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Top 5 Destinations for Summer Travel

May 15, 2012 No Comments

Where to go?  Where to go?  Where to go?  Sure, you have been socking away that extra hard-earned money all year.  Now, it’s time to figure out where to take the family for the summer vacation destination.   But, sometimes you just need a little inspiration.  I’ve been planning our family vacation and here are my top 5 destinations suggestions – Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Yellow Stone National Park and Monument Valley – Four Corners.

Boston, MA  I’m not sure you can get more American than Boston, Massachusetts.  Home of the Boston Tea Party, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, and the shot heard around the world when the rifle fired to start the American Revolution, Boston is the perfect destination to take the kids for a little bit of American history.  A hike along the Freedom Trail takes you along 16 historical sites in a 3 hour walk.  It covers 2 and a half centuries of Boston history and is a must see for any visitor to Boston.

Not much into history? Boston has several museums which includes the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.  Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art that includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe and others just to name a few.  There’s also the Paul Revere House, Old State Museum, the U.S.S. Constitution, and the Boston Children’s Museum.

Maybe you are more into sports what a better sports destination than Boston.  Check out Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.  It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012.  The New England Patriots stake their home in Boston, as well.  For those connoisseurs, check out the oldest restaurant in America, the Union Oyster House (est 1714), the  oldest bar in the United States the Bell in Hand Tavern (est 1784), and there’s also the infamous Cheers from television fame. Boston has so many activities that they are just too numerous to list. I’ve only touched on a brief amount of things to do if Boston is your destination for your summer plans.

Yellowstone National Park When you think of the phrase “family vacation,” I’m sure the word “Yellowstone” immediately came to your mind.  Established in 1872 as the United States’ first national park by Teddy Roosevelt, there’s no better way to spend quality time with your kids and family than exploring Yellowstone National Park.  The park boasts the world’s largest collection of geysers, and haven’t we all stood in wonder watching Old Faithful erupt every 90 minutes or so. The beauty of the park alone is breathtaking and will create a lifetime of memories.  Take plenty of cards for the digital cameras so you don’t miss the elk in the background of Old Faithful.

From bears to bison, mountain meadows to cold, rushing streams, biking to hanging out camping Yellowstone National Park is a must see for everyone.  The park’s website has a park trip planner to help you make the most of your visit.  Younger children can become a Junior Ranger and the family can take guided tours with Park Rangers and outside vendors.  Remember to pack a variety of clothes, since weather at the park changes quickly.  Plenty of rechargeable batteries for your camera is also a requirement because you will want to take photos of everything!

Four Corners Region – Monument Valley  Aside from Yellowstone National Park, there is nothing more breathtaking than Monument Valley.  I believe that most of us who watched the old west movies of John Wayne can immediately recognize the land formations that are now icons of the old west.

I visited this spot recently on a “great American tour” that I took and it was very surreal to see these sandstone land formations rising from the horizon.  I did opt to take a guided tour through the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, and it was money well spent.  I strongly suggest this option, as to drive through the park requires a 4 wheel drive.  Led by a Native American Navajo guide, we went to the various formations and he pointed out both popular movie locations from John Ford movies, as well as different locations that John Wayne shot scenes.

However, the most interesting part of the tour was when our guide explained how the land is infused with Navajo culture and tradition.  The park is located on Navajo Nation.  The Navajo raise sheep, and in turn, the wool is woven into beautiful rugs sold throughout.  The methods are passed down from generation to generation and are still made the same way today.

Also in the area is Four Corners. This is the only place in the United States where four states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and  Arizona, come together in one location. Kids get a great kick out placing their hands and feet in four separate states.  This monument is also on the Navajo Nation and  there is a small admission fee.  There’s also a small visitors center and a Four Corners gift shop.  Another stop that is well worth the time getting there and making more family summer vacation memories. Four Corners is located right next to Monument Valley, so these two destinations are not to be missed!

San Francisco Street cars, hills, Rice-a-roni, the Golden Gate Bridge.  What a beautiful city, and like other destinations on my list, San Francisco has a ton of things to do.  Early in the morning (dawn), you can go check out Fisherman’s Wharf and all the sea lions that hang around Pier 39 before heading back out to sea later in the day.  If you can’t get your family up that early, you can still check out all that Pier 39 has to offer for dining, spectacular views of the bay, shopping,  the aquarium and other attractions in this area.  You can also take a cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and circle Alcatraz.

