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Most families dream of taking a vacation full of fun bonding that won’t break the bank. When I was growing up, my parents made sure that we always had a week together each summer. We would get a condo or house at the beach, sometimes with other families, and it would be a magical week of sun, swimming, and no worries.

Now that I have my own family, we’ve continued the tradition of an annual family vacation. I’m always searching for destinations and lodging that offers a good value without compromising all our needs. One of our favorite destinations is the Northwest Florida Beaches, especially the Destin area.

Here are some tips on planning your own dream family vacation for less:

Vacation Home Rental

Hotels can be fun if you’re overnighting or just in town for a few days, but for a family, renting a vacation home directly from an owner gives you plenty of space, privacy, and some added luxuries that would cost an arm and a leg at a hotel. I’ve used HomeAway.com in the past to negotiate a low rate on a beachfront vacation home for our family.

Some homes offer onsite pools and hot tubs, along with gorgeous views of the Destin beaches. I like waking up in the morning, fixing a fresh pot of coffee, and enjoying it on the balcony or patio of the home.

Dining In

A wonderful way to save money while on a family vacation is to utilize the kitchen facilities or outdoor grill at your vacation home rental. While I don’t suggest eating in for every meal, because after all, you ARE on vacation, you can offset your overall vacation costs.

Activities

Staying in a vacation home, especially one near the beach, provides a low cost activity right out your back door – the beach! Many vacation homes offer the use of select beach supplies, such as chairs, beach toys, and umbrellas. All you need to bring is the sunscreen.

Not all families are content spending their entire vacation at the beach. Destin and the surrounding area offers discount shopping at the outlet malls, go carts and mini golf, water parks, and so much more. Have you ever thought about taking a fishing charter where you not only bond as a family, but you can catch a few fish to grill at your vacation home later that evening.

There are so many reasons why a vacation home can provide that dream family vacation for less, but as someone who travels with my family frequently, I’ll admit that the spaciousness of staying in a vacation home beats out the cramped quarters of a hotel room every time.

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HomeAway.com offer’s the world’s largest selection of vacation home rentals that provide travelers with memorable vacation experiences and benefits, including more room to relax and added privacy, for less than the cost of traditional hotel accommodations. Make memories where you stay, not just where you go. HomeAway.com – let’s stay together.

This is a sponsored post by HomeAway.com but my opinions are always my own. I have used HomeAway.com in the past to book my own family vacations to save money.

I’m a romantic at heart and love to hear stories of couples stealing away for a few days of romance. In fact, my travel writing career began by writing about romantic destinations and honeymoons. One thing many couples forget as they become parents, is that one day their kids will grow up and its just the two of them again. Just because you are parents doesn’t mean romance should go flying out the window.

There are a few elements that make a place romantic in my book. There has to be a touch of luxury, with plush bedding, a big bathtub, a shower for two. There has to be Champagne and good wine available. The atmosphere is full of love and a hint of mystery. And the place needs to be downright dreamy. Keep in mind that when these elements combine, the price is not always for those on a budget. But who can put a price on love? Here are some of my favorite romantic destinations I’ve visited over the years:

The Florida Keys, FL - One of the most romantic places I ever visited was the very private Little Palm Island. You can only get there by boat and the bungalows are to-die-for gorgeous. There are a limited number of guests allowed on Little Palm Island, giving you the ultimate in privacy. The Florida Keys offer a number of romantic places to overnight, but Little Palm Island is the tops of them all. Rates run between $800-1500 per night, depending on room choice and season.

Natchitoches, LA - Any true Southerner knows of Steel Magnolias, but did you know that Natchitoches, LA is the site where the movie was filmed? There’s a B&B on every corner, and the downtown area on the Cane River is adorable. Two of my favorites are the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast and Andrew Morris House Bed and Breakfast. Both offer intimate luxury, yet with an affordable price tag. Rates at these two properties run from $130-$185 per night, breakfast included.

London, UK - The Capital Hotel London located in Knightsbridge is full of warmth and discreet elegance in the middle of this posh area. The accommodations are sumptuous and located a few steps from Harrod’s. The wine list at The Capital Restaurant is supposedly one of the best in London. My room of choice? The two bedroom suite, which offers a private entrance and all the luxury one would expect for such an exclusive property. Room rates vary, starting at around $270 per night for a single room.

Saint-Tropez, France – Pink Champagne, onsite spa, guazey white bedcurtains, and sweeping views  all set inside a chateau. This is romance at Chateau de la Messardiere. I was fortunate enough to spend a few nights in a Junior Suite, which offers a private terrace for breakfast or sun worship, a spa-like bath, and even a small sitting area. This exclusive property is the ultimate in privacy, set on 10 hectares of gardens and lavender fields overlooking the Port of Saint-Tropez.

