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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.

One hundred hot air balloons will fly over Albuquerque, New Mexico on Valentine’s Day weekend. You and a guest could win a romantic getaway for two and celebrate during the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally.

The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is sponsoring a contest and giving away:

• Two nights accommodations at the Crown Plaza Albuquerque

• Balloon ride for two at the Friends and Lovers Hot Air Balloon Rally

• A $200 Visa card–useful for either airfare, gas, dinner or shopping

Contest entries must be received by 11:59 pm MST January 31, 2012.
Enter online at www.ItsATrip.org/valentines.

The winning entry will be drawn on February 1, 2012. The winner must be available to fly in the balloon at 7am on either February 11th or 12th.

Albuquerque hotels are offering tons of Valentine Day packages and romantic meals– details are online.

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.

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!

The Aloft Hotel is Uptown at the Epicenter in Charlotte, North Carolina is urban and trendy.  Fellow Traveling Mamas, Jen of One Moms World, and I were in Charlotte recently.

It is in the heart of the Epicenter of Charlotte.  There you will find an abundance of city life and activity.

This Fall, I attended a Conference at the Time Warner Arena Charlotte.  The Aloft was the perfect location for this event, within walking distance to everything.  Downtown was bustling and Starbucks was hopping.  The shops were fantastic with a variety of dining options in the area.  There was even an outdoor concert at the Epicenter, providing  a  lively and fun atmosphere.

Meanwhile, after our inspiring conference, we wanted to hit the Aloft and get back to the comfort of our rooms.  The hotel had city views, so you can pick up the energy of the city right from your room with a view.

There was an indoor lap pool to get a little exercise year round.  The lobby was funky, hip and casual, too.  Young people were visiting and playing games.  Some were shopping in the hotel shops.

The service was warm and friendly just what you would want in this bustling Southern city.  A visit to the Aloft Uptown Epicenter Charlotte is a must for comfort, flare and enjoying the heart of the city.  Aloft is a Starwood Hotel a part of W Hotels.

Special thanks to Aloft Hotel Charlotte, North Carolina for hosting my visit.  My opinion is my own - I loved it.

I went to London for the first time this year and fell in love. London is an amazing place with so much to see and do that I would gladly go again and again, which is why I’ve submitted my entry for a terrific contest sponsored by the folks at Visit London.

You have a chance to win airfare and a five night stay in the capitol city just in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee weekend (it’s her 60th year on the throne). One lucky winner and a guest will spend one night in the ZSL London Zoo in a safari-style tent. The Zoo is inside Regent’s Park–a lovely green space with a huge rose garden and Open Air Theatre. The next four nights are spent relaxing in an executive suite at the Hyatt Regency London– The Churchill Hotel –a posh, five-star hotel.

Outstanding Attractions

The winner also receives tickets to the London musical, Phantom of the Opera, gets a bird’s eye view atop the EDF Energy London Eye, and visits the Tate Britain’s exhibit, “Picasso and Modern British Art”.

More Goodies

While watching the Diamond Jubilee celebration, enjoy the scrumptious treats inside a picnic hamper supplied by Fortnum & Mason. The winner also receives a restaurant and shopping voucher.

One lucky person will win this incredible package. Maybe it will be you! Simply register on the www.visitlondon.com website and enter the competition “Limited Edition London Win a Magical Trip to London.”

The Rules

The competition ends March 31, 2012. No purchase is necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter. Only one entry per person.

Destinations all over the globe celebrate this time of year according to the local culture. Here in Louisiana, we light the way for Papa Noel on Christmas Eve with the tradition of bonfires on the levee. There are two versions of how this tradition started, but no matter the origins, this is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas Eve and being part of a community.

Last year on Christmas Eve, we loaded up our family and brought some out of town relatives to witness the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River. It was such a magical evening and even brought tears to my eyes to see so many different people from south Louisiana gather together, sharing their food and their music with anyone who was there. My aunt who was visiting from Louisiana gave me a hug towards the end of the evening and whispered in my ear, “This is the best Christmas Eve ever. I’ve wanted to do this my whole life!”

