• One of the first things to pack in your car is your Emergency Kit.  Not only should it include a medical kit, but also a flashlight, jumper cables, fix-a-flat, water, emergency food, and my personal favorite an emergency assistance road club card.  I have been stranded thousands of miles from home with a broken down car, and was grateful for my auto membership.  From a tire change to a tow to a mechanic, it is always worth the minimal fee to have some assurance that someone will have your back.
• Bring an “old fashioned” map.  We are all so reliant on our GPS units, but a few weekends ago, my GPS (which was up to date)  lead me to the middle of a field!  No, I wasn’t supposed to be in the middle of nowhere, but at a convention center.
• Know the cellphone laws!    While it is currently legal in Indiana to hold and talk on your cellphone while driving, doing this same thing on the East Coast will land you with a ticket.  And, texting and driving is never a good idea, so don’t try it anywhere.
• Check out some travel apps for your smartphone.  One of my favorite apps is Gas Buddy.  Check out the best gasoline prices wherever you are.  Updated frequently by Gas Buddy users, you know you will find the best rate available.  Another one I like is Travel Advisor City Guides.  Get some great tips without paying data charges, since it is all downloaded straight to your phone.  Yelp!  I use this app many times to find anything from a great bar-b-que restaurant in St. Louis, to a local drugstore in Lubbock, Texas.
• My best tip – enjoy the trip!  After all, you have been waiting for a vacation, so don’t let the stress and strain of the process sour it for you.  Take side trips to see the biggest ball of twine.  It will make memories to last a lifetime!

Often, during the planning process, grandparents are much more democratic with the kids in the decision making process, like destination, activities, and even choice of lodging. Children feel more involved when asked for their opinions during the planning stages of the vacation.  Also, it is a good rule of thumb to only have one grandchild per grandparents while traveling.  This helps ensure that the children and grandparents can bond and get to know one another better.  And, travel at the grandchild’s pace.  It may take a bit longer with the younger kids, but they will have more enjoyment not being rushed.

One great way to travel with the grandkids is to go on an organized vacation, like a cruise, a visit to a resort, or an organized tour.  Many companies cater to grandparent-grandchild traveling, like elderhostel.org.

The Sierra Club offers a great grandparent trip to the Tahoe National Forest.  Help your grandkids discover the beauty of nature.  With swimming and crafts, combined with nature hikes, the historical significance of this area and bonding time with the kiddos, this is a perfect get-a-way.  The trip is all inclusive, which includes accommodations, meals at the lodge, activities and admission fees.

For those grandparents that have more money to spend on a vacation, check out Road Scholar.  With guided trips all over the world, there are numerous vacation tours that will please both you and your grandchildren.  Trips include African Safaris, discovering Greece, hot air ballooning and more.

But, for those who like to “wing it” there are a lot of places to go based on the time allowance, budget, & level of activity.  Stay overnight in a lighthouse!  At the Rose Island Lighthouse in Newport, RI, you can stay the night or a week. For those wishing to stay a week, they take part in the Full-Time Keeper program.  Do light maintenance, record keeping, etc.  This helps maintain the lighthouse and keep it open for others.  And, if you choose the Full-time keeper option, it is tax-deductible for the time you stay.  What better way to spend a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with your grandkids.

If you are into the care and conservation of the wolves, visit the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota.  With many special and age appropriate activities, children will love observing the wolves in a natural setting and learning about wildlife in general.

With a few ideas and hints to get you started, traveling with the grandchildren can be fun and bonding for everyone.  These trips will last a lifetime, so why not plan one today?  If you have any tips to pass on, we would love to hear about any in the comments.

The Empire State Building in New York City.  Construction on this iconic NYC building started in March 1930 during the Great Depression.  It is the second tallest building in the United States, behind the Sears Tower in Chicago. However, when it opened on May 1, 1931, it was the  tallest building in the world.  Millions travel to the building each year and travel up to the 86th or 102nd floor to view the observatory.  When it was built, it even had a dirigible mooring mast that originally was added to be used as a docking station for dirigibles.  It was quite the engineering and building feat to construct the tallest building and much coordination on every aspect of the building was needed to open in just a little over one year.

