Tips for Visiting the Creation Museum

Planning a trip to the Creation Museum in Kentucky? Here are a few tips to keep in mind before your visit.

1. Arrive early.

There is so much to see at the museum and you won’t want to miss a thing.  I’ve read that you can see everything in 3-4 hours but I can’t disagree more.

My motto is, “It’s better to have more time, than not enough time.” So, why not plan on spending a complete day or two (yes, it could take that long depending on how interested you are), if you don’t need that much time, you won’t have any problems finding something else to do in nearby Cincinnati.

2. Be prepared to read. A lot.

There is a ton of reading and by the end of our visit, our heads were spinning. Audio tours may not be offered (but would certainly be a welcome addition), however, if you plan ahead, you can reserve a spot on a Closer Look tour.

Led by AiG scientists and speakers, the Closer Look tours offer guests a guided tour through the museum. You can visit the events page to see if a tour will be offered during your visit and to reserve your space.

3. Plan ahead.

There is much to see and you won’t want to miss anything. Prior to your visit, you can visit the Creation Museums website and find out what workshops and special programming will be offered during your visit so you can plan your day before your arrival.

In addition to the museum displays, there are several movies that are shown at various times throughout the day, special programs, children’s activities, a petting zoo, botanical garden (with a free cell phone audio tour) and Stargazers Planetarium (for an additional cost, but HIGHLY recommended).

4. Visit during the week for less crowds.

We visited during Christmas break and it was very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the week if at all possible. If that doesn’t work for you, be patient, once you get through the admission lines you’ll discover that the museum is a pretty big place.

I do suggest that you buy your tickets to the planetarium as soon as you arrive and make sure that you arrive early for all movies and special programming to assure that you’ll have a seat.

5. Consider purchasing an annual pass.

Depending on the size of your family, or ages of your children, it may cost less or just a bit more to purchase an annual membership than one day pass. Family memberships start at $178.95 and allow your family free admission during the duration of your membership, invitations to members-only events, and allow you to support the AiG ministry.

6. Save money by visiting on a free or discounted day.

The Creation Museum offers several free days and special pricing to various groups at select times of the year, such as the 2012 Winter Homeschool Days. 

Free Days for 2012 include: 

Mothers: May 13 (Mother’s Day)

Fathers: June 17 (Father’s Day)

Veterans: May 28 (Memorial Day),  July 4 (Fourth of July), November 11 (Veterans Day)

All guests: December 24, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Christmas Eve)

Children under five years old: Always free

Find out about special promotions by following the Creation Museum blog, and/or on  Twitter, and Facebook.

Have you visited the Creation Museum? What helpful tips would you add?

5 Tips to Help Keep You Sane While Traveling this Christmas

 

If I had to give you one piece of advice when it comes to traveling at Christmas, I’d say “expect the unexpected.” That doesn’t necessarily mean that I have a pessimistic mindset, it simply means that I’ve traveled enough to realize that things don’t always go the way you’ve planned.

It’s much easier to deal with the hitches and setbacks if you’ve planned for them, or at least thought through a few “what ifs?”  Today I’ll share 5 tips to help keep you sane if you plan to be traveling this Christmas.

1. If you’re driving, have your vehicle inspected before making a long trip. At the very least, consider purchasing AAA or a similar roadside assistance program.

If you’ve ever had car problems and have been stranded alongside the road you know how frustrating or terrifying that can be. For peace of mind, I suggest having your vehicle inspected, the tires checked, and fluids topped off prior to traveling.

I also recommend that you carry a good spare with you. And make sure you can access it easily. If your spare is tucked up under the vehicle, and you haven’t needed it for awhile, take a minute to lower it and make sure that you can get to it. The mechanisms are known to have problems on some vehicles and it won’t do you any good to have a spare you can’t use. Just ask me how I know. 

My family also now has AAA. We didn’t think we needed it until I was stuck in Nashville last year after I locked my keys in the car. Do you know how expensive a locksmith can be?

2.  Keep a bit of money back for emergencies.

We are a cash only family. We don’t have one credit card, so planning ahead is extremely important! For the past two years while traveling to Ohio from Alabama for Christmas, we experienced at least one unexpected expense per trip. 

One year we ran into a terrible ice storm and had to rent a hotel room for the night.  That was a $100 expense that we hadn’t bargained for.  Another year, our transmission went out on our vehicle and we had to rent a car to get home. Let me tell ya, one way rentals are not cheap!

3. Keep a stash of “emergency” gear in your car.  

My grandmother had a list of items that she always carried in the car when traveling, growing up, I thought she was crazy, but now I see the benefit of each item.

After my child suddenly vomited in the car while traveling to Virginia, I’ve learned to keep paper bags, a wet washcloth in a bag (or wet wipes), paper towels, a jug of water to drink or clean up messes, a cup, crackers, small first aid kit,  toilet paper (you just never know), and a small trash bag. In cooler weather, I also make sure we have a couple blankets. 

4. Allow extra travel time.

Nothing stresses me out more than running behind. I like to be punctual. If you’re traveling at Christmas, make sure you plenty of allow extra time for heavy traffic, bad weather or traffic snafu’s.

5. Keep the kids occupied.

Even though my kids are teenagers, it doesn’t take much to start WWIII in the back seats. Before we leave the house, I make sure they double check that they have their iPods, favorite DVD (Redbox is great for swapping movies along the road), books on CD, or hand held games. After all, I’m happy when they’re happy. 

Above all, remember to be patient with your fellow travelers. You aren’t the only one that wants to reach their destination before Christmas Day! 

What tips have you learned that allow you to stay sane while traveling at Christmas?

Are you just joining me for the 5 Days of Christmas series? You can check out 5 Christmas Light Displays Worth the Drive- and tell me your favorite light display and be sure to stop back tomorrow for more Christmas travel tips!

Please take a minute to visit these great bloggers that are also joining the 5 Days of Christmas series.