Take a tour on one of the world renown San Francisco Cable cars.  You can hop on and off at will, and what a better way to tour the city.  Be sure to make it over to the Golden Gate Park.  Be sure to visit the Conservatory of Flowers and for the kids, there is a huge playground with a circa 1912 carousel.

To round out the highlights, do NOT forget to go see the Golden Gate Bridge in all its glory.  And, if it isn’t too foggy or windy, makes for a beautiful walk across the engineering marvel.  No matter what your tastes, budgets, or time frame, there is a ton of things to do in San Francisco and can make for a great family vacation!

New York City What can I say about New York City.  It is one of the most exciting places that I have ever been.  From Central Park, to the Bronx Zoo, to Ellis Island your family could spend a month here and still not see all this city has to offer.  Going into Manhattan to Times Square, Wall Street, Broadway, MoMA, and  all the iconic New York City destinations are always worth your trip.   However, if you can only do one thing in Manhattan do take in the Empire State Building, The view from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building  is breathtaking. To avoid the lines, go early or during lunch or dinner hours.  There is a charge, but it is well worth the money to view New York City at your feet.

No visit to New York City would be complete without a trip to Ellis Island.  Since many of us have ancestors who first came to the United States through Ellis Island, it is a good way to feel your roots.  What a better way to show your kids how their great-great-grandparents immigrated into the country.  A perfect family history destination.

Just walking around New York City itself is an experience.  During our last visit to Manhattan, we did just walk around and absorbed the energy the city have to offer.  We had no specific destination in mind, but happened along many spots we recognized from movies and television.   The city certainly has a life of its own.  Whether you choose to visit just Manhattan or the other boroughs, be sure you plan what you want to do well in advance.  Planning ahead will be worth the time and energy to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Planning for your trip is something that you must do, including arriving refreshed and with a clear mind at the airport. If you book at any of the ParkSleepFly.com airport hotels listed, you can get a great park sleep and fly package.  Think of this – Getting up  at 3 AM, pile cranky kids in the car and drive the hour and a half to the airport to make that 7AM flight.  After a couple of road construction delays, you race to the airport only to spend 30 minutes trying to find a space in the airport parking lot.  Scramble to the shuttle, throwing your bags in the door with your crying kids and barely make  your flight.

By booking a park and stay hotel, you can stay the night before your flight.  Get a decent night’s sleep, transportation to the terminal, and parking for the duration of your trip.  You may even have enough time to grab something from the breakfast bar at the hotel!

If you are thinking of going to any of the destinations I listed above, did you know that ParkSleepFly.com also has airport hotel packages too?  You get the same great rate at an airport hotel, but with no parking.  So, if you are going to Boston, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, or New York City check out our rates for airport hotel rooms, as well.  Just select “airport hotel” when submitting your itinerary on the ParkSleepFly.com page. You may be pleasantly surprised at the prices.

If you have other great destinations you are considering for your Summer Vacation plans, let me know.  I’d love to hear your suggestions.  There’s so much traveling, and so little time!

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Great Theme Park Ideas for Summer Vacation Memories

May 3, 2012 No Comments

Wow, it’s May already.  I don’t know about you, but May was always my favorite month when I was still in school.  May meant the grinding down of the school year and the long awaited SUMMER VACATION.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked school.  But, the thought of having 3 months off…..  Summer Vacation also meant the old family trip.  My parents piled us all in the Ford and off we went to strange and exotic places (at least to me).

Some of my favorite memories of the family trips were when we ended up at least one day at an amusement or theme park.  I remember the first time we traveled to Florida and went to Disney World.  C’mon, we all remember the first time we visited Disney World or Disneyland, right?  Who still doesn’t get a little charge when they see Mickey?

I can still remember how my heart skipped a few beats when we were actually inside the park at Disney World, it was all a strange and magical place.  Everything that lived on celluloid was suddenly 3-D, walking and breathing.  Combine this excitement with the thrill of the rides, I was in kid heaven.  It certainly was a magical place for me and the memories live on even until today.

The thrill of amusement parks didn’t die after I became an adult.  Taking the kids to Disney World and watching them experience the thrill for the first time was like living it all over again.  For me, it was just as magical.  Though there are more characters now than when I was a kid, we tried to see all of them as we wandered around Disney World, taking in shows and just enjoying all the park had to offer.  Throw in time at Epcot and your wallet maybe thinner, but you have made some memories that will last a  lifetime.

