I’ve mentioned before that the girls flew by themselves for the first time this summer. They’ve been flying to California almost every summer since they were toddlers so flying is really nothing new to them. When they have gone in the past, they usually bring with them all their favorite things to keep them busy during their month long, or more, stay with grandma. This time around, they had to pare down what they could bring because of new baggage restrictions. For one, they can now only bring one free checked in luggage, not weighing more than 50 pounds. They usually do some shopping while they’re there so I told them to leave room and weight allowance for what they will be bringing back with them. It’s a pain, gone are the days when you just cram everything you need for the summer regardless of weight.
This week, Delta announced that they are increasing baggage fees even more! Now if you want to check in a second bag, the fee is going up from $25 to $50. More if you are checking in stuff that need special handling like surfboards, golf clubs or ski equipment.
I haven’t checked yet, but I heard that some airlines are even charging fees for a checked bag. So I guess now if you’re going to fly, you have to wear what you plan on packing or pay the fees. There was a comedy skit on one of the late shows where they were testing how many pairs of underwear one can put on. Pretty soon, you’ll be seeing a lot of very bulky people getting on the planes. lol!
What kid doesn’t like summer vacations? Some of my fondest memories growing up were the vacations during the summer months. One memorable trip for instance was our first ever trip to Europe and my sister and I city hopped and museum hopped all over the place. Before we got to London, we had never even heard of Madame Tussauds Museum. An aunt, whom we were staying with, took us there and were we amazed! Now just about every major city has a Madame Tussaud exhibit.
Just last year, when we were looking for things to do in Las Vegas we found out there was one there! So you know we just had to take the girls over there, even the little ones. They had a blast! Of course, their favorites had to be the fairy tale characters. Go figure!
Wherever your planned destination is, don’t forget to do your research first before you get there. While there is something to be said about the wonders of the less traveled road, traveling with kids and ornery adults requires some planning ahead. For your next trip, make sure you include Trusted Tours and Attractions in your resource list. They have valuable online travel guides for almost every major city in the country which gives you a list of interesting places to see and things to do.
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While my daughters have been flying since they were toddlers, this is the first year that they traveled by themselves. Since they are minors traveling by themselves, there were a few things that were different:
1. There is a $100 additional fee that must be paid at check in. This is the fee for the added attention accorded to minors, such as escort to their seat and transport to their connecting flight. A family traveling together (such as my 3 daughters) only pays $100 for the group, not each. Thank goodness for that! I didn’t have extra $300. They also only take cash or credit card. No checks.
2. Each child is given a paper bracelet, much like the ones they get at amusement parks, to identify them as minors traveling alone. My ten year old daughter exclaimed, “we’re being barcoded!”
3. The airline gives parents a security pass so they can escort their children to the gate. They must stay at the gate. They must stay at the gate area until the plane pushes off.
4. Upon arrival at their destination, the responsible party picking them up must meet them at the gate for the ‘hand-off’.
I have yet to interview the girls to see what they thought of the experience.
You don’t have to be a world traveler to ever have a need to rent a car. There are a number of times when you need a car rental right at home. Actually, the few times I have rented cars, it’s been to use within 50 miles of home.
Sometimes, maybe you just need a nicer car than your clunker to drive to a special event or maybe you need something that won’t guzzle up as much gas. Whatever the reason or occasion, you can rent luxury and convertible cars for as much as a 50% disount at Advantage Rent a Car. Check their website (www.advantage.com) for daily and weekly regional rates and you can save even more.
Summer vacations, when I was a kid, were always memorable even if we didn’t go anywhere for vacation. Nowadays, children, I think are more jaded. They have to have a bigger and better vacation this year to top the one from last year. I hope my girls aren’t that way though. We try to raise them to appreciate what they have no matter where they are. Sure, there are many vacations we’d like to take, but we can’t always afford to have one every year.
Last year, we had our big family vacation in Las Vegas. You wouldn’t think there are many family friendly things to do in Las Vegas, but there really are! That was one of the best vacations we’ve ever had, and yes even with the heat and all. The kids, from 3 to 66 had a great time. During the day, there was plenty to keep the kids busy from the great pool to the various attractions like tours to Hoover Dam, games at the Adventuredome, local museums including Madame Tussauds, which, I have to tell you is very interesting indeed. In the evening, it’s the grown up’s turn to be entertained from fine dining options, first rate shows and of course the casinos.
Of course, if Las Vegas is just not your cup of tea, Trusted Tours and Attractions can help you find just the right destination. “They offer discounted tickets to the best sightseeing tours in 23 cities across America.” For instance, with the soaring gas prices this year, we are looking to staying close to home so we’ve been looking at things to do in Atlanta and neighboring cities. Visit Trusted Tours and check their online travel guides.
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With the rising temperatures of summer, more and more people are being drawn to the water. Being at the beach or at the lake is a perfect way to cool off and at the same time enjoy the day with family and friends. Unfortunately, here in North Carolina and other states like Arizona, you always hear of casualties in water. Whether it is due to a boating accident or drowning, there is always at least one incident every summer.
According to statistics, from the Arizona Boating website, a third of all fatal boating accidents are due to or related to alcohol use. That is why I get so irritated when we are at the lake and you see people who are being so irresponsible; especially when they are operating a boat. It is so irritating and at the same time scary to see someone chugging down beer after beer while driving a boat! You wouldn’t be taking swigs of alcohol when you’re driving a car, so why would someone do that when driving a boat? It’s still a moving vehicle. It’s still big enough to harm people. But, for some reason these people just don’t know or care about their own safety or the safety of others.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department are to be commended for taking on this very important issue. Boating Education Online is offered on their website to educate all boaters about the law regarding drinking alcohol and operating a boat. For instance, know that the legal blood alcohol limit for operating a boat is the same as for driving on the road, 0.8. Officers for the Arizona Game and Fish department plan to be very visible on the waters this summer to keep everyone safe. If caught, you can be cited for Boating Operating Under the Influence. So if you plan on drinking and driving in Arizona or in any other state for that matter, better think twice. Not only are the Game and Fish officers watching, mothers like me and other concerned citizens are also watching and will report anyone suspected of driving while impaired.
I’ve mentioned before that the girls flew by themselves for the first time this summer. They’ve been flying to California almost every summer since they were toddlers so flying is really nothing new to them. When they have gone in the past, they usually bring with them all their favorite things to keep them busy during their month long, or more, stay with grandma. This time around, they had to pare down what they could bring because of new baggage restrictions. For one, they can now only bring one free checked in luggage, not weighing more than 50 pounds. They usually do some shopping while they’re there so I told them to leave room and weight allowance for what they will be bringing back with them. It’s a pain, gone are the days when you just cram everything you need for the summer regardless of weight.