A Slob Comes Clean - Getting Your Home Company Ready

 Feels Like Home - Christmas Traditions

Somewhat Crunchy - Christmas with Dairy Allergies

Spell Outloud - Children's Books

Mama's Learning Corner - Children's Crafts

Many Little Blessings - Edible Gifts

Sunflower Schoolhouse – Decorations

An Oregon Cottage - Christmas Cookies

Catholic Icing - Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday

The Homeschool Classroom - Gifts Kids Can Make

Mama's Laundry Talk - Laundry Gifts

Successful Homeschooling - Serving

OMSI: A Hands-On Adventure

If you visit us in Portland, chances are we’ll take you to OMSI | Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.  This place never gets old with rotating exhibits, several science labs, OMNIMax, Planetarium, USS Blueback Submarine and the very fun Turbine Science Hall. 

When going to OMSI it is best to plan 1-2 hours for the Turbine Hall, at least 1 hour for the theater, 1/2 hour for the submarine and 1/2 hour for the main exhibits.  You can also plan another 1/2 hour to 1 hour for the upper Life and Earth Science exhibits and labs.

If you are visiting during the summer, please be aware that many of the labs will be closed due to the summer camps.  However, most of the camps end between 2pm and 3pm and OMSI closes at 7:00, so you could go later in the day and still have time to enjoy the museum.

My children’s favorite place is the Turbine Hall.  Here is where hands-on fun happens.  Whether they are creating air rocket races, designing wind towers or creating a water system, they will learn about robotics, engineering, space and aerodynamics while having fun!  The Chemistry and Physics labs are located in the Turbine Hall also.  The Chemistry lab is especially fun for homeschoolers who may not want to have chemical experiments happening in their homes!

The upper level of the Museum holds the Life Sciences exhibits and labs. There is a display of human development in the womb from conception to week 32.  It is graphic.  These are actual fetuses donated after natural cause or accidental deaths.  The kids find it “gross” but fascinating at the same time. 

WARNING:  Before this display is an anatomically correct display of the human reproductive systems.  The other side of this display is the stages of labor.  I personally have no problems with my children being exposed to this side of our humanity, but I know some very conservative families may want to avoid this portion of life sciences all together.

For those who want to spend the extra money, the OMNIMAX theater is fun.  The only tip I can give you is to sit in the middle toward the upper level. If you get sea sickness…you may want to take Dramamine first.

The Kendall Planetarium is awesome if you like to learn about the stars.  Our favorite has been about the birth of stars.  In the evening they hold a Laser Light Show synchronized to Classic Rock.  I heard it’s pretty cool.

Our family has not personally toured the submarine yet, so I cannot comment on that part of the museum.

When you are done inside the museum you can head outside and walk along the waterfront.

About OMSI

OMSI is located south of downtown Portland along the east bank of the Willamette River; nestled near the Hawthorne Bridge in the heart of East side's industrial building district. The exact address is 1945 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214-3354 or if you want to be really precise, 45° 30' 36" north latitude, 122° 39' 54" west longitude.

How much does it cost to visit OMSI?

Ticket prices are $12 adults, $9 Youth (3-13), $9 Senior (63+), FREE for members.  Our family would cost $51 for a single trip.  This does not include the cost of parking or any additional exhibit fees.

The additional fees currently are:

• Parking – $3, Free for Members
• Narnia Exhibit Fee – $2 per person, FREE for members.  Note:  If you use a ASTC pass from another science museum, you will still have to pay the $2.  The exhibit is free ONLY for OMSI members.
• Kendall Planetarium – $5.75 for general admission, members receive $1 off
• Omnimax Dome Theater – $5.75 (matinee), members receive $1 off.  Evening movies are $7.50, no discounts.
• USS Blueback Submarine Tour – $5.75 admission
• Motion Simulator  - $5.00, members receive $1 off

They do offer some discounted packages:

• Adventure Combo Pack: $16 adults, $13 Youth and Senior.  This package includes museum admission and one OMNIMAX Move OR Kendall Planetarium Show.
• Museum Combo Pack:  $21 adults, $17 Youth and Senior.  This package includes museum admission, one OMNIMAX movie, and your choice of planetarium show or submarine tour.

Another option for a low-cost OMSI visit is to watch for $2 Sundays.  These are held on the first Sunday of the month.  The next date is August 7, 2011.  I believe this is available for everyone, not just local citizens.

What are the benefits of Membership and what does it cost?

We have been members of OMSI for 3 years now.  There are several reasons we chose membership.  The number one reason was the cost of membership vs. the cost of paying for every visit.

• Membership starts at $75 up to $500 per year.  We opted for the FRIENDS level which costs $140 per year.  This gives us 2 named adults, 8 children (so we can take the kid’s friends) AND 2 guests per visit.  Includes 8 FREE Omnimax or Submarine Tickets and UNLIMITED FREE Planetarium matinees.  I have used this at least 3 times this year and been able to take friends for free.  We love the planetarium matinees.  And it’s nice to be able to visit at least one OMNIMAX show a year.
• OMSI participates in the ASTC Travel Passport Program.  This gives us access to over 290 museums around the country!  We cannot use it for the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, but can use it for AC Gilbert House in Salem.  (They have a special agreement).
• Savings on science camps and classes.  I personally used this when I attended a CPR class at OMSI.
• 10% discount in the OMSI store and cafes.
• They offer a discount club which features some local businesses.

To see the current costs of membership, visit OMSI’s website.

What about food?

They do have a cafeteria.  It has a variety of food options. However, it’s like every public attraction cafe, not cheap.

The alternative is to bring your own lunches. You can store them in lockers, or your car, and then eat lunch in the Turbine Hall Lunch room.  You cannot take your lunch into the cafeteria. 

You will WANT to bring your own water.  The bottle water is $2.25 for a 20 oz. bottle.

OMSI is a big recycler, so be sure you recycle whatever you can. There are signs above the bins to help you.

When is OMSI open?

OMSI is open year round with seasonal hours.  During the summer (6/18 to Labor day) the hours are 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.

Don’t want to drive your car there?  Take Trimet!