We spent our Christmas Eve walking along the levee during sunset waiting for the lighting. At 7PM the first bonfire was lit, with each one following one by one for miles along the Mississippi River. Fireworks lit up the sky behind the bonfires, various types of music began to play, with strains of hip hop to zydeco on the wind.  We enjoyed hot bowls of gumbo purchased from a church tent and also authentic crawfish balls (the stuffing of crawfish bisque, without the shell).

You don’t have to spend your entire evening at the bonfires. Many families with little ones or those that have mobility challenges opt for a slow drive along the river road, from one end of the bonfires to the other. Since my children are now older, we opted to spend the entire evening at the levee. Here are a few tips if you plan on attending the lighting of the bonfires on the levee of the Mississippi River:

Dress for the Weather – The weather in Louisiana changes from day to day. One day you might be wearing shorts and the next day there could be a hard freeze. Last year it was pretty chilly at Christmastime and we made sure to wear our gloves and hats. This year you might need a raincoat. Keep in mind that the levee is windy.

Get there early – If you are parking and spending the evening, you’ll want to get to the area by 4:30 and before the sun goes down so that you can see what’s around where you decide to park. Also, make sure you have a means of egress for your vehicle or you may find yourself blocked in and stuck longer than you planned. Be sure to check out our driving directions for Louisiana Christmas Eve Bonfires.

Have a Picnic – Many people who live along the levee near the bonfires will have private house parties for friends and family. There will be a few churches and food trucks dotted along the river road, but be sure to pack yourself drinks and snacks to last through the evening, just in case. We made a gallon of adult beverages for my aunt and I, while the kids enjoyed soft drinks and the dads had a few beers early in the evening. We also brought along a few blankets to spread out in the field near our vehicle so that we could observe the bonfires while we ate.

Bring some cash – If you decide to purchase some of the homemade goodies to nosh on while at the levee, cash in small bills will get you fed.

Bathrooms are few and far between – There aren’t really any bathrooms, so be sure to keep this in mind. My aunt and I did find one Port-O-Potty as we walked along the river road, but it was dark. This would be a good reason to have a pocket flash light with you.

Watch your step, pack a flashlight – It’s dark along the levees, even with the bonfires lighting the way for Papa Noel. If you plan on walking around, the levees are steep and there might be hidden holes here and there. Be sure to access the levee from a gravel drive where everyone else is walking. If you decided to walk down the levee, make sure gravity doesn’t get the best of you. Take baby steps and don’t let your kids run.

Pack your camera – You don’t want to miss the chance to take a family photo with all the bonfires along the levee. Be sure to do this right before sunset when the sky turns so many beautiful colors and the light is still good.

Be respectful – If you aren’t from around Louisiana, you may not know that many of these bonfires have been built by the same families for generations. Everyone is nice, no matter what they look like or how they are dressed. The builders of the bonfires are proud of each of their creations, and they spend up to a month building these with their own time and their own money. Stop and talk with the people at each bonfire. Thank them for providing this free and beautiful way to celebrate Christmas Eve.

Enjoy the moment – Christmas is different for everyone. If you get the chance to attend the Festival of the Bonfires, be sure to stop for a moment of reflection.

Have you ever been to the Bonfires on the Levee? What are some of your tips? If no, is it on your bucket list?

Happy Holidays!

Travel can be stressful, but when you add the aspect of family travel during the busy holiday season and many of us are overwhelmed. We’ve put together our best travel tips and ideas to help you make the most out of this crazy holiday travel season.