If you have already done the “Disney thing,” perhaps Busch Gardens is more to your family’s liking.    Touted as the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park,” its hard not to give the thumbs up for that brag.  With locations in Williamsburg, VA and Tampa, there’s a ton of things to do around either area so make a week of it, if you can.  Both locations have beautiful gardens, thrilling rides and many animals and animal shows to view.  In other words, even if you took Grandma with you there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of shows to attend while the kids are off riding the roller coasters.  Busch Gardens states that you won’t be able to find more exotic and endangered animals this side of Africa.  The location in Tampa is one of the largest zoos in the country, so be prepared to see over 2,000 animals during your visit!

One of my personal favorites has always been Sea World.  With three locations in the United States, it’s worth the time to travel and include this theme park in your vacation plans.  From killer whales to parrots, the shows are great!  If you have a budding marine biologist, or a daughter that is just in love with dolphins, you will score big points for the visit to Sea World.  At the Orlando location, it has the one of the largest interactive dolphin pools where you can watch the dolphins both from above and below the water. But, the park isn’t just about aquatic animals, you can get thrilled with some of the rides, too.

Sometimes, it’s just better for everyone’s sanity to go to a full out theme park like Six Flags or Six Flags Great America!  Let your kids go from ride to ride to ride. Six Flags as some of the tallest, wildest, and what I call “screamiest” rides.  Who doesn’t love to ride on a wooden roller coaster?  I love to ride any type of roller coaster, but wooden ones are my favorite.  So if you need a partner just let me know.  Even in the heat of Summer, there’s nothing better than hitting some rides then heading toward the water park.  From jaw dropping slides to a simulated ocean watch the kids get wet while you get some rays or rest under your personal cabana.

No matter where you are planning to travel to Florida, California, or somewhere in the middle, start your trip off right.  You are going to be one on one with the kids for a week.  When was the last time that happened?  Oh yea, last summer when you submitted your family photo to the show “When Vacations Attack.”  You want to start your tip off right. Load the kids up in the car the night before your flight and get a great night’s sleep at a ParkSleepFly.com airport hotel.  With the airport parking package, you get a night’s stay at a hotel near the airport, parking for your trip, and transportation to and from the terminal.  Some hotels even offer continental breakfasts or free WiFi.

With a good night’s sleep before your flight, you may just enjoy the trip to your destination instead of yelling at your kids or threatening to leave them home next time.  And, although it’s hard to do sometimes, these are the memories that will last a lifetime and you want both you and your kids to remember your trip fondly.  So, relax, have fun, and feel the magic again through your kids’ eyes. What a better memory that to relive it 20 years later when your kid says “Remember when you took us to (Fill in the blank)?  That was a great time!”

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Cinco De Mayo! The U.S. Holiday that isn’t.

April 30, 2012 No Comments

Cinco de Mayo – a day here in the United States that we tip the margarita glass to our south of the border neighbor, Mexico.  However, did you know that this holiday isn’t universally celebrated in Mexico?  It is regionally celebrated in the state of Puebla, as El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla (The day of the Battle of Puebla).  It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces on May 5, 1862.  It’s NOT (as some Americans believe) the celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day.  That day is actually September 16.

However, Cinco de Mayo in the United States has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture with many parades, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and delicious food.  The observations in the United States began primarily by the Mexicans and Latinos living in California during the Civil War.  Upon hearing of the victory in Puebla, the Mexican miners in the gold country of California were so happy that they fired off rifle shots, fireworks, sang patriotic songs, etc.  Since then, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated continually in the United States, specifically California, and not as much in Mexico.

The holiday didn’t gain much popularity outside of California until the 1940s when the Chicano movement started to rise.  It continued to gain popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, but really gained acceptance in the 1980s when beer marketers began to promote Cinco de Mayo as a holiday.

Now, there are hundreds of celebrations ranging from huge music festivals to smaller observations.  Some of the best, and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations are where the highest concentration of Mexican people live.  One of the very best is located in Denver, Colorado.  The festival, which lasts for two days attracts over 400,000 people and is full of Mexican music with regional, salsa, Christian, Tex-Mex, and ranchero.