Taunya is a homeschooling mother of three who enjoys traveling, scrapbooking, taking pictures of random beauty. Located in gorgeous Northwest Oregon, she enjoys the wonder and beauty of God's creation everyday! She blogs at Taunya’s Place.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Spend the day driving along the beautiful Highway 101 along the coast of Oregon – and you will see many signs urging you to visit the many lighthouses from yesteryear along your route. One, in particular, stands out to our family – with a name that indicates that this is not your usual drive to a tall pillar with a flashlight on top . . . . The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

After purchasing your $7.00 pass, or using one of your travel passes, you’ll find yourself driving along the cliff that loops out to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. You’ll want a copy of the map given by the booth attendant to be able to know what is instore. This is no casual drive by. I suggest an all day outing, especially if you are camping at South Beach Campground or Beverly Beach State Park.

Whales, Birds, Sea life, Intertidal Pools, Trails, Interpretive Centers, and a tour of the lighthouse await! We have spent an entire afternoon at the Quarry Cove inspecting the tide pools, watching seals play, and following the birds along the trails and cliffs. Cobble Beach is another area to hike down to the water and play on a rocky shoreline – beachcombing treasures await!

There is a large interpretive center for learning – we have toured this facility but have not had time yet to fully enjoy it! As you travel along the road, the lighthouse comes into view. Stepping out of your car in the spring and summer, and you’ll be greeted with a curious sound. Birds. Literally tons of birds. 70-80 Thousand Common Murres nest at Colony Rock west of the Lighthouse in the Pacific Ocean. Joined by nesting Cormorants, Gulls, Brandts, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, western gulls, and glaucous-winged gulls – it is quite a show. Add to that the Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons who like the all you can eat sea bird buffet – and you have quite the treat!

Speaking of treats – When your feet are aching, your camera card is full, and your skin is windblown – stop in at Izzy’s All you can eat buffet at the entrance to the area. We have enjoyed the quality of their steak house, pizza and salad bar. The bonus is that it sits atop the cliff overlooking Newport, Oregon all the way to South Beach.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area                                                                      750 NW Lighthouse Dr
Newport, Oregon 97365
Phone: 541-574-3100

Hours of Operation
Park Grounds:
The park grounds are open every day of the year. The entrance gate opens at sunrise or 6:00 AM, whichever is later, and closes at sunset. Winter hours start November 1.
Interpretive Center:
Summer Hours 9:00 to 5:00
Fall Hours 10:00 to 5:00
Winter hours 10:00 to 4:30
Lighthouse:
Summer Hours 11:00 to 4:00
Fall Hours 10:00 to 4:00
Winter Hours 12:00 to 4:00
$7.00 BLM Fee per Vehicle for up to 9 passengers– Pass information.

Click here for driving directions to and from the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Angie Wright spends her days exploring the Central Oregon Coast. You may find her reading in her canoe in the morning, hiking the cool of the mountains in the afternoon or walking along the beach at sunset. An avid birder, reader and mother of two outgoing middle school boys - our her life is full of adventure! You can read all about her many adventures at Petra School. 

Save Money on Travel Expenses with RoomSaver Guides

I know when it comes to family travel, the experts normally suggest that you have all your hotel reservations in place before leaving home. I'm all for that but it doesn't typically work for us. In fact, you could say that I've learned to save my family money by not planning ahead.

Of course, there are a few exceptions, like our recent trip to Disney World, I made advance reservations for the leg of the trip that was actually spent at Disney. The rest of the time we kind of winged it. I know. Some of you are reading my words and cringing.

Allow me to explain. I can spend hours, sometimes even weeks, planning our getaways. It never fails that my husband will change things at the last minute. Always. Either he works over on the day we are to leave, he decides not to take as much time off of work or simply doesn't want to travel as far as I've mapped out, or wants to travel further. He tells me he's teaching me to be flexible. I think he just enjoys being difficult.

Because I hate to cancel hotel reservations at the last minute and have learned the hard way that sometimes you can't do so without incurring a penalty, I normally don't make advance reservations. Instead, I pick up one of those hotel discount guides that can be found at rest stops or gas stations along the highway. Once we decide we've traveled far enough, we peek through the guide to see where we can get the best deal.


On our Ohio road trip this past spring, I picked up a free RoomSaver guide and found lodging for my family at a Red Roof Inn for $39.95. Normal prices for the evening were $54.95- I know this because even though I showed the clerk my coupon, he accidentally charged me the full rate and had to adjust it. That one transaction saved me $15.00. Not too shabby.

After that trip I was excited to learn that I no longer have to search out those hotel saving guides on the road. Now I can check out the deals from the comfort of my home before I hit the road at RoomSaver.com or on the road using one of the free mobile apps.

Since I am familiar with the RoomSaver guides and have used them for years, I was thrilled when they asked if they could feature me on their blog. The funny thing is, I was writing a post about their money saving guides at the same time!

Well, that interview is up and available for you to read. I hope you'll take a minute to hop over and nose around their site. I also hope that you'll keep them in mind when it comes to planning your next getaway. How much money do you think you can save?

Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets: Perfect for Travelers

There’s one thing that I especially hate to do while we are traveling; laundry. Really, who wants to trade fun for the more mundane? Not me. However, sometimes washing clothes is a necessary evil when you’re vacationing and right now we are planning our longest road trip yet. There is no way I can pack enough clothes for five people, for three weeks in my van and still have room for the important stuff, like my family for instance.

I either need to plan a pit stop or two at a laundry mat along the way or make sure that some of the hotels we stay at offer machines for their guests. In addition to lots of quarters I need to pack laundry detergent which gives me horrifying flashbacks from a few years ago when we were traveling. I’m not a fan of Laundromats, especially when it’s an area I’m not familiar with and after waiting for every stitch of clothing that we owned to find it’s way to the dirty clothes basket,  I finally made it to a laundry mat. I washed every bit of our clothes only to find out at the hotel that I’d failed to screw the lid on the detergent properly. The liquid had oozed all over my clothes and carpet in my vehicle. Talk about an icky mess.

In the past I’ve discovered that laundry samples are great to eliminate the mess but recently I found something even better!   

I've been trying my hand at couponing and a few weeks ago I managed to pick up four packages of Purex 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets for less than $1 a package! I was pretty impressed with myself, but it wasn’t until a few nights ago that I really began to appreciate how remarkable my purchase truly is when it dawned on me that  Purex 3-in-1 is the perfect traveler’s companion!

