Recently read an article on the 10 Best Family Travel Destinations in the U.S. We’ve been to many of them and they were awesome. But, I wonder how many families ponder, “Is this all there is?” In our travels (5,000 places and counting), we’ve unexpectedly discovered many places along the way that hold as many memorable stories as the popular destinations. Examples:
1. Williamsburg vs. the resort properties nearby full of kid-centered activities.
2. Kings Island Amusement Park, Cincinnati vs. the only authentically built medieval castle in the United States by a creek just outside of the park.
3. Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky vs. the land of mega indoor waterparks down the street and the fascination learning about the quirky habits of a young genius, Thomas Edison, born in the little town of Milan, Ohio just 20 miles away.
4. Disneyworld vs. the adventures of Hot Air Ballooning over Disney, indoor skydiving or even air boating past alligators!
5. Hershey World vs. the numerous chocolate and pretzel factories dotting the surrounding countryside.
6. Dollywood vs. a cabin and hike in the woods.
7. Washington D.C. vs. crabbing in Maryland or a scavenger hunt in Alexandria.
8. Virginia Beach vs. crossing the Chesapeake Bridge underwater tunnel on a drive to the land of Chincoteague Ponies.
9. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan vs. the thrill of plowing a dune buggy down a dune hill…fast!
10. Chicago city lights vs. the cheese factories of Wisconsin or riding the old wagon roads with pioneers heading west.
So, how do you try to find these unique experiences when planning your next trip? Trying to find it all on Internet Blogs? Experiencing unorganized information overload?
It’s weird. It’s true. And now, it’s red, white, and blue! Explore wacky wonders, facts, stats, tidbits, and trivia about America’s 50 states and territories.
Did you know that there is a floating post office in Michigan? The streetlights on Hershey, PAs Chocolate Avenue are shaped like Hershey kisses? On full moon nights, a moonbow appears at KYs Cumberland Falls? Or a leaning tower of Pisa Water Tower in IL? Maybe you’d be amazed to discover that the ink used to print U.S. paper money is magnetic?
Take a tour through the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America and encounter all kinds of bizarre people, places, events, and things that make our country great. And the best part, many of these geographical facts are listed in KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guidebooks as places you can visit and see for yourself!
For some, big vacations are the way to celebrate spring break with a bang but for others, time and finances may make that type of trip impossible. Regardless, here are a few tips on how you can make the most of school breaks no matter your schedule or budget!
Be a Hometown Tourist Many residents don’t take the time to visit all the landmarks and attractions that their hometown is famous for. Make like a tourist and visit a popular monument, a local museum or sporting event. Often, there are outdoor festivals celebrating some fun local foods. Sometimes a stay-cation is all you need to recharge 😉
Sleep Away Go online and find a reasonably priced hotel in your own city, book a room for a night or two and go. Since your stay will be short, you can even splurge and go for that five star hotel that you have always wanted to visit. Enjoy the luxuries of room service and all the amenities, such as the pool and jacuzzi. The kids can swim to their hearts content while you lounge or enjoy a favorite treat.
Take a Hike! Find a nearby nature preserve or mountain with marked hiking trails. Grab your walking shoes, backpack, water bottle and get moving. Make the most of the sun and warm weat her or clean spring air by taking in all that nature has to offer. Pack a lunch and make a day out of it.
Day Tripping Plan to do something fun for the day. Look up towns and landmarks that are up to 2 hours away so you can make it up and back comfortably with time to explore. You’d be surprised how even being 30 minutes outside of the city can feel like being a world away 😉
Weekend Getaway Plan ahead to take the whole weekend off and devote it to your family. Explore as far as you can for as long as you can. Camping is also a great, affordable weekend trip that gets you away from the big city stress and in touch with nature.
Get Creative No matter what you do this break, get out there and do something! Make some family travel memories, explore your world and enjoy the leisure of school breaks while you can.
A little Frazzled? Busy? Have a Free Weekend coming up but no time to plan it? Kids Love Travel Family Guides to the rescue! We’ve already surveyed all the kid-friendly attractions and organized them for you to plan day trips and getaways…on a budget.
