Travel News Week of April 19, 2010

Kids grow up so fast. My son is now 14 years old and my 12 year old daughter has changed overnight. She went camping with her dad on their annual camp out. Fifteen dads and 21 kids spent the entire weekend fishing and telling jokes. During the first hour at the camp site, my daughter found cell coverage and managed to send me a text message begging to pick her up so she could take a bubble bath. I have a feeling my husband is about to lose his little tomboy because she turned into a young lady overnight.

Like our children change, so do many other things. We’ve continued with the spring cleaning on the site in order to make room for added features to help you plan your travel. Hopefully you’ll find these new features useful as we gradually roll out the changes.

What’s New

You may have noticed, we’ve started adding lodging reviews and itineraries to TravelingMamas.com. The first itinerary will help you plan a visit to the Great Smoky National Park and Sevierville, Tennessee for a girlfriend getaway. Feel free to save or print out the itinerary for future travel planning. There are many itineraries being added. If you have any requests, we’ll be glad to oblige you. Just send an email.

This past week, ThemeParkMom reviewed the Gaylord Opryland and tells us about Monell’s, a great dining venue in Nashville. MommyMusings continues with the Gaylord theme and writes about what it’s like to experience the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Florida. I was feeling patriotic and shared a review about my stay at Gaylord National, a wonderful home base while exploring Washington, DC.

Site of the Week

Have you checked out The Spy Mom? I think her logo and site is fabulous. Plus, she sneaks into hotels and restaurants to review them.

Deals

Speaking of Gaylord properties, a special package for families is Mom Prom and the Family Experience which include fabulous rates and special activities for families to celebrate Mom in style. Here are the details for Gaylord National, Gaylord Opryland, and Gaylord Palms.

Giveaways

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and we’ve got some great giveaways lined up. The first is a LUSH Mum Hatbox giveaway full of yummy bath goodies.

Want a getaway to New Orleans? Community Coffee is giving away a trip to the Crescent City valued at over $5000. Sign up on their website.

Nothing is worse than going on a trip and returning home to a messy house. MommyMusings is giving away some cleaning supplies that may help one lucky person.

Who’s a fan of Glee? Want to win a trip to LA and attend a Glee photo shoot? BuzzSugar.com is giving a trip away. You’ll have to fill out a few polls to enter the contest.

Adventure Center is holding a trip of a lifetime giveaway. You have to be on Twitter and the details are all here.

I’m off for a secret adventure this week and plan on attending the Baton Rouge Blues Fest with my family over the weekend after I return. Next weekend we’re following the festival route and will head to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. Will you be attending any of those events? What are your upcoming travel plans?

As always, thank you for your support and continue to make wonderful travel memories.