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Blog
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Yes the dollar is weak, but don’t let that stop you
AAA says that more than 25 million of us will travel abroad this summer—more than last year. I guess the weak dollar isn’t stopping us—me included. I’m taking one trip to Italy with my older daughter—her college graduation present—and another later in the summer with her younger sister. Sure I plan to write about the trips. But I’m planning to travel despite the weak dollar because I want to share special experiences with my girls while we can before jobs, family responsibilities or anything else gets in the way. That’s why I think if you want to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation— the recovery from an illness or maybe just life, don’t let the weak dollar stop you—as long as you can afford it of course. That said, I’m trying to come up with as many strategies to save pennies as I can. I booked a flat rather than a hotel in Rome ( http://www.italy-accom.com) so we could eat in. I’m booking train tickets ahead not only to save time at the station (I hear lines can be long) but because I can pay in U.S. dollars (http://www.RailEurope.com). If our plans allowed, I’d book overnight trains to save a night’s hotel cost.
I’m asking everyone I know to recommend their favorite inexpensive restaurants (if there is such a thing in Europe anymore). Got any favorites? But most important, I’m going to enjoy our time together—even if my daughters complain I’m “annoying.” Years from now, I know, they’ll appreciate the gift I’ve given them and I hope they’ll give the same gift to their children—no matter how weak the dollar. You can’t get the time together back so we’ve all got to grab it while we can.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008 For this Mother’s Day, some tips on how to beat the “mom guilt”
We moms know the dirty little secret of family vacations: They’re no vacation for us, especially when young kids are part of the equation. In fact, moms whisper around the pool, their eyes trained on their toddlers, they should have saved the money and stayed home. However old the kids, on vacation, we still have to mediate squabbles, plan activities, navigate unfamiliar turf, keep kids safe, find missing sneakers and new batteries and treat minor illnesses and injuries—all that and scout out a washing machine, too. (Whenever possible, I go for a condo with a washer or a wash-and-fold place.) Even if grandparents are along (as they are increasingly these days), that’s no guarantee moms will get a break, if the grandparents want to play golf, sightsee or go out to dinner rather than watch the kids the entire time. (If you’re planning a trip with the in-laws, discuss beforehand exactly how much they’re willing to baby-sit!) Most important, don’t feel guilty about wanting some time for yourself. Pick a place with a spa! Hear that dads and kids? Instead of flowers this Mother’s Day, give mom an IOU redeemable on your next vacation. Let the kids (and dad) be in charge of a couple of meals. Call ahead to where you’re staying and ask about baby sitters or ask friends with kids who live in that locale. (The resort’s children’s program can often prove a good resource.) You also don’t want to make beds and clean bathrooms on vacation. That’s why if you opt for a vacation cottage or a condo (opt for maid service, even if it costs a little more. I always do. I also become the Takeout Queen, my kids joke. It’s no fun and too expensive to drag everyone out for every meal, especially when they’re pooped from a day at the beach or sightseeing. But there’s no reason for you to cook on vacation either—unless, of course, you want to. (We’ve had some memorable feasts, like the fresh fish the kids caught in Minnesota and the lobsters on Cape Cod.) Whatever you’re doing, it helps to have an extra set of hands, especially if you’re a single parent. There’s another plus to joining forces with another family: You’ll cut costs—and have a little extra cash to pamper yourself. Ready for that massage? Monday, April 28, 2008 Despite gas prices, recession, you can still take an economical vacation this summer
It figures. Just as we’re heading into prime family vacation season, gas prices go crazy. Even optimists are muttering the R word (recession). The dollar is so weak against the pound or the Euro that Europe and Britain are out of reach for many families who even a year ago could have afforded to go. But does that mean we’re going to cancel family vacations? Absolutely not! In fact, a new survey from Kayak.com confirms what parents tell me: When Kayak asked more than 3,800 users whether the struggling economy had influenced their vacations, they said they still intend to get away this summer. But, an overwhelming 79 per cent said their concerns about the economy would make them alter their plans. Smart move—for the most part.
The experts tell us that family vacations often provide some of our sweetest—and funniest—lifelong memories. We don’t want to deprive our kids of that! And despite the economy, if you are celebrating a special birthday, an anniversary or the recovery from an illness, I say go for it—whether it’s Alaska, Hawaii, or Africa. We all know that life can throw us a curve and then it’s too late.