It’s leak proof, easy to pack, and takes up virtually no room, especially if you only pack what you need.  Just check out how thin these laundry sheets are! One sheet will wash one load of clothing. If you’re only going to be away from home a week or so, you could easily stash a couple of these in a Ziploc bag and toss them in your purse so you don’t have to worry about loosing them.          

There’s more, this innovative new laundry detergent is more than meets the eye. This single sheet is a detergent, fabric softener and anti-static all in one. Simply toss it  into the wash cycle and transfer it with your clothes to the dryer. No mess and stress free.   

I can’t think of a single product that is better suited for simplifying laundry for travelers!

Have you tried Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets yet? 

Get More Bang for Your Buck: Hotel Savings

I have conservatively estimated that prior to the purchase of our motor home, we'd spent over 450 nights in a hotel room. This alone and the fact that I worked at a hotel for over a year and a half leads me to think that I can offer you a few words of wisdom; particularly how to get discounts, what to ask when booking a room and what chains to avoid like the plague. But this may take awhile, so for your sake, I'll break this information down into several posts. Let's begin with some money saving tips.

1. Advance Reservations

When it comes to staying in a hotel, you'll often get the best rates if you book well in advance. Hotels are driven by supply and demand. As demand for their rooms increase, so do the rates. Typically, you won't find your best rate during special events, weekends or holidays. As a former hotel employee, I can safely say that the sooner you book your room the better. I sometimes took reservations for rooms up to 364 days in advance, as prices increase every year. If you have the luxury of knowing your travel plans that far ahead, that's wonderful. You can always shop around for a better rate and cancel your existing reservation if you find one, but if not, you should have a pretty good rate locked in.

2. Ask for Discounts

Now, what about those times when you don't have as much notice? Certainly the more notice you have the better, right? Well, not always but this is where securing your hotel room can be a bit of a gamble. You can make your reservations ahead of time or wait and hope for a last minute deal. Let's continue talking about advance reservations. If you are calling the hotel directly, always inquire as to what the best rate is.

It has been my experience as a traveler and as a hotel employee that your best rate is normally going to be an Internet rate for reservations. But that is not always the case as policies differ between establishments, your best bet will be to ask the hotel representative directly when calling. If you ask they are normally straightforward. Also, be sure to ask about AAA, AARP, Military, Corporate, Pastor's rates, and government rates. And, if you are eligible for more than one, inquire as to which rate will reap the biggest monetary savings.

3. A Word about AAA

Let's talk about AAA for a moment. I'm sure many of you have heard of AAA. Some people chose to enroll in the club for peace of mind with the roadside assistance. Our membership has certainly paid for itself several times over. We've had our vehicles towed on more than one occasion and several years ago I went through a period when I couldn't seem to remember to remove my keys from inside my van before locking it! Thank goodness we had AAA then!

Some chose to join AAA for the travel planning services they offer; did you know that AAA is the largest travel agency in North America? Although I don't normally use one of their agents when I'm planning a trip, I do love the online triptik feature and always peruse the Tourbooks before visiting an area. But the biggest motivation I have for joining AAA is purely financial, you will save money while you travel!

In one week, we were able to save enough money off our hotel room with the AAA rate that our membership was paid for! How could we resist? Hotels aren't the only places you'll save. You'll save on rental cars, campgrounds, discount tickets to big attractions (like Disney) and even retailers. A membership is worth consideration...

4. Off Season Travel & Flexible Travel Dates

You'll be amazed at how much money you can save if you can travel during the off-season. We've stayed at incredible hotels that were normally several hundred dollars a night on their off-season for under $100. The trick is to travel when you can save on your hotel rates, but not to miss out on the attractions that you want to see in the area that sometimes close or have reduced operating hours certain times of the year.

You'll always pay more during special events. The hotel I worked for catered towards the racing crowd. That meant that during those key races, if you were able to find a room, you were going to pay 200% more than if you traveled the week before or after. When making a reservation online, try several different dates and see if you get a price difference or call the hotel and ask for quotes for several dates. Just remember that those rates aren't locked in until you make your reservation.

5. Using Coupons

If you prefer not to reserve your room in advance, or don't have much notice that you'll be traveling, a coupon rate will be your best rate if the hotel offers them and if you have one (coupons can be obtained at gas stations, rest stops, visitors centers ad now ONLINE). Always call the hotel to verify that the coupon is still valid, if the designated rooms are still available and if there are any additional costs. Make sure to read the fine print. The coupon will normally be for a specific room type or will only allow so many people, maybe one or two, with a surcharge for additional occupants.

6. Ask for Discounts

If you don't have a coupon, ask what your rate will be with any discounts that you qualify for. Finally, ask if they are offering any manager's specials. If the hotel is under booked, the front desk representative, may be able to offer you a special discounted rate. The hospitality business is very competitive and if you walk into their hotel, they want to keep you there and don't want you going next door to their competitor. I was able to offer substantial discounts, if the customer asked. Why offer a discount to someone that is willing to pay full price? So next time you travel, remember, you can bargain a bit and ALWAYS ask for discounts!

7. Weekly Rates

If you are planning a trip to an area that you will be spending a minimum of 7 days, be sure to call the hotel directly and ask if they offer a weekly program. Remember, it never hurts to ask!

8. Rewards Programs

Join a rewards program. Almost all hotels offer them, it's free and you'll be surprised how fast those rewards can add up. Especially if you travel during specified promotion periods. This year we've already received quite a few free nights! But then, we've already established how often we frequent hotels, or used to I should say! Find out how quickly you can stay your way to free nights here.

9. Discounts for Homeschooling Families

Now, attention homeschooling families, do you know that HSLDA has negotiated a 20% discount for members at Choice Hotels? Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, and Mainstay Suites** fall under the Choice name and are normally a good mid-priced hotel to consider. If you are reserving a room online, always call the hotel directly to verify that you are receiving the best rate.

**Rodeway and Econo Lodge also follow under the Choice Hotels umbrella, but I’ve had enough BAD experiences at both that I will not recommend either of these chains. 

10. Online Bidding Agents

Finally, there are online bidding agents such as Priceline, Orbitz, etc. While I have heard of people really saving substantially, I prefer to skip the bidding process and know in advance what hotel I'm going to stay at, be it good or bad.

