Category Archives: Travel Tips

PHILLY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR by Michele

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PART ONE – Experience Old City Philadelphia!

(Morning tour starts at hotel lobby at 10am and ends at 12:30pm for lunch)

Come explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. Wander through Old City Philadelphia, including: Independence Mall, home of the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall to learn about the people shaping our early republic. We will then continue to Benjamin Franklin’s grave to learn about the famous Philadelphian, Arch Street Meeting House to explore the role of the Quakers, Betsy Ross’ House where we get insight into the role of women, Elfreth’s Alley to meet the everyday people of revolutionary Philadelphia and Christ Church, the place of worship for many prominent Philadelphians. We’ll grab lunch at an original cheesesteak place, Campos.

Independence Hall requires timed tickets reserved well in advance. Betsy Ross House is $10.00. Others free or donation. This walking tour is within 6 blocks of the hotel. We’ll stop back at the Hotel to freshen.

Campo’s Steak & Hoagies  Campo’s is a family run sandwich shop that has been making Philly’s best cheesesteaks, hoagies, and specialty sandwiches since 1947. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. Campo’s is proudly served at Citizens Bank Park and is the official cheesesteak of the Philadelphia Flyers. 214 Market Street (2nd & Market)

PART TWO – Experience Center City Philly LOVE! (Tour starts at hotel lobby at 1:15pm and ends about 3:15pm)

LOVE Park is most famously the home of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue, which has resided in the space almost continuously since 1976. The park is located near City Hall, offering views of the architectural treasure, including William Penn’s statue. Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Those interested can trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesey? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely!

On the way to/from the Rocky photo ops, we’ll grab an iced coffee and a treat from Federal Donuts. We’ll end our Highlights tour with a cold one at Independence Beer Garden and a view of where we started, Independence Park. The afternoon tour is a lot of city and parkway walking. If it’s too hot or stormy, we’ll take a PHLASH bus or modify the plan.

Federal Donuts – People come here for one thing: deep-fried joy! It’s delivered in the form of Korean-style chicken, with a variety of rubs and glazes, and hot fresh or fancy doughnuts in constantly changing flavors like cinnamon brown sugar, blueberry pancake, strawberry lavender and chocolate éclair — and coffee, of course. 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway or 1632 Sansom Street, https://federaldonuts.com/

Independence Beer Garden, is an expansive, all-American beer garden overlooking Independence National Historic Park. The Beer Garden is a lovely spot to sit back and enjoy a cold beer on a warm summer day. They also offer a great Happy Hour with items like tasty Sliders and fresh chips and guacamole. HAPPY HOUR | WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY | 3PM – 7PM (everything $5-$7.00). https://www.phlbeergarden.com/

Lunch/Shopping/Snacking suggestion (7 blocks from hotel): Reading Terminal Market – Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh food for locals. The public space provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch and sandwich slingers like DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more. There’s a gift shop selling Philly LOVE souvenirs and a Philly Pretzel shop, too. 51 N. 12th Street https://readingterminalmarket.org/

Happy Hour or Dinner suggestion (Uber, near walkable Rittenhouse Square):  Harp & Crown – Its glass-façade, 24-foot ceilings, and chandeliers are glamorous pieces balanced with funky vintage wallpaper and leather club chairs, millwork and natural tones throughout the space. Guests enjoy new-American dishes amongst the space including a 32-seat bar. Featured here: pizzas, small plates and seasonal fare — and a two-lane bowling alley tucked in the basement called Elbow Lane (reservations required for groups of nine or more; based on availability, smaller parties can walk in). Happy Hour | Walk-In @ Bar + Lounge: 4:00pm – 7:00pm. 1525 Sansom Street, http://harpcrown.com

Base Hotel: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/phlpr-renaissance-philadelphia-downtown-hotel/overview/. Wonderful hotel to choose if you want to walk the sites (next to Independence National Park).

PHLASH Purple tourism buses: https://ridephillyphlash.com/ $5.00 for all day pass (exact cash or online)

Maps and Directions: https://www.visitphilly.com/maps-directions/#downloadable-maps

Suggested blog: https://parentslovetravel.com/blog/a-fresh-look-at-revolution

Family Business Travel

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ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS – Mom or Dad at a conference in a tourist town? Why not stay, work and play together and maybe never have to leave the property. Consider Resort Conference complexes.