Washington Monument in Washington D.C. is, of course, in memory of our first president, George Washington.  Originally intended to be the centerpiece of Washington D.C., it now stands in the Monument Mall and is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.  Construction was started on July 4, 1848 when the Freemasons had a cornerstone laying ceremony.  Due to a series of delays regarding money, the Civil War, etc.,  it wasn’t completed until 1884, however, it wasn’t opened to the public until October 9, 1888.

Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a monument to spirit of the United states according to the sculptor, Gutzon Borlgum.  With four of the Presidents’ likenesses carved into the side of a mountain, it took 14 years to complete and $989,992.32 to build.  Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln & Theodore Roosevelt were each selected due to accomplishments made during their individual terms.

Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable symbols of San Francisco, CA.  Named after the strait is spans, the bridge was declared one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.  Built in just 4 years, it was completed ahead of time and under budget.  It is truly a marvel, and is possibly the most photographed bridge in the world.  At one time the longest suspension bridge in the world, it spans at 4,200 feet.

The Hoover Dam was built between 1931 and 1935.  It serves several purposes, including generating electricity, controlling floods, controlling silt, and help with irrigation.  Building of Hoover Dam created the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead.  Hoover Dam is 726.4 feet high and was made with 3.25 million tons of concrete.

The Brooklyn Bridge links Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn so people and goods could cross the East River.  It was officially opened on May 24, 1883, and at the time was the longest suspension bridge in the world and the first steel-wire suspension bridge. And, for many years after completion, the Brooklyn Bridge was the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere.

The Seattle Space Needle built for the 1962 World’s Fair was designed to represent the future.  It is designed to withstand 200 MPH winds and is now synonymous with Seattle.  It is the tallest building, at 605 feet, west of the Mississippi River.  One interesting fact is the Space Needle is fastened to its foundation with 72 bolts, each 30 feet in length!  From the top of the Space Needle, tourists can view the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Elliot Bay and its islands, as well as downtown Seattle.

So, for a great trip select any one of these destination spots or more for  a great family vacation this summer!  Make sure to take lots of photos and share a few with us.  We would love to see them.  And, if your trip requires a flight, make sure you check out ParkRideFlyUSA.com’s great rates at off-airport parking lots.  Located near major airports, our vendors provide great service, transportation to and from the airport, luggage assistance, and rates you can afford.  Get a guaranteed reservation and relax knowing your car will be safe during your trip.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Whether your mom is a fashionista, naturalist, or just a mom that wants to hang out, there’s a destination for you.  Our family took a lot of family vacations.  My parents showed us the United States from the back of a Ford, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.  So, one place I might like to take my mother is the Grand Canyon.  From just driving around the Canyon to hiking through it, there’s something for every level of activity.  With activities ranging from hiking along the rim to taking a free shuttle ride along the Scenic Hermit Road, or even taking a train aboard the Grand Canyon Railway, Mom will love it.

Ok, if that sounds something more like you dad would like, better scrap that idea.  His holiday isn’t for a couple months.  So, how about just a beach resort visit.  There are many places peppered throughout the United States a mom can relax with a nice lounge by the pool, a mani, pedi, or complete facial.  Treat Mom to a body massage to relived the stress and strain from her week, then take her out to a nice dinner and some quality time with her favorite child of the moment.  Depending on the location of your trip, you may be able to incorporate your stay with some wine tasting, art gallery visits, or even outlet mall shopping.

A couple days in New York City is good for almost anyone, including a fashion-forward thinking Mom.  Where better to catch up with great fashion than NYC.  From the Fashion District to all the hip boutiques your mom can stay on top of her game.  Plus, not to mention you could swing in a couple of your favorite things, too.  And, there is always time for a Broadway Show, a trip to the Guggenheim, MOMA, or the Bronx Zoo.  On my last trip to NYC, we managed to fine a street fair and found some great original work by a local artist.

My mom is also a huge baseball fan, so head out to a sporting event.  You can get as loud as you like and no one is going to “shush” you, too much.  And, eat all the things that are typically bad for you on the outside of the baseball stadium, but are perfectly acceptable during a ball game.  Buy her a Mother’s Day present of a jersey with her favorite players number and you are definitely nominated for kid of the year!

