends to usually be lunch. I know my tastes on attractions tends to lean towards 1 Historical Site, 1 Local Experience, and 1 Natural Site. I love Museums, but I often have them as a rainy day back up plan. I don't like to spend too long in one place during an excursion and sometimes you can really get lost in those museums.
So let me give you an few examples from my up-coming trip~

Rome in a day-
       Historical Site-  Of course it's going to be the Colosseum! It's only a 20minute walk from the train station!
        Natural Site- Well, we'll be walking through Parco del Colle Oppio to the train station from the Colosseum. I also really want to see the Trevi Fountain- I know it's not natural, but it is a water feature.
        Local Experience- Holly would like to see the Vatican City, so we most likely will try for that. I personally would like to find a street market. I've read so many good things about Campo dei Fiori Market and it's on the way back from Vatican City to the Colossuem.
        Dining- I'm a wander at heart, so I like to let the city tell me. I may ask a local around lunch time it there is a good place in my path. The locals always know.
So there it is. Via walking the whole circut takes less than 2 hours. If I get a metro pass for the day I can make the connections in half that time! Check out that route: Here
See how simple that was?! Now the hard part- budgetting. The train ticket from Pisa is 65EU rt., Colossuem entry is 15.50EU, and Vatican City is free to enter with a musuem fee of up to 16EU depending on the access you're interested. Add in lunch and a little shopping we're looking at 120EU each. Not bad for such a BIG location.

Let's try this again.

Florance-
This one is harder, because the sites are less known- yet easier, because of a beautiful tool called City Spy Maps! You can print one out or just use the online view for planning. I like to pick one up when I get to a city because they're usually bigger and easier to read.
       Dining- We're going to have a longer day on this excursion because it's closer to Pisa, so chances are we'll eat twice on this trip. I'm big about breakfast in the apartment which means lunch and dinner in town. The Spy map has several listings and I like the look of the Sunday Brunch at Meykadeh!
       Natural Site- Piazza Michelangelo is said to have the most beautiful view of the Florance Skyline, so we're going to try that hike.
       Local Experience- Verabis Vintage is this hidden maze of rugs, pottery, and mirrors. This market will be a place to get lost in.
       Historical Site- Baptistry of St. John displays these huge bronzed doors- The Gates of Paradise that took over 21years to complete. We also might take some time to visit a musuem- Pitti Palace, but we probably won't get through it all!
Budget: Rail tickets estimated at 30EU rt, dining at about 30EU total, and the musuem is only 8.50EU. So less than 70EU!

Italy 2013

14 Days, that's the current count down. I'm getting very excited and I wanted to post the current schedule of events. My original fight plan has changed, as have my housing arrangements. So here's the deal... e-o:

This is my friend Paddy-

She and I met in an Acting Class in college back in 2006. She's German and was the one who helped me move to Europe as an Au Pair. It was her idea! She is getting married! To a wonderful man that she has been dating since she went back to Germany in 2007.

My dad use to be stationed in Italy under the U.S. Coast Guard and doesn't trust his daughter to those wild Italian men, so I'm not allowed to go alone to the wedding. That's where Holly comes in!
This is Holly-

We met a year ago when I moved to Florida. She is a wonderful person who shares my love for adventure and travel. She lived in the south of France as a young child for 2yrs or so and has been to Italy many times, but remembers very little of it. She has agreed to be my bodygaurd from the evils of Italian seducers! ;)

Tues. 6/25- Leave MCO at noon, with a layover in JFK. Final Destination: Pisa
Wed. 6/26- Arrive Pisa at 8am and meet Apartment leaser (Check out our awesome vacation rental!) Spend the rest of the day exploring Pisa
Thurs. 6/27- Day Trip: Rome
Fri. 6/28- Tuscany and meeting up with Paddy to assist with last minute wedding details.
Sat. 6/29- Wedding in Lari.
Sun. 6/30- Daty Trip: Florence
Mon. 7/01- Leave Pisa around 9am, another layover in JFK and arrive in Orlando 7pm

Short, but sweet! Plus experiencing life achievements with close friends! So exciting.