Chicago, Illinois puts on a great celebration.  The festival includes a 5 mile race, the Cinco de Miler, music, food booths, cultural information, and a recently added “Cinco de Snoots” where pets and their owners can both partake the festivities.  There’s a huge listing for all the events for Chicago’s celebration here.

In San Francisco, CA, the Mission district goes all in for its celebration.  Cultural activities, Lucha Libre wrestlers, and a Mission Dolores tour top the list of things to do.

But, where better to celebrate Cinco de Mayo but in  Texas? Along the infamous San Antonio Riverwalk, Luminaria 2012 has been added which honors San Antonio’s artist communities. Be prepared for Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music plus cultural dances and food at the historic Market Square.  In San Marcos, TX, located in the Hill Country,  hosts the 38th annual festival known for its parade, Little Miss and Miss Cinco de Mayo pageants, music, and Folklorico dancers. There is also the state-wide Menudo Cook-Off which features a soup of tripe, hominy and chili which is cooked for hours and thought by many to be the elusive hangover cure!

Whether you are traveling to Cinco De Mayo festivities, or celebrating closer to home, choose ParkSleepFly.com for the start of your next adventure.  You can opt to stay the night before (or after) your flight.  You’ll receive airport parking for the duration of your trip, transportation to and from the airport terminal, as well as a night’s stay at an airport hotel.  You’ll arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready for the fiesta. After all, haven’t you always wanted to play the castanets in a Mariachi band?

 

The Zen of Music

April 10, 2012 No Comments

We’re all looking for zen these days.  Between the rising cost, pressures at work, chauffeuring kids back and forth between basketball practice and piano lessons, even the most organized, put-together-like-a-million-bucks person can get frazzled.  After all, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” William Congreve.  Written in 1697, these words still ring true today. (Congreve also coined the phrase “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned. Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.”  But that is for another post.)

Humans often sing softly to babies to lull them to sleep.  They sing when happy because it feels good.  In fact, there have been studies to document that music and singing really do make people happier.  Music can stimulate the body to produce serotonin which is a happiness hormone; therefore, your mood is elevated.

If you are feeling a little blue, have I got the cure for you!  Later this month is the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest. The festival which runs from April 27 through May 6, 2012, is a music lover’s dream.  The festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Every type of music played in the state will be represented.  From jazz, blues, cajun, R&B, Zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rap, rock, country, bluegrass, and beyond is represented in the yearly festival.

Started in the 1970 by the New Orleans Hotel Motel Association, the festival finally became an annual event. In previous years, several organizations held similar jazz festivals, but The New Orleans Jazz Fest gathered a following and backing and became a huge draw for tourists rivaled only by Mardi Gras.   A spontaneous jam session with Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, and the Eureka Brass Band sparked the “symbol of authenticity of the celebration that was destined to become a cultural force.” This spontaneous concert began years of discussion and planning for what would eventually become the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest.

The concept was pure New Orleans/Louisiana.  A festival with many stages to showcase the indigenous music styles and, of course, Louisiana cuisine, along with an arts and crafts festival, and an evening concert series.  The first headliners of the festival were Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington.  Other performers included Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Clifton Chenier, Fats Domino, and The Meters  The Preservation Hall Band, parades every day with The Olympia Brass Band and Mardi Gras Indians, and many others.  New Orleans was decided to host the event since it had the richest musical heritage in America, and was the only choice.

From a humble 350 attendees (half which were the performers), the festival has grown to entertain thousands of music enthusiasts.  The festival now has 12 stages of music, arts and crafts booths, as well as many food booths for attendees.  The festival was described by the Wall Street Journal  “showcases a wider, deeper lineup of essential American musical styles than any festival in the nation.”

This year proves to be the best ever, with such performers as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Foo Fighters, The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Reunion, Zac Brown Band, The Neville Brothers, Al Green,Herbie Hancock, Dr. John and the Lower 911, and many, many other great performers.  You can see the entire list here.

While you are visiting New Orleans, you should also take part in other Louisiana celebrations.  April 28-29, 2012 marks Louisiana’s Bicentennial.  You can view some celebrations on the Baton Rouge website.