But are these resorts too elegant? At a maximum, we look for relaxed elegance. Here’s a rundown of all the family-friendly amenities we explored during a recent visit: (we never needed to leave the property for three days):

· Kids Nite Out (weekend evenings for ages 4-14 with extra hourly fee) offering a variety of supervised activities…play areas, group games, computers, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts.

· Guest Rooms – include high-speed internet connection, modern flat screen TVs, mini-frig and spacious, high fluff beds.

· Full service Spa

· 18-hole golf course (golf camps for kids)

· Fishing dock and lake

· Many pools, including a lap pool, family pool, adult quiet pool and kiddie wading pool plus jacuzzis

· Hiking trails with interpretive signs

· Two lighted tennis courts

· Sand volleyball, bocce ball

· Video game room

· Horseshoes, ping pong

· Complimentary equipment available for some sports, by reservation thru the fitness spa area.

· Complimentary bus shuttle to major theme parks in the area

· Loads of restaurants on premises. The Cafés are our favorite because most are open 24 hours (late night or early morning eaters) and serve absolutely wonderful, freshly made in front of you, salads and sandwiches.

Our KIDS LOVE books for Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan and Florida all list recommended resorts like these. Family packages usually start at $200.00 per night and that cost may be taken care of by the business.

HOLIDAY FAMILY TRAVEL ON A BUDGET

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Our budget travel tips for making Holiday Getaways more affordable.

Besides using one of our guidebooks to get unique ideas for places to go, here are some other suggestions we offer.

1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.  Holiday Trolley Tours are so fun – singing carols and sipping hot cocoa…invite cousins, grandparents, etc. along.

2.  If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV unit. Play Christmas movies all the way…

3.  Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING. Our family “vacations for a living” so we found budget hotels the norm. We joined hotel memberships and charge cards. We look for hotels with indoor pools and free breakfast. For some reason, if they offer both, they are more likely to be clean and family-friendly environments. 

4.  HISTORY is easy, if you SNEAK IT IN! Engage your kids by learning with Santa and his elves. Historical homes are basically boring to tour in the summer, but near the holidays, what stuffy old house doesn’t smell sweet with the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread cookies?

What about you?

Do you have some tricks you’ve learned that make traveling to visit relatives at Christmas less stressful but still inexpensive and fun?

Please comment and let us know…

HIT THE ROAD, JACK: AMERICANS LIKELY TO ROAD TRIP BY LABOR DAY

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Car Shopping Site Edmunds.com Sheds Light on the Great American Road Trip

Whether it’s the trip back to college, a last-minute Labor Day escape or an end-of-summer getaway, Americans find that August is a great time to hit the road.

And, most drivers had road trips in mind when they shopped for their vehicle, with cargo space being the primary attractor (22 percent). The great American road trip is alive and well with many drivers planning to go the distance (500+ miles), snap selfies and pump their favorite tunes.

Some other takeaways include:

  • We love that open road: More than 92 percent would be willing to drive up to 500 miles for a vacation.
  • But first, let’s take a selfie: Thirty-four percent of road trippers will take anywhere from 1-10 selfies on their journey.
  • GPS is key: GPS, music and travel companions are must-haves for road trips (27 percent, 24 percent and 25 percent, respectively).
  • Parents WILL turn that car around: Of the respondents with children, nearly half (45 percent) will threaten to turn the car around at least once on a road trip.
  • Eyes on the road: Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they could last over an hour without checking their phones while on a road trip.
  • Classic rock trumps pop: When respondents were given the choice of road trip anthems, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” beat out modern day pop hits for the top spot.

“It’s not surprising to us that more than 80 percent of respondents had road trips in mind when they were car shopping,” said Edmunds.com. “Road trips are the ultimate test for any new vehicle; if the car can be reliable and comfortable while handling all the loading, unloading and hauling with adequate fuel efficiency, then it’ll definitely make a great long term vehicle.”

Biltmore Summer Vacations Offer Something for Everyone

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Sixty-six percent of families say ‘togetherness’ is an essential element for a memorable family vacation (PGAV Destinations study, “The Art of the Family Vacation”). Addressing the need for a balance of itinerary options that families can truly enjoy together, Biltmore’s summer vacation experience has been designed to be active, fun and educational (don’t tell the kids!) for all. Adults and children are entertained with a slate of activities in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre backyard, while imaginations stay engaged with tours and historic exhibitions.