Travel Bucket List

My parents have raised me with the belief that setting goals is the best way to measure personal growth. So I've developed multiple lists over time of places I want to go and events I dream of witnessing. Here are my current 10 tens!

Places I Will Go
1. Greece
2. Croatia
3. Cambodia
4. Peru
5. New Zealand
6. Australia
7. Japan
8. China
9. Egypt
10. Morocco

Events To Experience
1. The Floating Lantern Festival in Taiwan
2. Carnival in Venice
3. Taste of Chicago
4. Burning Man in Nevada
5. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
6. La Tomatina, Spain
7.  New York Film Festival
8. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival, Scotland
9. Sandfest, Port Aransas, Texas
10. Obon Fesitval, Japan
I'd also like to go to the Olympics, but not in Brazil so I have to wait another 8 years!

So... where would you like to go?

Rental Cars

I've rented cars in both Europe and Central America. Neither has been an enjoyable process, but to get the most experiences out of certain locations you sometimes can't void the pains. OR if you're traveling in a larger party, it is sometimes more economical to rent a car. Just beware, there are so many hidden fees with car rental. Budget Travel posted a great article about it, but those are just a few. Here are the ones that I had to learn the hard way!
Filling the Tank: In the U.S. we sure complain about the price of fuel, but let me assure you that we are better off than our European counterparts! On my Euro-Road Trip this past summer we spent more that 800EUROS in gas. It was unexpected and in the end, we wished we would have saved the money and each bought a rail-pass instead.
G.S.P Fee: This is the same everywhere, but in the U.S. I would never have thought of NEEDING a GSP. I'm pretty handy with a map, so I'm usually replying on those skills. However, in countries where I can't read the road signage as well, I have splurged on a G.P.S.- splurged being the operative word!
Like I previously stated, sometimes the need for a car is unavoidable, but here are some interesting alternatives. No matter where you travel, local or abroad beware of the hidden fees of the rental car!

6 Tips for traveling with children

Encourage Their Inner Explorer. Safety may always come first, but you're not traveling far and wide just to put the kibosh on adventure. FamilyTravel.com's O'Rourke Hayes recommends, "While invoking proper safety measures, encourage your young travelers to engage his or her natural curiosity, push their own boundaries, and take increasing responsibility. This is the best way for you and your child to maximize learning along the way." And learning is exactly what family travel is all about—for parent and child.

Pack Smart. Be choosy about what comes along, and remember that sometimes the simplest thing is the biggest lifesaver; Dubrow always brings blue painter's tape to use for everything from making a track for toy cars to baby-proofing. Another one of her favorite items is a CARES harness (she owns two), which weighs just 1 pound and lets you buckle a young child into an airplane seat without bringing along a bulky car seat. 

Under-plan. Let "under-plan" be your family's one-word travel mantra. Candyce H. Stapen, a family-travel author and producer of the FamilyiTrips series of mobile apps, says to forget about doing it all: "It's not how much of a destination you see, but how much you and your kids enjoy the sites together. That special museum won't engage your grade-schooler if it's the fourth facility toured that day. Allow time for the serendipitous."
Mom-of-three Debbie Dubrow of DeliciousBaby.com adds, "Sometimes it can be difficult to just let things unfold naturally, but the time you spend in local playgrounds or at the market picking up a snack often helps connect you more deeply to the place you are visiting."

Get them involved. From planning to packing, your kids' participation is key, says Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, editor of FamilyTravel.com and family travel columnist with the Dallas Morning News. The mom of three sons recommends encouraging children to help research family-friendly activities, giving them a map so they get a sense of where they're going, and creating a list from which they can pack their own clothes and carry-on. "The more the kids are involved," she says, "the deeper the memory."
 

Nothing passes time like a nap. There was recently an article on Budget Travel about tricks to help kids fall asleep.

Check in with your child's teacher. One great part about traveling during the school year with young children is that a week of missed preschool or kindergarten isn't going to derail their academic careers. Still, communicate to the child what your plans are, and find out if your child might do a special show-and-tell presentation with a favorite souvenir when she returns.

If you're looking for more tips from experienced parents, check out this Blog.