There you have it, hopefully I've given you some ideas on how to save money on your next trip- and if you take my advice, why not leave a comment telling me how much money you saved? Or if you have tips you'd like to share, please do!

Until the next post....Happy Traveling! This post is linked to Oh, Amanda’s Top Ten Tuesday. 

Travel Tips: Finding Free Attractions

When planning a trip, we seek out free attractions or those that charge very low entrance fees. Some of the best attractions we’ve found have been through searching National Park Sites, State Parks, the wacky, fun and free attractions found at Roadside America and museums and zoos we can gain free or reduced admission to with our reciprocal memberships. 

We’ve discovered that the more money we pay for admission, the higher our expectations are. Sometimes this leads us to be overly critical, which ultimately leads to disappointment, but who can argue with free? 

When you’re planning to travel with your family, what resource do you use for finding low cost or FREE attractions?

Travel Tip: Save those Quarters

 

Be sure that you always keep a stash of quarters and shiny pennies on you when you’re traveling. Not only will they come in handy for toll charges and parking meters, but they’re great for the smashed (elongated) penny machines that can be found at many attractions. The smashed pennies are a really inexpensive souvenir and they are so fun to collect!

Don’t forget to Book Your Hotel in Advance

Last week we embarked on yet one more trip to Ohio. I really think our vehicle has an auto-pilot for the trip because it seems that we just can’t go anywhere else these days!

Normally, we stay with family but this time my husband thought it would be a nice break if I would reserve a hotel room for us for the week. He didn’t have to twist my arm- I’m always more comfortable having my own space. At the last minute he changed his mind and I changed our reservations. Instead of reserving rooms for the week, I only reserved rooms for one night. Big mistake.

Turns out that we really couldn’t stay where we planned so we needed to stay in a hotel after all. The hotel had plenty of rooms, but the rate had jumped from $52 a night to $69 a night. Our four night stay cost $68 more than it would have if I’d kept those reservations.  No, the extra amount didn’t break the bank but it did frustrate me because I knew how much less we would have paid by simply booking in advance.

So, next time you plan a road trip, don’t forget to book those rooms. Even if it’s just a couple days in advance. Your savings really could add up.     

Before you make that call you may want to take a minute to read a post I wrote a while back, Get More Bang for your Buck; Hotel Savings. 

What secrets do you have for saving money on lodging?

Tips for a Smoother Traveling with Kids Experience

*If this post seems familiar, it originally appeared on my original blog on Homeschool Blogger and is mentioned in Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others e-book distributed by The Old Schoolhouse Store. 

I often speak to people about our traveling lifestyle and one of the first questions they always ask is how can I stand to be in the car for over an hour with my children?  When they hear me preface my response by saying that my children are now 14, 15 and 17, they assume it must be a breeze. Yes, it is easier now that they are older.  However, we didn't begin traveling with our children when they hit the 'magical number' where they could suddenly behave in the car.  We traveled with them from the time they were infants. Yes, it was more work.  Yes, we had to stop more frequently for feedings and bathroom breaks. Yes, sometimes the kids were cranky and sometimes we were cranky. But I never thought about missing out on an opportunity because of the length of time we'd be on the road. Some trips just took some extra planning. 

Like so many other skills in life, I believe that traveling happily can be taught.  Today I hope to share some tips with you that have helped us as we've adjusted to life on the road, at all stages and for all ages.  

Babies and Toddlers                                         

The biggest challenge at this stage was to make sure that I was able to pack everything that I could possibly need for me, my husband and my baby for the duration of our trip.  A fresh diaper change starting out, plenty of food and drinks, a few baby toys, car seat attachments and soft, squishy books, etc. were normally enough at this stage.  Our babies always slept a lot in the car so this stage was relatively easy.  Our firstborn experienced Washington D.C. , Niagara Falls and Mammoth Caves before he was a year old.  He traveled very well and was very content.  If we kept him in a dry diaper, fed, smiled and talked to him occasionally, we could drive all day.  

Toddler/Pre-school

As my babies grew into toddlers, it meant that I now had an infant and a toddler to occupy.  This became more of a challenge because my toddler loved to touch the baby and with car seats close together, he was often trying to share his toys with his brother.  We had to make him understand that when his brother was sleeping, he really didn't need to have all those toys thrown in his car seat! 

Going from one to two children was quite an adjustment for me, especially since they were close in age.  It didn't matter if we were going outside for a walk, or on a road trip to the zoo, as soon as I had changed one and diapered the other, I always had a messy diaper as we were walking out the door.  I had to learn to give myself some extra time to go anywhere.

At this age, you could keep a tub of 'car only' toys in your vehicle so the kids have some special toys to look forward to just for time spent on the road.  Take a potty break immediately before leaving the house and limit food and drink for your child while on the road.  If you are taking a long road trip, stop frequently so they can stretch their legs and run off some energy. You may consider taking a ball or Frisbee to toss at rest stops.  Keep a selection of silly children's CD's for your child to listen to.  When my kids were this age, the portable DVD's were not yet available, but now your child can watch their favorite cartoon while you're on the road.

One thing that will really help at this stage is to have Car Rules and consistently enforce them.   

Elementary Age- Up

Even though the kids may be older, they are also more vocal and more opinionated.  This could be the most stressful stage to go through.  Some parents choose to drive at night while the kids are sleeping, this never worked for my husband and I. We tend to get sleepy, too!  Here are some tips that did work for us at this stage:

Keep a journal of the trip.

Be creative with this.  You can allow your kids to journal whatever they want- my daughter loves to keep lists and documents everything. She’ll jot down what the weather was like, what time we crossed a state line or how many bridges we drove over. If that’s not the case with your children,  you can give them specific ideas to get them started. 

• What was the funniest billboard that you saw? 
• The most boring state to drive through?
• The biggest disappointment?

The last prompt may seem odd to you, but it can help turn a very ugly situation into a laughable one. Several years ago, my kids and I planned to drive to Virginia to join my husband.  We weren't even an hour away from home when I was pulled over by a police officer!  Imagine my horror when the officer told me that my tags had expired! I'd forgotten to renew them on my birthday 6 months earlier! Luckily, he was very nice, ticketed me and directed me to the nearest BMV. 