Some examples: Reindeer Ranch, Potato Chip Factory, Dog Sledding, Dune Buggies, Indoor SkyDiving, Duck Boating, Pizza Factories, Toy Factories, Recording Studios, Covered Wagons, Skipjack Boating, Dairy or Fish Farms, Making Baskets, Boats, and Carousel Creatures, Air Boating, Crabbing, Money Making, Cheese Making, Pretzels, Pottery, Baseball Bats & Bees, Ice Cream Factories and all the Candy Factory sampling you can bear. Where are the best burgers? the biggest toasted cheese sandwiches? The sweetest peaches or the greatest “foamed” root beer?
HAVE A TRAVELING MOM/DAD, TEACHER OR FRIEND ON YOUR GIFT GIVING LIST?
If they like exploring hidden gems near large cities – that’s what KIDS LOVE TRAVEL is all about
– hundreds of fun stops and unique spots around favorite destinations.
In each KIDS LOVE TRAVEL guide, you get ORGANIZED ideas for EASY family travel—from no hassle quick trips to unique vacation add-ons...with FREE things mixed in!
I just read a post from another blogger titled: Why I think the Kindle (and other readers) isn’t ready for e-books yet: http://bit.ly/KSTMa.
I, too have noticed too many people at airports trying to link to websites off Kindle with frustration. Wouldn’t you rather have a book highlighted to your tastes as a reference tool?
Hi-liter fun!
ESPECIALLY A FAMILY TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK. When you’re on the road, with kids, you need quick, easy “notes” and dog-eared pages to go to (in print book form) vs. trying to find a wireless cell and missing a bunch of hidden gems because you passed their exits.
What about you? Are you finding the more technology advances, the harder it is to stay focused?
Are you craving a SIMPLER life and wholesome family fun?
If you plan to drive on your next road trip, take along our travel tips to help kids work off some of that pent-up energy during the trip.
Besides using one of their guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.
PLAN 2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.
Know DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION before you leave. In addition to the site’s website, GPS are good resources for directions.
If in doubt, MAKE RESERVATIONS, especially for tours. Find out what is SUGGESTED TO WEAR, especially for factory or transportation tours. When in doubt, DRESS DOWN and DRESS IN LAYERS.
For the road, PACK SNACKS and BEVERAGES. Also, PACK TRAVEL GAMES & TOYS and plenty of TOILETRIES. Click on the graphics below for some great suggestions like Travel Bingo, Magnetic Games, and Invisible Ink Books.
If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/VCR unit
PLAN PICNICS along the way. (Allow time for a rural/scenic route to take advantage of free, clean picnic facilities).
Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING.
HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning state facts (people, places, history, etc) using fun and educational activity books found at many gift shops.
Gravitate to MUSEUMS that are HANDS-ON.
SOUVENIRS are fun for kids to pick out and keep as a MEMORY of your visit of favorite places. (They can even be practical, too!)
Moms everywhere are planning their family vacations for the year. Destination Toledo and Ohio State Parks are here to help mom out by providing a slew of great ideas for a family getaway to Northwest Ohio!
Start your journey at the Toledo Zoo (KIDS LOVE OHIO), one of the nation’s top-ranked zoos and the number one attraction in Toledo! Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa on the Safari Railway through a 5-acre African habitat teeming with giraffes, zebra and all the wilds of Africa. Grab lunch at the Carnivore Café before enjoying your whirlwind trip through the Arctic Encounter, Hippoquarium, Nature’s Neighborhood, Museum of Science and Aquarium…your journey is endless! The new aquarium was funded by locals, so it’s their pride and joy. I particularly loved that the zoo keeps many old structures and recycles them. For instance, the old lion and tiger cages are now the Carnivore Café – indoor seating in actual barred cages!
Take a break and relax with a view of the beautiful downtown Toledo skyline at one of several restaurants located at the Docks (22 Main Street, www.realseafoodcorestaurant.com). Enjoy the picturesque riverfront on the outdoor patio of Real Seafood for an afternoon nibble and a cold drink. They bring in fresh seafood from the Atlantic, Pacific and Great Lakes. Many rave about their crab cakes. I liked their selection of locally caught Perch or Walleye. Lunch runs $10-$13. Dinner runs about double. Entrees include two sides. I recommend you try their blue cheese vinaigrette coleslaw with any fish entrée. All kids meals include a beverage and the entrees (shrimp, burger, tenders, spaghetti, etc) run $5.95. On a nice day, try to get a patio seat. Really good view.