Moab, UT – I was blown away and surprised by Moab, Utah so much that I had to return for a second visit. It’s an outdoor enthusiast dream set near a number of US National Parks. Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa is set riverside on the Colorado River in the outskirts of Moab. The River View Deluxe Suites are rustic elegance with plush bedding, a romantic porch, and a gorgeous picture window in the bathroom, framing the large tub. Combined with the fine dining onsite and the area’s best spa, this red rock mesa resort is mountain romance at its finest. Rates start at $425 per night.

Taos, NM – There’s just something about Taos that pulls at one’s soul. I enjoyed a nice stay at El Monte Sagrado, one of the most sacred places in the area. Numerous celebrities steal away for privacy and romance at this Kessler property. Dreamy tub? Yes. Plush bedding? Yes. Balcony with stars? Yes. Onsite spa? Yes. Does all this make for one romantic getaway? I say yes. Room rates for a mountain king room start at $189 per night.

Victoria, BC – Victoria’s Inner Harbour is romantic all the way around. A walk around Butchart Gardens is like stepping into a fairytale. For lodging, the Magnolia Hotel and Spa is one of the top hotels in Canada. The rooms are decorated in Old World elegance, with soaking tubs complete with a full line of bath amenities. An onsite spa and delicious dining in the steakhouse roundout this small hotel with big amenities. Rooms start at $169 per night for a standard room.

I could go on and on about romantic destinations for Valentines or anytime. If you are looking for a romantic escape, be sure the destination is a place that offers something that both of you like, be it activities, room amenities, or a romantic view. No matter where you decide to go on your romantic escape, being with the one you love is truly what makes the place special.

TravelingMamas.com sends thoughts and prayers to the crew and passengers involved in the Costa Concordia accident. For recent updates from Costa Cruises, visit the official site.

I was looking at the itinerary for the Carnival Breeze, set to launch in June of this year, when I saw the news about the Costa Concordia. Any time tragedy occurs, especially in the travel industry, consumers and the experts begin to criticize safety, and they analyze what could have or should have been done in the circumstances. One thing I’ve noticed about these types of events is that safety and security comes to the forefront, and in my opinion, now is the one of the best times to take a cruise.

Increase in Safety

I’ve enjoyed a number of cruises over the years, and each one begins with a muster drill. Just in case the unthinkable occurs, there are safety procedures that must be followed. Due to the recent accident, Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises and nine leading cruise lines in the world announced a comprehensive audit and review of all safety and response procedures across all the company cruise lines.

As someone who works in emergency services, along with owning this site, I realize that while this was a very sad tragedy, it is also a wake-up call to all cruise lines to review their safety and emergency guidelines. When I worked during Hurricanes Katrina, followed by Rita, we were able to evaluate our own procedures. We learned what worked, and what didn’t work so that the next time the situation occurred we were better prepared.

Drop in Prices

Like any industry that suffers due to tragedy and circumstance, there are consumers who will cancel their long awaited vacations due to fear. It happened after Katrina. It happened after the BP Oil Spill. Tourists cancelled their trips, businesses shut down. For those who braved their fears, there were deals to be had.

Cruise lines right now are offering free balcony upgrades, onboard credit, and tons of other extras to entice consumers into booking a cruise. There are also a number of last minute deals right now due to recent cancellations.

I’m so confident in the current safety and security of the cruise industry that I will be taking my own children to Europe on a cruise. We’ll cruise on the Carnival Breeze and will even visit the same port (Rome, Civitavecchia) the Costa Concordia visited before the tragedy occurred.

For more information on the safety of cruise ships, check out MommyMusing’s post on cruise ship safety tips.

How has the Concordia grounding affected the industry safety? Read Chris Owen’s article on how the Concordia simulation will be the key to future safety in the cruise industry.

Weigh in on John Heald’s Blog, Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director

Have you cancelled your cruise after the Costa Concordia grounding? Are you planning a future cruise?

Georgetown, Grand Cayman is one of those cruise ports and destinations that offers a number of excursions for the adventurous. A few years ago I went on a 4×4 Adventure around Grand Cayman which ended up turning into a race against the Go Galavanting Gals.

During the recent Fun Ship 2.0 introductory cruise on the Carnival Liberty, I opted to stay onboard the ship so that I could sleep in and enjoy one of the port day spa specials. Little did I know that later in the day I would end up in Hell.