After sharing the news with my husband, he suggested that we go home and wait another day to join him.  We were so disappointed until my daughter excitedly exclaimed that it wasn't so bad, they now had something to record in their journals! 

Even if the thought of keeping a journal doesn't appeal to your child,  they will treasure the completed journal later and will also have a neat keepsake to show Grandma and Grandpa,especially when they add in their own drawings, photos, post cards and travel brochures.  

Give your children a scavenger hunt.

One summer, my nieces had stayed in Ohio with their grandparent's over the summer break.  My sister-in-law asked if we would be able to drive them half way back to their home in Tennessee. We agreed, and to make the trip fun, I thought I'd prepare a scavenger hunt for the kids so they'd be occupied.  They were having so much fun, they kept adding to it. 

This can be really simple for younger kids, find a red truck, find a yellow car, find 3 cows, etc. while for older kids you could make it more challenging.  Find 5 out of state license plates, find a city that has 8 letters in the spelling, Can you spot 6 semi's in a row? Make sure that you have crayons or pencils so the kids can record their answers.  It may also be helpful if they have a clipboard to write on.

If you don't have the time to make one up on your own, you can do a quick search online and find travel games. This website has a basic city, rural or suburb hunt ready to be printed, as well as some other travel games.

Put together a 'SURPRISE BAG.'

Before one trip, I snuck away alone for a few minutes at our local Dollar Tree (everything in the store is $1) and chose a gift bag for the kids and filled it with trinkets to occupy them on the drive.  Some of the items I included were coloring books, travel games, handheld games, simple craft projects (not anything messy), stickers, etc.  The kids received the bags after we'd been on the road for awhile and they were just beginning to get restless.  A variation to this idea would be to pick up a few simple items, wrap them individually and distribute them along the way.  This gives the kids something fun to look forward to. 

Give your kids a map or children's travel atlas so they can follow the route on their own. 

Or give them a list of the towns that you will be driving through so they can mark them off along the way.  This will take a bit of time on your part, but in exchange, your child can track your journey and you'll potentially cut down on the "Are we almost there yet" question.

Play the memory game.

You’ve probably all played this game or a variation. Someone begins with: I'm going on a camping trip and I'm going to take a tent.  The next person has to repeat what you've said, plus add their own item and the game continues until someone forgets what everyone's taking.  This is actually a great game for pre-readers, although older children will enjoy it as well.  Almost every time we're in the car, one of my kids will suggest we play this game...doesn't mean we always agree...

Don’t forget to pack magnetic board games, the Nintendo DSi, iPod, etc.

Need I say more? These inventions are high on my children’s list which you can read here, Roadtripping with Teens: What they Consider Essential.

Pack the audio books!

Listening to audio books is a favorite way for my family to pass time in the car. We’ve spent many hours listening to Adventures in Odyssey,  Jonathon Park CD's, recordings by Jim Weiss and many books on CD that we found at the local library.

Don’t stop with the audio books though. My kids also love to listen to their favorite CD’s. If they can listen to my favorite music, I figure I can listen to theirs as well.  

Give your kids their own camera.

The first time I did this, was when we went to The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island with the kids.  I couldn't wait to get their cameras developed to see their pictures and couldn’t believe it when I saw what caught my oldest sons eye!  He didn't take one picture of  the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island!  He used all of his film taking pictures of the inside of our vehicle when we were stuck in traffic!  I guarantee you'll get a fresh perspective when you view your trip through the eyes of your child!

Set realistic expectations for yourself, traveling is always an adventure.   Finally, no matter how old your kids are, accept the fact that sometimes, you may get annoyed.  That's okay, we are not perfect people. It's how we handle that annoyance that can and will affect our trip. 

What tips would you like to share that make travel easier for your family?  

Choosing Family Friendly Campgrounds

I’m excited to share that my article, What to ask when Selecting a Campground for your Family is featured today at  RVParking.com as part of their series on RVing with Kids. While you’re visiting RVParking.com make sure you check out their current contest, whoever writes the most reviews wins a portable solar power pack and the people who submit the two best reviews each win a $50 gas card. Hurry this contest ends October 15!

What to ask when Selecting a Campground for your Family

When it comes to selecting the perfect campground for your family, chances are we won’t be looking for the same amenities even though we both have children. As a mother of teenagers, a campground with a playground and scheduled activities is no longer an option we consider important. Give my kids good cell phone reception and Wi-Fi access so they can brag on Facebook about what a great time they are having roasting marshmallows over the open fire and they’re pretty content.

Setting the age of our children aside, selecting a campground really boils down to preference. Personally, I prefer to stay at campgrounds that offer large sites, clean bathrooms and friendly campers. What I don’t want is to arrive at our site for what we hope is a relaxing weekend and find ourselves right smack in the middle of a major drink fest with obnoxious neighbors loudly proclaiming obscenities and staggering around the camp until they pass out on their picnic table. Unless you are that person, chances are that’s not your idea of fun either.

You can head to RVParking and read the rest of my post and make sure you don’t miss the first post in the series The Joys of RVing with Children.

20 Things You Should Consider When Going on Your First Cruise

My family recently had the privilege to go on a cruise for the first time. As much as we enjoyed it, there were a few things I wish we would have known prior to setting sail that would have potentially enhanced the experience. So, for those  contemplating a cruise sometime in the future, this is for you. 

1. Don’t rush out and buy a bunch of new vacation clothes. Keep it simple and wear what you already have hanging in your closet. No one will know the difference.

2. If you plan to arrive a day or two before the ship sails, and are choosing a hotel room, don’t overlook the hotels that aren’t necessarily as conveniently located to the cruise terminal.   You can stay at a hotel 5- 10 miles from the port and pay a drastically reduced rate with a relatively low taxi fare to meet the ship. Also, when booking a room, call the hotel directly and inquire about shuttle service to and from the hotel, cruise terminal, airport, etc. 

3. Parking your car at the port is expensive (especially if it’s considered oversized). If you are staying at a nearby hotel, ask if you are permitted to leave your vehicle in the hotel parking lot. This saved us $150!