Trips are a lot of fun and you can bond with your mom.  What a great gift for her!  If you need to fly out for your trip, check out ParkRideFlyUSA.com for great parking rates at off-airport parking.  With lots at all the major airports, our vendors provide a guaranteed parking space, great rates, transportation to and from the airport terminal and luggage assistance.  You mom will love it that you planned ahead for a change!

•  Earth Day was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin.   He came up with the idea in 1969 after witnessing the devastation of the Santa Barbara, CA oil spill.  The impact on the environment, marine life, and the thousands of dolphins, sea birds and other animals due to this spill lead to Nelson’s drive to gather support for a political agenda.  Along with Senator Paul “Pete” McCloskey, Nelson introduced legislation and organized a grass-roots movement to bring environmental issues to the forefront of Americans’ minds.

• John Muir was one of the very first conservationist and worked tirelessly to ensure that the wilderness would be preserved. His efforts led to the creation of Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and more.  Muir was also one of the founders of the Sierra Club, one of the world’s most influential environmental groups. John Muir deeply influenced Theodore Roosevelt.
• Theodore Roosevelt was an active conversationalist. He added 5 National Parks during his Presidential Term – Crater Lake National Park, Wind Cave National Park, National Game Preserve, Platt National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and although he attempted to made the Grand Canyon a park, but lost, he did manage protect it by proclaiming the area a National Monument.
• Rachel Carson is noted by some as the founder of the modern environmental movement.  She published a book in 1962 titled Silent Spring.  This described the devastating effects that pesticides have on the environment.  Although the chemical industry tried to indicate the claims were unfounded, they were later proved correct and DDT and other pesticides were banned in later years.
• Henry David Thoreau was one of the very first activists for the environment.  He wrote a timely book entitled Walden, or A Life in the Woods. It is a must read for all environmentalist.  Thoreau wrote it after spending 2 years living simply on the shore of Walden Pond.  It is a meditation on nature and life.
• Ed Begly, Jr.  is well known for  his environmentalist ways.  He is one of the first, in the 1970s, to drive an electric car.  His house is powered by both wind and solar power.

So, what are you doing for Earth Day?

The highest point in Africa, it stands 4,930 feet higher than Mt. Rainier.  Climbing to the summit doesn’t require extensive mountaineering gear.  Just the desire to accomplish the goal of making it to the summit, a few necessities, and a good tour company.  Nearly 40,000 people climb the massive, extinct volcano yearly. However, it can be quite challenging to hike because one can run the risk of mountain sickness.  It is best to make the ascent up the mountain at a slow pace and to drink at least four liters of water daily to counteract any symptoms.  Most tours have a minimum of a 7 day tour to allow for acclimation to the higher elevation.

There are several routes to take up to the summit, as well.  You can make a selection based on the level of difficulty, scenery, and the popularity of the route.  The easier treks are the Marangu Route and the Rongai Route.  While those who have more trail experience with higher elevations may opt to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro on the more challenging routes,  Machame Route, or the Shira Route, or the Limosho Route.  The best routes for acclimating to the higher elevations are the Machame and Limosho Routes, so do your research carefully to see which one is best for you.

For all the tours that you research the final ascent begins around 11PM -12AM so you can see the summit and scenery at the optimal time.  Often the weather becomes a factor later in the morning.  Winds and cloudiness will form after dawn and the view is not as spectacular and the trail up becomes more difficult to trek. However, once you are at the summit (or as close as you want to be), there’s a huge sense of accomplishment.  They say climbing to the top inspires transformation, because once you are there, you will never be the same again.

While you are in Tanzania, you can also take a safari through the infamous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. What better way to finish out a life-changing trip?

As I am relatively naive on this subject, I was surprised by the mass amount of tours one could take, and the variety.  Depending on your preferences of animals, lodging, and overall budget, there is a tour company that can meet your needs.