It all began with lunch at Hammerhead’s restaurant, when a colleague took all of our phones and wouldn’t allow any of us to tweet or update our Facebook status during the meal. A few drinks later and I was talked into exploring Grand Cayman with Nancy Schretter and Doug Parker. We hailed a taxi and asked for a quote to Hell. Getting to Hell is relatively cheap, with a beach stop on the way for only $15 per person.

We arrived in Hell and took the obligatory photos.

And don’t worry about keeping in touch with family and friends in Hell, because there is a post office.

Hell is similar to Hawaii. If you take any rocks, you’ll be damned.

Fortunately, by the end of our day we were able to quench our thirsts and redeem ourselves in Paradise, within walking distance of the tender boats. I never knew Hell could be so much fun, but glad to end my Grand Cayman adventure in Paradise.

Special thanks to Carnival Cruise Lines for providing this trip to Hell. This was part of the Fun Ship 2.0 media introductory cruise. It was tons of fun and if you plan on a cruise with Grand Cayman on your itinerary, a trip to Hell is a must. At least once.

This just arrived in my inbox and I wanted to share information about Carnival Cruise Lines‘ New York cruise offerings on the Carnival Miracle.

As part of its new Land vs. Sea marketing campaign, Carnival Cruise Lines has unveiled a massive billboard in Times Square that promotes the line’s new year-round departures from New York aboard the Carnival Miracle, which kick off in April.

Located at the corner of Broadway and 49th Street, the colorful billboard features a shot of a Carnival “Fun Ship” with the New York skyline on one side and an image of a tropical destination on the other.

A smaller billboard with the words “The Caribbean Is Closer Than You Think – Cruising from Midtown” – reflective of the Carnival Miracle’s eight-day Caribbean sailings from the Big Apple – is also featured.

The billboard is part of a new multi-channel campaign designed to promote the quality and value of “Fun Ship” cruising versus traditional land-based vacations. Created by the line’s advertising agency, Boston-based Arnold Worldwide, the multi-channel campaign began December 26, 2011, and blends national and regional executions across TV, out-of-home (billboards) and on-line media, all in an engaging and often-humorous way.

Carnival Miracle’s new year-round schedule from New York begins April 12, 2012, and encompasses three different eight-day Caribbean and Bahamas/Florida itineraries that feature some of the region’s most beautiful and popular destinations.

Today is the first official day of exhibits for CES 2012. This event is so large that it fills up the entire Las Vegas Convention Center Hall and the conference space at The Venetian Sands Expo Center.So far I’ve only managed to see the South Halls of LVCC.

This morning I opted for the monorail since last year I learned just how long one has to wait for a taxi or official shuttle to LVCC. The line to get into the monorail station was already extremely long and was a good indication of how my day would be. Fortunately, Nokia had a promotional dance crew providing entertainment.

Getting into CES wasn’t as crazy as last year for me and I made my way to the South Halls before heading towards the rest of LVCC. My first stop was the Nokia booth so that I could see the legendary Lumia 900 in real life. It was gorgeous!

Then I set off exploring the rest of the South Halls and these are a few of the travel related finds that caught my eye:

M-edge – Last year I was introduced to m-edge and man have they grown since then. Their previous lineup was ebook reader covers that could be customized. They’ve expanded their line with phone cases, custom ebook cases, and these funky military inspired canvas ebook bags.

Golla – Last year I discovered this brand which introduces a new lineup each year. The new products include iPad cases and bags for all your gadgets.

Zagg – This company offers accessories and protective covers for touchscreen devices. They also offer a line of products to keep those devices powered up when your juice is low.

Samsonite – Most everyone is familiar with this brand, but they’ve introduced a number of new product and showcased some of their classic best selling items. The three-in-one travel pillow is one of their top sellers due to affordability and variety of functions. I was glad to see their new backpack, the Viz Air which provides a number of compartments for electronics, and even provides a layer of cushion at the bottom for safety in transporting a laptop.

Verso – I was drawn to this booth due to the tablet covers in various designs. My favorite is the Vera Bradley collection. I can’t wait until this comes to the market because I’ve been hoping Vera Bradley would release a proper tablet cover. Plus, they also have a line of ebook reader lights in a select few of Vera Bradley patterns.

Jaymo – Jaymo is a mom owned company providing custom phone and iPad cases that allow you to insert a favorite photo to display on the back of your device. It’s a cute way to personalize your phone or iPad and showcase your kids.

iBrag – This mom owned company offers fashionable cases for tablets and phones and also provides compact storage options. The phone case is a practical item to take to the theme parks if you no longer have to worry about a diaper bag. It holds the phone, has a photo and wallet area, and wristband.