The fishing pier is tiered steps leading right into the water. Once you’re down in there, you escape the resort view and feel like you’re at a favorite fishing hole!
Get ready for some fun in the sun! Head out to the 1,850-acre Maumee Bay State Park (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 220) and play on the beach on the shores of Lake Erie. Rent a jet ski, kayak or a banana boat and venture out on the water. Take a nature walk on the marshland boardwalk teeming with wildlife, or bike along one of the winding trails with stunning views. Options include the Nature Center, geocaching, court sports, horseshoes, children’s activities, swimming (inside or out), hot tubs, children’s soft play area, fitness room, game room, corn-hole, shuffleboard, fishing, canoeing and paddle boating. And dad will love the 18-hole Scottish Links golf course!
Nature Center is very hands-on.
Indoor splash pad area.
A nice beach for swim and play.
After an afternoon of sun and fun, it’s time to check in at the Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center. Whether you opt for one of the fully-furnished cozy cottages, or select a loft-style room at the lodge, your stay is sure to be a delight. Simple furnishings for old-fashioned fun.
No need to leave the park for dinner! Water’s Edge Restaurant encompasses a breathtaking glass wrap-around view of Lake Erie with a variety of choices to suit every appetite. This is not your typical state park dining. The chef uses mostly local ingredients and prepares gourmet entrees that have appealing subtle look and flavor. If you’re there for brunch, it’s so diverse. Come hungry. After dinner, hang out at either the outdoor or indoor pool, or soak in the warmth of the relaxing whirlpool or sauna. Then, watch a feature movie inside or a bonfire and roast s’mores outside.
The ice cream shop was hopping! Veryyyy large portions!
A bonfire and smores – at dusk. Perfect ending to the day!
Moms everywhere are planning their family vacations for the year. Destination Toledo and Ohio State Parks are here to help mom out by providing a slew of great ideas for a family getaway to Northwest Ohio!
DAY ONE
First stop on our Playtime tour is an art museum? (Toledo Museum of Art, KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 219, FREE admission)
Probably my favorite space is the Glass Pavilion. The Glass Pavilion is—in itself—a work of art. All exterior and nearly all interior walls consist of large panels of curved glass, resulting in a transparent structure that blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. You are greeted by a clear glass “fish-looking” Chihuly sculpture and then drawn in further by the live glass-blowing artists at work.
Toledo’s newest attraction, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 216), reveals the haunting and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes that happen to make up 84 percent of the fresh surface water in North America. The main emphasis is on the new museum at the Toledo Maritime Center with a complete experience for visitors of all ages to include: original artifacts (some from horrific shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald); over 40 hands-on exhibits (for example: direct your own submersible through the wreckage of a lost freighter or keep your own ship afloat by operating a real bilge pump); the real life-size S.S. Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship sits outside the museum for touring; and for waterside wonderers – A beautifully landscaped 3.5 acre maritime-themed park.
Ever felt the whipping winds of a hurricane? Step inside the hurricane chamber at the brand new Imagination Station(KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 215) and your answer can be ‘Yes’. This brand new attraction promises to engage visitors of every age in a multi-sensory experience that’s as fun as it is educational. Defy gravity as you ride the High Wire Cycle, or bounce on the BOYO, a human YoYo. We especially liked the science experiments where it was “old-school” science museum – kids and parents helped make the tests work! I even beat my athlete son at the Pendulum Pull. Brains over Brawn…
Batter up! Family fun is waiting for you as the Toledo Mud Hens (KIDS LOVE OHIO pg 217) play ball at Fifth Third Field! Grab some popcorn, cotton candy and a cold drink and settle in to this unique ballpark situated in the historic downtown landscape of the Warehouse District. We love and support AAA ball…it’s so fan friendly for the price. Not only do you get to see MLB up n comers but it’s likely you’ll see major league stars playing off the dust during rehab. We liked the way this park was setup too. Any seat ticket holder can enter the Club Level Lounge to cool off, catch some stats from other games being played, or grab some upscale food that’s fairly priced.