4. Be prepared to wait in potentially long lines when entering and exiting the ship.

5. Nearly everything is charged to your room, and in turn your credit card (the exception would be any gambling that you do in the casino).  You can easily keep tabs on your spending by viewing your charges each day at guest services and remember that you can set limits on what each individual in your room can spend. 

6. Make sure your children know stateroom beverages are not for hospitality purposes, you will be charged for each can that is consumed. If they are a temptation, ask your steward to remove them.

7. Make sure you take along some small bills to tip room service as well as tour guides, taxi and bus drivers that you’ll encounter on excursions. 

8. Pre-pay your gratuities when you book your cruise so there aren’t any surprises on your final bill.

9. Be prepared to be photographed. ALOT.  When you get on the ship, by the pool, in the dining hall and when you exit the ship for an excursion you’ll be photographed. These pictures will cost between $10-$20 each and since they are taken by professional photographers, they will turn out beautifully and you will want them. If you don’t want to spend the money,  don’t look at them. Just so you know, these pictures aren’t discounted, even on the last day of the cruise.  

10. The crew will try to sell you extras such as pictures (which we’ve already established), bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol. Just say no. These items can easily add up to hundreds of dollars to your final bill.   

11. Though your food is free, you will want snacks that won’t be available. Be sure to add a few snacks inside your suitcase.

12. You can eat until you are miserable so just remember, the food will not run out. Also, by the end of the cruise you’ll be tired of eating the same food. There is not a big variety. 

13. Even though it’s not offered, you can request another plate of food when you are served in the dining room. 

14. The ship clears out on excursion days. This is your chance to play in the pool, hang out in the hot tub and sun yourself without the crowds.

15. If you have teenagers that accompany you, don’t be surprised by the amount of time that you WON’T see them. There are plenty of teen activities going on to keep them busy. This aspect may or may not appeal to you. 

16. Review the ship’s itinerary each day so you don’t miss any special events or activities. 

17.  To our surprise, the water in the pool is actually salt water so keep your mouth shut and eyes closed when you dive in!

18. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on an excursion, you may enjoy getting off the ship and taking a  look around the port. Even if you don’t venture far you’ll experience some of the culture of the area.

19. Don’t book a cruise during hurricane season if you’re prone to motion sicknessWe learned this lesson the hard way! 

20. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, start with a short 3 or 5 day cruise. Wouldn’t you hate to be on a 15 day cruise when you decide that this mode of travel is not for you?

Have tips of your own? I’d love to hear them! 

Travel Tips

Roadtripping with Teens: What they Consider Essential

When it comes to packing for road trips, my kids are just about professionals! They’ve packed and unpacked more than many adults have in their lifetime. Four years of heading to hotel rooms, temporary apartments and the camping life has really honed their abilities.
They can pack in record time and rarely forget anything that’s essential. You may be surprised that when it comes to packing, I tell them where we are going and when and they jump into action. I don’t have to lift a finger. In fact, I’d say for the past 3½ years, I’ve not even helped to pack the vehicle- my boys take care of that. They think of it as their ‘job’ to make sure it’s packed and ready when it’s time to hit the road. Yes, traveling with older kids certainly has some benefits!

This week I asked my kids to share some of the things they consider essential when it comes to taking a road trip, not necessarily in the order of importance, but here are their lists. The first list is mainly a compilation, the latter two are more specific to my children's interests.

• iPods, MP3 or CD’s- You just have to have your music!


• Cell Phone- You never know when you’ll get lost! Plus, if you’re meeting up with friends, it’s important that you stay in touch. Besides, our friends worry about us if we don't text them regularly.


• A Camera- Because we always see something neat.


• Laptop- You never know when you’ll find a hot spot and score free Wi-Fi! The computer is also good for watching movies. We rent them at various Redbox locations and return them on our way.


• Bubble gum- You don’t want to be in the car with someone with stinky breath (go figure) and its fun to blow bubbles.


• A pillow and a blanket- We like to be comfortable! Besides the air conditioner can get cold.


• Snacks, Pop & Water- We’re teenagers, remember? We eat all the time!


• A sweatshirt- In case we get cold, besides it doubles as a pillow.


• Money- We like to have our own money on the trip.

My daughter added a few of her own:

• Books- Nothing beats boredom like good reading material.


• Stamps- I like to mail post cards to my friends from the road. Sometimes I even like to mail one to myself so it will be postmarked from places like Paris.


• An Extra Pair of Shoes- In case you step in something not so nice. (You may remember our trip to The Crater of Diamonds )

And here are a couple thoughts from the boys:

• A Knife or two - Just to be safe. You never know when we may need them.


• My journal and pen- Just in case I get the urge to write.


• Books- I pack books too, but not books with too many words because I get a headache from reading in the car. I prefer books with lots of pictures like my Star Wars book (says son #1) or my Mustang book or knife book (says son #2).


• My PSP

Depending on where we are going, the boys will also pack their xBox because they think they can’t survive without it. Of course, they also pack extra clothes because to go on a trip without spares, in their own words, is just...well...gross!

So, is this an exhaustive list? Of course not. What the kids pack changes based on where we are heading to, but this is a list of what they consider to be essential. I thought it'd be interesting to hear from a teenager's point of view.

Now let's have some fun...what ONE item do you consider essential when it comes to packing for a road trip?

Travel Tip: Rental Cars

Following the tradition of the past travel tips I've posted, I learned this by experience. When you are booking a rental car, check the price online and then call the local office. See which one will give you a better deal. I saved over $40 this week just by booking online instead of per phone! The representative I spoke with confirmed that generally you will obtain the best rate online, but not always. That's why it's worth it to check it out yourself.

I'm fairly new to renting cars. Do you have any tips?

Travel Tips: Always Pack a Map

As you know, just over a week ago, the kids and I went on a road trip. I had printed directions from Mapquest, but had forgotten to grab my GPS on the way out the door. Normally, that is not a big deal. Of course, I usually print the accompanying map with the Mapquest directions but this time I'd decided that I didn't need it. Uh huh. Mistake.

I think you know where this is heading.