These are just a smidgen of the many consumer electronics being showcased at CES 2012 this year. Of course there are home and lifestyle products, a plethora of phone cases, and so much more. I’m heading out again in search of interesting travel gadgets during my CES adventure.

Bold. Beautiful. Balanced.

Today Nokia announced the Lumia 900, one of the most anticipated smartphone debuts at CES 2012. There has been buzz via a few online leaks over the past few weeks and in the even in the press room I overheard a few conversations regarding Nokia’s US announcements. Personally I’m very excited about the Lumia 900. After being introduced to Nokia products last year at CES, I was disappointed that I couldn’t use the Nokia N8 through AT&T.

All the leaks still couldn’t reveal the sleekness of seeing the Nokia Lumia 900 in action. The Nokia Lumia 900 will run on Windows Phone Mango (7.5). The screen is a bit bigger than the Nokia Lumia 800 and will offer an 8 megapixel camera. The smartphone will be about 20 grams heavier than the iPhone 4S, but unless you are an astronaut on a mission to the International Space Station and are worried about load capacity, the you won’t need to worry about this minuscule different in weight.

The Lumia 900 is similar in design as the 800, with a bright color option that I’m fond of. This will be the first Nokia phone in the US to run on Windows OS. Plus it’s LTE (4G).

Some highlights I’m looking forward to with the Nokia Lumia 900 are:

Carl Zeiss Optics – With two cameras (front and back) the Lumia 900 might just be better than The iPhone 4S media capture. The Lumia 900 also offers a wide angle lens, capturing more of subject in your photo. This is great news for those of us looking for a higher quality smartphone camera than what the iPhone 4S offers.

Nokia Drive – This free turn-by-turn voice guided navigation system adds another layer of coolness for the travel aspect of this device. It offers an in-car user interface that turns the Lumia 900 into a GPS navigation device.

Partnership with EA – You won’t be bored if you’re stuck in an airport with the Nokia Lumia 900 which will offer 20 of the world’s top games to the Windows Phone Marketplace with the Lumia first in line to get these games.

ESPN Sports Hub – This pre-loaded application will keep sports fans in the know when having to travel during game time. I’m a big fan of LSU and Saints football, making this handy to have at my fingertips.

The Nokia Lumia 900 has so much more than just these features I’ve highlighted. It will be available through AT&T in the comings months. For more information, visit NokiaUSA.com.

The International Consumer Electronics Show has been around since 1967. It is the largest consumer electronics event in the world. While this event showcases the newest innovations in the industry for all interests, I’m attending CES to find some of the coolest gadgets to make travel easier and fun.

Last night was CES Unveiled, a preview of what’s being shown. While there are 30-50 Ultrabooks that will debut, along with super phones, there are also a large number of health and fitness products and lots of TVs. Buyers are interested in wireless and wireless devices, along with lifestyle electronics.

Some of my favorite travel finds so far include:

House of Marley – These Earth-friendly products invoke the soul of the Marley family with The Marley Movement and their line of portable sound devices. There are a variety of headphones available and portable audio systems soon to be on the market, including the Djembe which is my favorite of them all. It’s the smallest and most portable of their audio systems and can be attached to your backpack with a carabiner. The birch wood and canvas makes me want to sip on some Appleton Rum while chilling in Negril listening to my favorite tunes. Will retail at $59.99

MyCharge Folio – If you are like me, taking photos and video of every moment of your travels, your phone battery can drain quickly. Don’t get stuck in a theme park with a late afternoon princess photo opportunity only to find your battery level at 2 percent. The MyCharge Folio is an iPhone case and battery pack in one. What makes it stand out for me is the slim size and colors that pop. Will retail at $79.99.

SolarKindle – SolarFocus has developed the ultimate cover for the Kindle. Just place your Kindle securely inside, close, and then set it out in the sun for an hour to charge. This device recharges your Kindle on the go, is green, and even provides a reading light. This product will be available online as of January 14 and will retail at $79.99.

Powertech Ultraslim USB Outlet Expander – This slim outlet expander is about a half inch thick with a folding collapsible plug which is fabulous for the traveler needing an extra pair of USB power sockets. No word on a retail price just yet. Check out Powertech Industrial Company Ltd. for product news and future availability.

Velodyn Vpulse earphones – These earphones aren’t just comfortable, they also provide crisp and clear sound. They come with a sturdy compact carry case making them the perfect travel companion when watching movies or listening to tunes inflight on your iPad device. This product retails at $89.99 and is for those who are serious about sound quality with their portable media devices.

To keep up with my live updates from CES 2012, be sure to follow me on Twitter: @CajunMama.