Whether you are looking for a short weekend trip to New Orleans, or to spend a week or so in Louisiana, start your trip off refreshed and relaxed.  Stay at a ParkSleepFly.com hotel the night before you fly.  You will receive a night’s stay, parking for the duration of your trip, and shuttle service to and from the airport terminal.  I always use ParkSleepFly.com before I travel to New Orleans.  I don’t’ want to miss a beat of the music by missing my flight or feeling tired.  I’ll be in the front row of the Springsteen concert. See you there!

No Strikeouts for Baseball Celebrations. Visit to Knock One Outta the Park!

March 22, 2012 No Comments

In the spring a young man’s fancy doesn’t necessarily turn to love – it turns to spring training and Opening Day of the Major League Baseball Season.  This year, the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals will meet the Miami Marlins On April 4, 2o12.  Not only is it the first day of the season, but the Marlins will also christen their new baseball stadium, Marlins Park.  The stadium is state-of-the-art building with a retractable roof and natural grass turf.  What a great way to start a new season!  Recent history indicates that The Marlins have luck on their side since that last five out of six stadium christening games were won by the home team. Playing the World Series Champion Cards, the Marlins (72-90 last season) may need it. If you want to make history, travel to Miami and attend the opening day at the new stadium.

If you are more the parade/festival type, the Findlay Market Parade marches the Cincinnati Reds into their Opening Day on April 5th against The Miami Marlins.   There’s no other place to be in baseball than at a Reds’ Opening Day.  I doubt that there are few true Reds fans that have not been to at least one Opening Day, as its a staunch tradition celebrating 93 years.

This extravaganza all began in the late 1880s, when baseball teams promoted aggressively for attention and for fans. Parades were one way to garner that attention.  Over time, the Reds excelled and rose to the top as the King of Opening Day.  The team also has the rare honor of always opening its season at home, hence why that tradition has lasted so long.  Throughout the ups and downs of the team, there’s always been a parade and a lot of festivities prior to the first game of the season.  As Sparky Anderson, (Manager of the Reds at the time), said “It’s a holiday – a baseball holiday! Ain’t no other place in America got that!!”  

Also on April 5, Vin Scully will begin his 63rd year announcing the LA Dodgers baseball games when the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres.  Following the Dodgers from Brooklyn to LA in 1958, Scully boasts the longest, continual history of any broadcaster with one professional sports team.  Only Tommy Lasorda has been with the Dodgers longer! Talk about team loyalty! The Dodgers will face the Padres. And, who doesn’t enjoy listening to Scully announce each game? So, take a trip to San Diego and both watch and hear history through Vin Scully’s play by play.

On April 10, the Dodgers will face the Pittsburgh Pirates.  This will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Dodgers’ first game in Dodger Stadium.  So, in the course of 5 days you can take in a lot of Dodger history if you are a fan.  Make a trip of it.  Visit LA, take in the sites, and see some great baseball.

A truly big anniversary this year is when the Boston Red Sox celebrate Fenway Park’s centennial on April 20.  The team will face its arch rival, the Yankees.   It will be exactly 100 years to the day when Boston’s American League played the New York Highlanders for the very first game in the stadium.  The stadium was not yet complete when it hosted it’s first game.  However, the right field grandstand and the main grandstand around the infield structures were completed and still are use today.

The “Big Green Monster” (left field wall) was painted its traditional green in 1947.   The highest among current Major League Baseball Teams at 37’2″, the wall serves to not allow cheap home runs with line drives.  Batters can normally only get a double out of what would be a home run on other fields.  So, for a great step back in time head out to Boston for this once in a life time event.

The New York Mets and the Houston Astros will both celebrate 50 years of hard ball.  So, visiting either of these teams’ stadiums this year will be a real celebration.  Whether you live in your team’s town, or you have to travel to see the boys of summer, this year is full of celebration for America’s favorite pastime.

So, if you are going to travel, take your 7th inning stretch before you fly and check out our airport hotel partners on ParkSleepFly.com.    You can choose to stay before your flight, or after you return, get airport parking for the duration of your trip, and receive transportation to and from your airport terminal.  You’ll arrive relaxed and refreshed at the stadium since you had a good night’s rest the night before.  Whether you are a die hard Red Sox fan, or you love the Cardinals, you can always find a great rate with ParkSleepFly.  And, do your best impression singing “Take Me out to the Ballgame” for me at your favorite ball park.  Oh, and I’ll take a hot dog and a box of popcorn, too!

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