• Take a Tip from Santa – Make a packing list (and check it twice).
• Weather Check – Check the weather at your destination and pack accordingly.
• Documents – Make sure to have your passport, ticket information and other photo ID BEFORE leaving home. Keep those documents handy when going through security as well. Place them in an outside pocket of a carry-on.
• Carry-on Gifts – If flying with gifts, place them in a carry-on unwrapped. Bring along wrapping paper and tape to decorate once you reach the final destination.
• Pack an Extra Bag – Pack an extra bag so you can bring back gifts or items purchased while traveling. I like the new Lands’ End FlightWise Carry-on Trip Tote. It is lightweight and easy to shove into a larger bag.
• Ship Ahead – When possible, ship gifts ahead of time or look for a gift retailer that will ship direct. Lands’ End will ship gifts directly to recipients and even wrap them for a small fee.
• TSA Guidelines – Be sure to check with the latest TSA guidelines and pack your carry-ons accordingly. If you plan to carry your bag on rather than incur luggage fees, consider looking for a lightweight bag that will fit in overheads such as the Lands’ End FlightWise Carry-on Upright ($169.50). We’ve reviewed the entire line of this carry-on luggage collection.
• Get Packing – Make the most out of packing your luggage. Pack large items in your suitcase first, and fill gaps with small items such as socks. Soft-sided bags work great to maximize space and packing. We’ve got 10 packing tips for a carry on.
• Toiletry Items – Squeeze excess air out of toiletry items before packing. The air expands during the flight, which can cause items to leak. Better yet, transfer toiletries to small containers when possible. Read about a green way to pack reusable travel containers.
• Stay Charged – Are all of your chargers packed? Batteries? You’ll need these for cameras, computers, phones and handheld games. It’s also a good idea to pack a mini power strip so everything can charge at the same time.
• Calling All Credit Cards – Let credit card companies know you are traveling. Sometimes charges out of the ordinary get flagged and companies may freeze the account.
• Helping Hands – Let the kids get involved by allowing them to pack an activity backpack. Just be sure to check and make sure all items will make it through security.

Here are our holiday travel tip videos to help make your holiday travel easy and stress free. Happy Holidays from all of us at TravelingMamas.com.

CajunMama‘s Holiday Travel Tips

ThemeParkMom‘s Holiday Travel Tips

CarolinaMama‘s Holiday Travel Tips

OneMomsWorld‘s Holiday Travel Tips

Las Vegas is no doubt one of the top destinations in the US, if not the world. When I’m in Vegas, I chit-chat with taxi and shuttle drivers, who are some of the best ways to find out the truth about a city and visitor travel habits. One recurring theme is that holiday season is the time to visit Las Vegas and last year at least three million people chose to visit Las Vegas in December.

Why? There aren’t as many conventions going on and many people spend the holidays visiting family. This means the city isn’t as crowded as peak times, giving in an intimate (yes, intimate) feel. Plus, the city is celebrating the holiday in style. Here are some things to do in Las Vegas during the holidays:

Walk in a Winter Wonderland – A spectacular holiday exhibit rich in nostalgia and tradition, Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden captivates the imagination with picture-perfect botanical creations. A complimentary attraction running December 2 through January 3, 2012, the display’s centerpiece is a majestic 42-foot-tall Shasta Fir with twinkling lights and traditional holiday decorations. Holiday revelers find themselves in a winter wonderland surrounded by over-sized jingle bells, igloos and families of penguins and polar bears.

Dancing Fountains – The Bellagio Fountains pairs its mesmerizing aquatic and light performance to a variety of time-honored melodies this holiday season. With songs such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Santa Baby,” and “Hallelujah Chorus,” this iconic water feature is sure to fill you with a good dose of holiday cheer.

Chocolate Treats – Jean-Philippe Patisserie’s adorable chocolate treats truly shine during the holidays and can make even the grumpiest Scrooge smile. With locations at both ARIA and Bellagio, travelers can easily find delectable gifts such as truffles transformed into Christmas shoes, scrumptious chocolate Santas and delightful Christmas postcards to bring home and share with loved ones this winter. This is one of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas.

See Santa Swim with Sharks - Santa will be making a special trip to The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 21 through 24 to hear any last-minute Christmas wishes. Each child 12 and under with paid admission receives a complimentary candy cane and a photograph with Santa to remember the unique experience.

Candy Cane Spa Treatments - True holiday enthusiasts can feel like a candy cane with Spa & Salon Vdara’s “Add a Twist to the Holidays” promotion featuring:

• Candy Cane Scalp Treatment: When you book a salon treatment you can choose to add this invigorating scalp treatment for only $35. The peppermint tones of the candy cane treatment target and stimulate the scalp leaving you feeling refreshed, awakened and with revitalized hair.
• Candy Cane Mani & Pedi: For $110, this seasonal treatment puts you into a state of relaxation for 90 minutes and leaves nails and toes looking festive. Top this invigorating duo of services off with a new hair color from the Holiday Glow Collection of Colors featured by SpaRitual.