Top eight Biltmore to-dos

A destination for rejuvenation since the 1800s, George W. Vanderbilt chose the outdoor playground of Asheville to build his family estate. In the century that has lapsed since family and friends of the Vanderbilts came for long stays at Biltmore, time has seemingly stood still. Travelers today enjoy the slower pace of summer’s backyard season in Biltmore’s 8,000-acre landscape, a space that has been preserved and perfected over time for future generations. 

  1. Take the family time travelling.

Visit the 250-room Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s dream home that he lived in more than 100 years ago. Kids stay engaged with a NEW treasure hunt through Biltmore House. Kids marvel at the sheer size of Biltmore House, the bowling alley and pool in the basement, and the massive front lawn and backyard for playing. 

  1. Have a unique adventure.

Try your luck at outdoor sports like fly fishing or sporting clays, or go off-road behind the wheel of a Land Rover (our Land Rover Driving School offers courses for adults AND kids!). Go to an awe-inspiring location: the rooftop of Biltmore House. The guided Architect’s Tour takes families to the massive roof of America’s largest home for a look at architectural details, to count gargoyles, and for expansive mountain views of a spectacular backyard.

  1. Reconnect with nature.

Set out on foot on a network of nearly 22 round-trip miles of hiking trails. Or, take in views from a bike, on the back of a horse, while floating down a river, on a Segway, or a carriage ride. Go rock-skipping at the lagoon or play hide and seek among rare and native trees.

  1. Stop to smell the roses.

Biltmore’s renowned summer gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and picnicking spots near tropical palms, roses, giant sunflowers, and colorful lily pads and koi in Italian Garden pools.

  1. Set the kids free.

Get lost together in a maze comprised of 500 trees. Kids run and climb in the NEW Pisgah Playground. At the barn, explore farming life at the turn of the century and antique farm equipment. Ask inquisitive questions to our staff and play with chickens, roosters, goats, horses and sheep in the farmyard. Demos, crafts and period games available select days.

  1. Embark on a tasty tour.

Taste wines at the most visited winery in America (complimentary grape juice for the kids). Restaurants offer a range of options from barbeque to fine dining. Pick up a family-themed picnic from the Creamery.  And save room for the Creamery’s Winky Bar Sundae, a sweet treat for a summer day based on the Winky Bar produced by the former Biltmore Dairy.

  1. Rock out!

Dance under the stars select summer nights during the concert series kicking off July 25. The 2013 line-up includes Heart, Sheryl Crow, Christian group Casting Crowns, the Four Tops and Temptations, the Beach Boys and comedian Bill Engvall. Local bands provide FREE entertainment Fridays June through August at the Antler Hill Village Green and Bandstand.

  1. Make Biltmore your home away from home.
North and South Carolina Family Travel Guide

Extend your visit with an overnight stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate or with our local accommodations partners and take advantage of packages on select dates this summer.

Information on Biltmore’s summer offerings can be found at Biltmore.com. View suggested itineraries for more family travel ideas.

WANT TO KNOW MORE KID-FRIENDLY PLACES AROUND ASHEVILLE, NC?  Take a look at the best-selling Carolinas travel guide: KIDS LOVE THE CAROLINAS (pg 198-242)

10 Tips for Car Travel With Your Pet

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Please see the following tips to help you prepare your pet for a smooth car trip:

  1. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
  2. Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
  3. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
  4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
  5. What’s in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
  6. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please!
  7. Don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
  8. Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
  9. When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
  10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

For more information, please visit www.splashanddashfordogs.com. 

10 Best Family Travel Tips

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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.

  1. PLAN  2 – 4 ACTIVITIES within a one hour drive time of each other. Base you choices on the season of year.
  2. Know DIRECTIONS & PARKING INFORMATION before you leave. In addition to the site’s website, GPS are good resources for directions.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. If your budget allows, have the VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A TV/VCR unit
  6. PLAN PICNICS along the way. (Allow time for a rural/scenic route to take advantage of free, clean picnic facilities).
  7. Choose FAMILY FRIENDLY LODGING.
  8. 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.
  9. Gravitate to MUSEUMS that are HANDS-ON.
  10. 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!)

Five summer travel tips from a hospitality expert

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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.

room with double beds and sofa bed suite

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

Do you Like us on Facebook? If not, you’re missing some good tidbits…

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Gosh I love Saturday mornings on FB! Discovered 3 travel tips I forgot about:
1. use dryer sheets as air fresheners and spill picker uppers
2. freeze juice boxes before road trip – they double as mini ice packs and a slushie drink!
3. use old fitted twin sheets as van seat protectors.

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