I’m currently on my flight to Vegas headed to the International Consumer Electronic’s Show. Thanks to Gogo Inflight and Ford, from January 7 through January 13, all Gogo Inflight WiFi enabled flights to and from Las Vegas will be offering 30 minutes of FREE WiFi once your flight reaches 10,000 feet.

How do you get this FREE WiFi offer?

Turn on your device (laptop, tablet or other mobile device), make sure Airplane mode is turned on and connect to WiFi.

Once the Gogo start screen appears, you’ll be prompted to watch a promotional video about CES sponsored by Ford. You’ll enter your email address and then you’ll be connected for 30 minutes of FREE inflight WiFi.

Have fun on your flight and be sure to say hello if you see me at CES. Follow Gogo on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/Gogo

The Carnival Season is a time of fun and revelry. Most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, but did you know that the first Mardi Gras in the US was held in Mobile, Alabama? There are also Mardi Gras parades held all over the southern US and in a few other places around the country, including my home city of Baton Rouge, LA.

The only time I’ve missed Mardi Gras was the year my daughter was born — on Mardi Gras Weekend! She was a preemie born the Sunday before Mardi Gras proper, but we still wore our beads in the NICU that year. I’ve even turned down trips to Europe and exotic islands because they happened to fall during Mardi Gras. After all, it is a state holiday here in Louisiana.

The Carnival Season begins Twelfth Night, January 6th of each year and goes through midnight until Ash Wednesday. The two days preceding Ash Wednesday are Lundi Gras (Fat Monday) and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The entire season is sometimes referred to Mardi Gras or Carnival. It is a religious based event that had become a cultural experience of a region.

Not everyone can get to a Mardi Gras parade this year, but if you are of a mind to take a trip, there are a number of family friendly celebrations along the Gulf Coast states. And yes, I DO BRING MY CHILDREN TO NEW ORLEANS FOR MARDI GRAS sometimes. We however, do not bring them to Bourbon Street. Ever.

How to Celebrate Mard Gras and the Carnival Season

King Cake – Carnival Season begins on January 6 of each year. You can order a King Cake online and have it delivered to your home. This can be expensive because it must be sent overnight or it isn’t fresh. For those one a budget, I have an Easy King Cake Recipe on my personal blog. One of the fun parts of a King Cake (besides indulging your sweet tooth) is finding the baby inside. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby will have good luck all year. Here in Louisiana, in an office setting, it means you have to buy the next King Cake for the office. Lucky you. Last year I had a blast judging a King Cake contest in Baton Rouge.

Decorations – Many people in Louisiana keep their Christmas trees standing through Carnival Season and decorate it in Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green. Fireplace mantles and front doors also bear decorations of ribbons, masks, and shiny things to celebrate. Go to a local craft store and make a Mardi Gras wreath for your front door.

Music – Jazz things up with some Mardi Gras music around your home or office. Mardi Gras Mambo is always a popular choice and will guarantee to have your office dancing a Second Line around the desks. Basin Street Records is one of my  favorite labels for New Orleans music.

Have Your Own Parade – Liven things up in your neighborhood or workplace my holding an impromptu parade. While Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade are popular for their balloons and flowery floats, I think they’re kind of boring. For an authentic Mardi Gras experience, you have to have Throws. Throws consist of beads, promotional items, flowers, and candy. Here in Louisiana, the Zulu Social Club gives throws of the highly sought after golden coconut. In earlier times, Mardi Gras was when the wealthy shared with the community, giving back in the form of these throws. Mardi Gras Krewes are social clubs who give back to their local society throughout the year and also have private social gatherings. Read: Those plastic beads aren’t cheap.

Hold a Mardi Gras Party – Mardi Gras Krewes hold a soiree each year to present their royal courts. Traditionally these soirees, or balls are extremely formal with men in tuxedos and women wearing floor length evening gowns. The Krewe I’ve been a part of is Krewe of Artemis in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For the annual soiree, all gown hemlines must touch the ground or you will not be allowed into the party. Mr. Kevin Kelly, owner of Houmas House Plantation holds a masquerade party annually during Carnival Season at his private home along an iconic New Orleans parade route. This is one of the most exclusive private events in the entire world.

Make a Gumbo – In Mamou, Louisiana there is the Courier de Mardi Gras tradition. Costumed riders go around the area by horseback through the rice fields of Evangeline Parish collecting the ingredients for a community gumbo. Live chickens offered up by homeowners are chased and sometimes caught for the gumbo pot. You don’t have to chase chickens in your neighborhood, or even clean a chicken with my Easy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe.

These are just a few of the ways to celebrate Mardi Gras where you live. Be creative and have fun!

Do you have any projects or traditions for Carnival Season? Laissez les bon temps roulet!