Somewhere down the road, after we finished sightseeing in Paris, Tennessee, I was supposed to take West-such-and-such-street, which I did and only realized 20 minutes later that it wasn't leading me where I needed to be. I guess 20 minutes wasn't bad, but then it took me 20 minutes to get back where I started only to realize that Mapquest had made an error and I was supposed to have been on EAST-such-and-such-street. NEVER WEST!

Oh well, after a 14 hour drive what's another 40 minutes anyway? So, remember the lesson I learned and even if you have a printed directions or a GPS, it never hurts to pack along and old fashioned map...just in case.

Your turn, have you ever gotten lost while following directions? Or NOT following directions as the case may be? Please share...we're all ears...

Travel Tips: Stay your way to FREE nights

If you travel frequently, or even occasionally, by now you've probably signed up for a Free Hotel Rewards program. Or two. Or three. Depending on how often you travel. Nearly every hotel chain offers them. Most are free to join and the points you earn add up to FREE stays for you, while gaining loyal customers for the hotel chain. After all, if you are staying in a town with a hotel that participates in the reward program, wouldn't you stay there and earn points towards a future stay rather than a hotel that doesn't? I would and do, especially if they are comparable in price and features that I'm looking for.

Personally we belong to several programs but have mainly used one exclusively for the past 15 months. Over that time we've earned Elite status, which means that my family stays in a lot of hotels and as a result we receive even more points. To give you an idea of how it adds up,I've included a screen shot of our account. You can see that I have just over 12,000 points, which in our program is enough points for two free nights at some hotels.

Before our recent Texas trip, I had just under 6,000 points. We spent 4 nights in a hotel room and paid under $60 per night. We earned enough points for an additional free night with our bonuses.



(The bonus would not apply to the basic membership, but with our particular rewards program as long as we use it every so often- I believe yearly- the points won't expire so if you don't travel frequently, it will still add up eventually.)

As a rewards member, you'll also receive notices of special offers, like extra points for staying during certain times or in certain destinations, free upgrades and special welcome gifts.

Want to hear more? I found this great post, The Best Hotel Rewards Programs to Earn Free Hotel Stays, that explains more of the benefits of joining a hotel rewards program. Oh,and just so you know, many programs allow you to use your points towards flights, gas and even dinner!

Do you belong to a rewards program? How does it work for you?

Travel Tip: Glean Wisdom from those who have Gone Before You

When I'm traveling, I love to talk to someone who has already been to the area that I'm planning to visit. I want opinions from someone who has been there and hear what they think when it comes to attractions to visit, what to avoid, where to eat, where to sleep. You name it, I want to know about it. That's why when one of my friends from Families on the Road offered to give me information about San Antonio, I took her up on the offer and gave her a call. Since Melissa's family has spent several months in Texas exploring the area, I knew she would be just the person I needed to talk to and she was very helpful! I can't wait to put her tips in action. In the meantime, you can head over to her blog read all about their adventures at Discovering US.

I was fortunate to talk to Melissa. She gave me a ton of information and I took pages of notes, but what if you don't know anyone who has traveled where you are headed? Well, that's pretty easy too. Call the Chamber of Commerce. Explain to them what you are interested in and they should be able to give you a couple good tips. You can also stop in at a Visitor's Center or ask the campground, hotel personnel or Walmart employee for tips. Really, just ask anyone what they enjoy doing in the area or what their favorite restaurant is. You'll find that most people are very accommodating. We've gotten some of our best tips ever by asking the locals what they suggest.

Of course you can do research online and read reviews, but sometimes it's nice just to hear what a real person has to say.

When you are heading out of town, do you research your destination? What sources do you use?

Travel Tip: Don't Overplan

Another simple idea. Yet one I have a hard time following through. As I mentioned, we are in the process of planning a trip. I had everything planned. Dig for diamonds. Visit the Alamo. Check out the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Stop along the Gulf. D-Day Museum in New Orleans and back to our home base. Simple right? It was until I decided to take a peak and see what else was in the area. After all, we'll be visiting three states we've never been in. Today I discovered that the San Antonio area has a lot to offer. Like Six Flags and the Texas Ranger Museum. Not to mention the nearby National Museum of the Pacific War. Our simple long weekend trip is evolving into something we didn't want it to be. So I needed to stop and reflect. This trip was never intended to turn into...'Let's see everything there is to see in San Antonio at breakneck speed so we're all so stressed we need a vacation from our vacation'...sort of trip.

So, when you are trip planning, my advice is keep it simple and relax. Plan what you can't miss. You can always find something to add if you have more time later.

Travel Tip: Give Off Season Travel a Try

I love the fact that as homeschoolers, we are able to determine our own schedule and are not bound by our local school districts calendar. This freedom has been wonderful in the past, as we've sat down to schedule some fun getaways for our family.

Personally, we don't like crowds and prefer to travel during "low peak travel times" or a.k.a. "the off-season". In addition to lower crowds, we've also reaped the benefits of finding lower prices on hotels, food specials and discounted attraction tickets. We've found that for many destinations, off-season travel has worked out really well and have only experienced setbacks a few times. So, here are a couple pointers from our experiences to help you as you begin to plan your own off season trip:

1. Though you'll find lighter crowds, you may also find out that the attraction or exhibit you traveled to see isn't open or has reduced hours during these times. Make sure that you call directly before planning your trip and inquire about the hours. When you call, confirm that the entire exhibit will be open for viewing.

2. You may find that the local weather could really put a damper on your vacation. It could be too hot, too cold, too rainy, etc. We've traveled to the Smokey Mountains during the off-season and found that some of the hiking, etc. is inaccessible because some of the mountain roads are closed during those times.

3. Renovations also take place during the off-season. Call the destination directly and ask if any renovations are planned. A hotel we were staying at recently was undergoing major renovations. This wasn't a problem for us, but each day around 8:00a.m. we were awakened to the sound of power tools as work began. We weren't on vacation here so we just accepted the power tools as a wake up call. But had we been there for some R & R, we might have felt differently.

Here's a few tips to help you get started. If you have any tips that you've gleaned from your own off -season trip, why not leave a tip for us in the comment section?