With temperatures climbing, it is time to start enjoying summer vacations. Hospitality expert Sandy Chen, an associate professor in the Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism Program at Ohio University’s Patton College of Education, offers five travel tips on saving money while staying comfortable during summer travels.
TRAVEL TIP 1. Book accommodation with economy hotel chains. “By doing so, you not only get more value out of the money you pay for the room since these hotels normally offer free breakfast, WIFI, swimming pools and gym facilities, but you also accumulate loyalty points with these hotel chains, which you can use in the future for free or discounted rooms,” said Chen. “If you use a credit card that rewards ‘cash back upon purchases,’ you could save more for future use.”
TRAVEL TIP 2. Book accommodation one or two days before you check into a hotel. Chen explained, “Unlike the airline industry where you can receive low airfare if you book way ahead of time, the hotel industry plays the other way around. Studies on revenue management show that customers normally can get good deals with hotel room rates if they wait until the last minute. But make sure you do reserve a hotel room via phone or website before checking into the hotel. Normally the walk-in rates (without reservation) are the highest rates you could get. However, in the peak season, this might be somewhat risky since sometimes all your favorite hotel rooms could be sold out due to special events. This might mean you would not get the right hotel room in the right location.”
TRAVEL TIP 3. Check three major reservation outlets to compare rates and special offers. “Sometimes, travel reservations sites, including the hotel’s website, the hotel’s reservation staff at its physical location, and an online booking website like Expedia.com, offer different rates. When they do offer same rates, they might have different bonus offers, such as government rates, veteran discounts, and loyalty rewards,” advised Chen.
TRAVEL TIP 4. Book accommodation in suburban areas instead of urban areas. “Booking hotel accommodations in the suburbs, instead of urban areas, could mean saving several hundred dollars on one trip,” said Chen. “For instance, a hotel room in downtown Washington D. C. is much more expensive than one in the suburb Rockville, Maryland, which is only 35 minutes away by car to the capital city and may offer free shuttle service to and from the city and nearby areas.”
TRAVEL TIP 5. Consult customer reviews on hotels if you are interested in booking. “Websites, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia, have customer ratings of hotel facilities and service quality. Many of them give detailed descriptions of hotel experiences, which can help you decide the right hotel in which to stay,” said Chen.
About the expert: Sandy Chen, an associate professor in the Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism Program at Ohio University’s Patton College of Education, gained hospitality experience at a five star hotel in Beijing, China and at Walt Disney World in Orlando before deciding to continue her education. See her full biography here: https://www.ohio.edu/ucm/media/experts/ohioexpert.cfm?formid=1822088&pageid=2802315
Learn how to write your first book using the same steps a best-selling author did!
INTRO
Each year, dozens of folks I meet on tour share their desire to someday write and publish a journal, storybook or non-fiction book. No surprise as, statistically, 80% of people say they “have a book inside them.” The wanna-be authors are all ages – from middle elementary students to grandparents.
As the co-author of 16 books, people constantly ask me how I got started. More importantly, a lot of people out there wonder exactly how to write a book.
Their faces reveal the secret – what I call “THE ZONE.” Their passion for the subject of their book is THE ZONE. They care about the subject matter deeply. They are passionate about their topic and, my guess is, it will show in their writing.
BUT THE TRICK IS – How does an author get started? Don’t worry, this workbook will take you on Baby Steps to first build a chapter, then repeat the process with another chapter and, before you know it, you’ve got a book!
WRITING TO A PROMPT
Sometimes you can choose what you write about. Sometimes someone else picks the subject. I think you can actually do both when you are in the Zone. The Zone= your favorite things, people, places – the ones you’re really passionate about!
The exercises you will do to complete your first book are a series of prompts. They are formatted alongside the same types of prompts used in most State Writing Assessments in schools beginning in upper elementary school and continuing through ACT/SAT tests. Once you complete this workbook, you not only have your first “self-published” work but also great practice for tests you will have to take to be eligible for higher education!
Honestly, most writing is just expressing one focused thought – with a series of smaller supporting thoughts and a conclusion. Some writing can just be a series of individual paragraphs bunched under one topic (example: each KIDS LOVE TRAVEL chapter includes a series of maybe 50 individual reviews of places to visit located in ONE area region).