Also, you must take in consideration the time of year to go.  The Great Migration of the wildebeest is impressive to see.  Annually, about 1.5 million wildebeest start the journey, along with about 300,00 zebra and other animals.  (Including predators following the food.) The annual migration between the northern Serengeti plains in Tanzania to the Mara Triangle in Kenya.  The animals follow the rain for the lushness of the plains grasses.  So, depending on when you want to go it is dependent on where the migration may be during that time.  There are many safari camps and lodges to lay your head after a day out on the game drive.  Those who are familiar with the migration tend to agree that the western Serengeti is the best place to watch the migration.

Seasonal trends may also dictate when to take an African safari.  During the dry season, permanent water holes or rivers attract the animals, and vegetation is thinner, and the leaves on the trees are more sparse.  This leads to better viewing of the animals.  The best time for the safari season is in the winter for Africa, May – August.  However, the climate of the area is comfortable in the dry months May – August.

If you are a primate lover, there are several safaris you may take in Uganda.  There are many safaris that track Mountain Gorillas through the forests.  These are highly regulated to have the least amount of impact on the gorillas’ lives and transmission of any disease to them. There are also treks to find chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and other primates.  The safaris can be muddy, long, and tiring but once you see the gorillas, the tour guides say it is a truly wonderful experience.

There are several options for lodging, as well.  If you don’t want to rough it in a tent camp and cot, you can choose one of the lavish safari camps.  Not only do you not have to sleep in a tent, you can stay the night in a gazebo with a four-poster bed! And, a bathroom!

No matter what safari company you choose, safety is always at the forefront, both for you and the animals.  You will always have an experienced tour guide and you should make it a point to listen to them at all times.  Never approach the animals on foot, beckon, or mimic their sounds.  It could lead to disaster.  There are plenty of opportunities to take some fantastic shots.  However, remember that you may not be able to purchase film, or upload your photos.  Take plenty of film or data cards to make sure you won’t miss a shot.

Packing should be at a minimum.  Since you will be constantly on the go, it is a must to have lightweight things.  Suggested items are:

•  lightweight clothing (no bright colors), sweater or fleece for early morning and evening, waterproof jacket, shoes, hat, swimsuit
• flashlight and batteries
• any personal medications and a first aid kit
• good book to read between drives
• electrical converter and plug adapter
• suntan lotion and insect repellent
• sunglasses
• wet wipes
• spare plastic zip lock bags
• US dollars (foreigners need to pay park fees and lodging in USD)

I am hoping to someday go on an African safari and until then, I’ll just continue to plan and dream about viewing lions, zebras, and giraffes in the wild.  If you have been on a safari and have any tips, please leave them in the comments.  I’d love to hear them!

For sun, fun, history and beauty head to Puerto Rico.  This island has golden sand beaches on the Atlantic side and white sandy beaches on the Caribbean Sea side.  If you want to catch a ray, or just catch a wave, there’s plenty of things to do and see.

The Spanish settled the island in early 1500s and made San Juan into a military fortress, as it was a very strategic location to help protect Spanish interest in the New World.  With a naturally deep harbor, it was perfect for the larger ships to enter.  The Spanish built a huge fortress known as El Morro.  The fort took over 250 years to complete.  As you explore this structure, you are transported back in time.  With dungeons, battlements and more, it is one of the more popular sites in Puerto Rico.

See some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets here in Puerto Rico. And, if you are traveling from the United States, it is not required to have a passport, so kick back and enjoy.  You can experience it all here.  We have also combined a short list of some of the top resorts on the island.

If you love golfing, many of the resorts also have an amazing golf course on the grounds, or have access to one.  Probably the best golfing resort is the Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Resort and Villas. The resort is adjacent to two Trump world class golf courses.  The championship 18 hole golf courses were designed by Tom Kite and are located at the Trump International Golf Club which hosts PGA events on the island.  The resort is set on a lush peninsula it offers privacy and you can finally escape from the real world.

The InterContinental San Juan Resort Spa & Casino offers not only an active nightlife with a casino, but wonderful restaurants and bars.  Located on 2 miles of beautiful white sand on Isla Verde, the resort is close to Historic Old San Juan, Condado, and the El Yunque Rain Forest.  Explore and walk among its meticulous landscaping and waterfalls overlooking the soothing ocean, then relax or swim in the lagoon-like pool. Check out the Spa InterContinental for one of the very popular Caribbean wrap, a visit to the steam room, have a sauna and massage treatments as you look out over the beauty of the ocean!