IDEA FACTORY
Ever hear of “writer’s block?” We all get it. Here’s what I’ve learned on how to “break the block” – tools I use with my kids, in workshops and with my own writing:
Search Google for topics you are interested in…all the time. Save articles or blog posts you think might work to stimulate your thoughts in your computer’s “FAVORITES” box for reference later. Or, if you’re a highlighter freak like me, print that great article and highlight the best points. Keep a Writer’s File folder of printed materials you’ve found along the way.
Subscribe to RSS Feeds of web blogs you find interesting. Browse around there for a little while and see what inspires you.
Browse magazines you subscribe to. They identify your interests and that’s probably what you’re going to write about. Tear out the pages that have good content, underline those facts, and then store in your Writers File folder.
Stop and think about the last fun activity you did.
Stop and think about the last person you talked to – meaningfully.
What is a question people often ask you? For example, “How do you make…?” or “Why don’t you get nervous when you…?”
Visuals. This is my favorite technique for getting over writer’s block! Go through scrapbooks or saved picture files. Maybe dig through knick-knacks and souvenirs. Most everyone has a story behind every award or trophy or funny thing on display in your bedroom. Bedroom walls are an Inspiration Zone, for sure!
MOVEMENT (or, actually getting words on paper)
Did you know the battle is half over? If you think writing is hard, it is. When you think writing is telling people about your favorite ideas, it becomes easy. You’ve already come up with ideas AND the topic is in your ZONE. That’s the power source. Now, tap that fountain in your head and just start jotting things down. We’ll have lots of time to revise and organize later. Better to start with a lot and then whittle out the fluff later.
EDITING
Write shorter sentences. Write shorter paragraphs. If necessary, change long sentences to two sentences or one connected with semicolons. You make your point quicker and prevent readers from losing interest or, worse yet, falling asleep!
Reduce redundancy and trim unnecessary words. Don’t overuse words like: “like”, pretty, really, fun, cool, and very. Use your Thesaurus to find new words that better express your thoughts!
Use description and details vs. ramblings about nothing. Your first book is meant to teach or inspire the reader. Add those marvelous personal triumphs or failures to your writing. Pepper it with adjectives that replace “wordiness.”
Use short words instead of long words. This project book is not formal writing. Using words such as utilize (vs. use) or presently (vs. now), for example, making the writing too serious and lose the personality of your writing.
Typos really mess with today’s reader’s trust in your work. Use a spell-check program but then have someone read your work for correctly spelled words, just used incorrectly (ex. There vs. their).
FINAL THOUGHTS
Value the ideas more than the format, the sharing more than the editing. As you move through these exercises, the writing car will have enough fuel and move easier – you just might enjoy the ride!
PUBLISHING
Now that you’ve finished the “guts” of your mini-book…it’s on to publishing your work. First, you’ll want to form:
A copyright page using that lovely little insignia. Anyone can copyright their work by using this icon as identification.
A table of contents
A biography page
Design a front and back cover (full color – your best quality pictures or graphics go on the cover)
Add pictures to the essay writings (if you haven’t already)
Once you have those materials, you can publish your first book. First, convert your Word files to Adobe PDF files. Now, publish your book (to be seen by the public) using one of three formats:
Print the entire work plus the cover. Staple your printed copy together in order. Or, paste your pages into a scrapbook of your choice. Decorate the pages, if you like. Share a copy with friends and family or give it away as a gift.
Start your own free Web blog page (using wordpress.org) and paste your work into individual blog posts over time. You may have to copy/paste the Word files vs. the PDF files, depending on what format is acceptable to your blog format. Keep a separate My Pictures file (with any pictures, diagrams, etc. you’ve created for your book). Use that file to browse from when you click “Add Photos” to your blog posts.
Publish the PDF files as an e-book or print book on KDP.com. Amazon’s Kindle Publishing platforms offer templates and tutorials.
Obviously, here at KIDS LOVE PUBLICATIONS we actually publish our guidebooks and workbooks to print. I don’t recommend it for beginners. Print books take a big chunk of effort. Coming up with an idea for an entire book obviously requires more thought and considerably more research. Wait until you have a series of mini-books under your belt. Then, you just might have the chapters of a real book!
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