Like to snorkel?  Stay at the Caribe Hilton San Juan Resort which is just a short drive away from Old San Juan and Condado.  With views of the ocean, or garden or lagoon views from your private balcony this is one of the places to stay while visiting Puerto Rico.  Snorkel right off the beach.  Need to stretch your land legs?  Take a tour of the bird sanctuary and tropical gardens instead.   Or, you may choose to relax in hammock near the pool for a nice, afternoon nap. The resort also has 9 restaurants, a swim-up bar and grill and more for the guests.

Whether you are traveling to Puerto Rico for the first time, or are a seasoned pro, you will enjoy all this little island has to offer.   If you have already been to Puerto Rico, and have some tips to share, please comment!

With Spring Break out of the way, it’s time to start thinking and planning that summer vacation.  Of course, you want a place where everyone will want to go and have a good time.  But, where?  Traveling to grandma’s house for a week may not be this year’s answer.

1. Legoland.  Yep, Lego has an amusement park.  In fact, it has two. One in Carlsbad, CA and the other in Winter Haven Florida.  With the popularity of Legos over the years, this is a great alternative to some of the other, more popular and older theme parks.  With a factory tour where the family can see how Legos are made, of course, there are a ton of rides built out of legos, lego rides, lego theaters and in California a lego hotel!
2. Myrtle Beach.  This is very family friendly.  It has over 60 miles of sand and surf.  Also, for those who want even more of Mother Nature, head over to Murrells Inlet.  Here, you can go deep sea fishing, ocean sightseeing, rent jet skis and something for kids, The Saltwater Marsh Explorer Adventure. Broadway on the Beach is also a great place for the family.  There’s shopping, restaurants, interactive games, and Ripley’s Aquarium.
3. Smoky Mountain National Park.  The most visited National Park has a gazillion things to do.  There are 100s of miles to hike in the park from the beginning hiker to hiking along the Appalachian Trail.  To the top of Clingman’s Dome with its wide, paved trail to those that go deeper into the old-growth forest, you will see outrageous beauty.  There’s also plenty of things to do in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee, NC.
4. Branson, MO. There are so many things to do in and around Branson, MO.  Visit Silver Dollar City, shop at the outlet stores, galleries and the cute specialty shops.  And, of course, take in several of the shows that made Branson famous!
5. An Alaskan Disney Cruise.  What better way to visit Alaska?  Visit the last frontier with it’s rugged landscape, Native American culture and all the wildlife, like elk, humpback whales, and more.  All this and a Disney Cruise, too! With plenty of things to do for the kids on the ship, maybe you won’t hear “Are we there yet?” so much.

Wherever you decide to go on your summer vacation, let us know about it!  Maybe it will make the list for next year’s must go places.

In my quest, I found some really funny ones that I just want to pass on to you for a few giggles.

• A very creative use of Dixie Cups!

• Voted the best media hoax ever!  The Spaghetti Hoax.  One thing to bear in mind, at the time of this hoax, spaghetti wasn’t  widely consumed in England!

• In 1996, Taco Bell ran an ad in the New York Times announcing the corporation had purchased the Liberty Bell.  Subsequently, the name would be changed to Taco Liberty Bell.  And, yes, the outcry was outrage.  Concerned citizens started bombarding the National Historic Park in Philadelphia voicing their collective concern.

• Sports Illustrated printed a story that a pitcher had been found that could throw a 165 MPH fastball.  Hayden Siddhartha Finch, or Sidd for short, was a student of yogic mastery, and that allowed him to excel at the fastball pitch.  Unfortunately for baseball lovers, Sidd was just a figment of a Sports Illustrated writer’s imagination.
• Smell-o-Vision which allowed viewers to smell scents submitted over the airways was introduced by the BBC.  They later received congratulations by the viewers on how well it worked.
• There is actually an online Hoax Museum.  Check it out.

We have all been the recipient of some good pranks or hoaxes, and its fun as long as no one or nothing gets harmed in the process.  I certainly hope that your April Fools Day is safe and fun for you!