1. Stick closer to home. You won’t have to fly or pay for as much gas.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Coming in May—pay airlines $25 for that second checked bag
The New York Times reports what many travelers have been dreading: five of the six major airlines in the United States plan to start charging coach passengers as much as $25 next month to check a second bag. This is being done, airlines say, to help offset high fuel costs. Sure it’s frustrating. It’s not easy to travel with kids and to pack light. Try telling a teenaged girl she doesn’t really need six bathing suits and eight pairs of flip flops for a week on the beach; try packing light with an infant. I think we’re all going to be more creative. For one thing, consider buying a seat for your baby or toddler. Yes, they can fly free if they are unde two, but now you are going to pay anyway to bring his suitcase and everyone from the FAA to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you use safety seats on board. So why not pay for your child’s safety and at the same time avoid an extra bag charge. Young children not only are safer, but more comfortable in their own seats—and that means you will be too. l http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/ As for those I-can’t-live-without-everything-in-my-closet teens, tell them that the $25 fee for the extra bag will come out of their souvenir money. See how quickly the duffel gets lighter! Consider staying someplace where there’s a washer and drier (I met lots of nice people doing laundry on a cruise ship last summer) or stake out one of those wash-and-fold places where you can drop off the laundry and pick it up at the end of the day. IF you can do laundry, you’ll only need half as much. And if you are planning to bring sports equipment like golf clubs, surf boards or skis (my snow-loving daughter is going to Argentina to ski this summer) consider sending them ahead via UPS, FEDEX GROUND or a service such as http://www.luggageconcierge.com It may cost a little more than paying for an extra bag but the convenience will be worth it—especially since you won’t have to worry about your gear getting lost. You probably can even rent a smaller car—a real plus with gas prices so high. If you’re traveling with a baby, see what you can rent or borrow where you are going. Agencies like http://www.babysaway.com can help. Monday, April 14, 2008 Four airlines bankrupt in the past few weeks—consider travel insurance
It used to be only seniors taking cruises bought travel insurance—or those savvy travelers heading to exotic climes. But with airlines going out of business and stranding passengers—four in the last few weeks—it’s time to rethink the idea, even just for domestic flights and vacations.
Here’s what many families don’t know about travel insurance: (inside)…
Travel insurers suggest: always use a credit card for the payment of your ticket or trip. In the event of a default you might be able to dispute your charge and have the credit card company remove it from your billing. This is fine if it happens prior to your trip but doesn’t help much if you are traveling at the time of the default. To compare policies, check http://www.insuremytrip.com or http://www.quoteWright.com And read the fine print carefully! Thursday, April 10, 2008 The mess at American Airlines—what do do?
I feel like the travel gods were on my side—for once. We were scheduled to fly American Airlines tomorrow to Belize. We planned for this trip months ago. Yesterday, I started worrying—like tens of thousands of other travelers—as soon as I heard the news: American was cancelling thousands of flights --more than 900 just today—as a result of inspections of its MD-80 fleet that were mandated by the FAA. I had a bad feeling that the first leg of our trip—a flight to Dallas—would be cancelled. I looked on line but that didn’t really tell me anything. So I started calling… and calling… and calling. You know the frustrating drill. You talk to a machine, end up shouting at them, only to get transferred and get a busy signal. Is there anything more frustrating? But I didn’t give up. I kept on calling until I got through to be put on hold. I didn’t hang up. I stayed on hold for more than a half hour—while I prepared dinner last night. At least I wasn’t at the airport. I kept thinking. Finally, I got connected to a very nice agent. Actually, I was amazed she didn’t sound more stressed. After another 10 minutes or so on hold, she got us rebooked on Delta flights. No charge. No getting to the airport to discover our flight has been cancelled. No long line of frustrated, angry passengers and equally frustrated agents. I think American could have done a better job managing this situation. But I think these days it’s up to us travelers to be proactive. We did get an email this morning saying our flight had been cancelled. (That was only because I signed up for “email notification” on American’s website. Frankly, I’m surprised we even got that. But I’m glad I didn’t wait to hear from the airline before rebooking our seats. If I had, the seats on the Delta flights might have been long gone. I also realized—belatedly—that my travel insurance might have helped. Dan McGinnity, a spokesman for the U.S. Travel Insurance Association and executive at AIG TravelGuard told me the insurance would not have covered us purchasing new tickets—that was up to American, unless I’d sprung for the kind of more expensive policy that allows travelers to cancel for any reason. But McGinnity said, the travel insurance call center could have helped me rebook the flights. They could have stayed on hold instead of me, I guess. Meanwhile, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that we will get where we’re going when we’re supposed to. Monday, April 07, 2008 Ski areas are extending their seasons
This winter has seen so much snowfall in the mountains that some ski areas are extending their seasons, including Stratton (until April 20). If you’ve got snow bunnies in your family who hate to see the snow melt (maybe that’s you!) you’ve got some time left—and some of the best deals all season. There’s plenty of white stuff too from Vermont to the Rockies. Okemo Mountain Resort also just extended its season to April 20 (http://www.Okemo.com) In Utah, Alta will be open that same weekend (http://www.alta.com) while Snowbird next door will be open until May 26. (http://www.snowbird.com) In California, Heavenly Mountain Resort plans to stay open until May 4 (http://www.skihevenly.com) while in Colorado, Arapahoe Basin will be open until June 8. (http://www.a-basin.net). Just don’t forget the sunscreen! Monday, March 31, 2008 Eileen offers traveling with kids advice on Fox News Channel
If you are contemplating a vacation with your kids along—no matter what their age—watch this video Wednesday, March 26, 2008 GOOD FOR BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA AND THEIR FAMILY VACATION!
Good for Barack and Michelle Obama! They should be congratulated for taking time out for their kids over Easter weekend. I hope they had a terrific time in the U.S. Virgin Islands and played in the pool, built sand castles and told those “just-our-family-gets-it” jokes. We all know that childhood vacation memories are some of our most precious. They sustain us in hard times all our lives, experts say. The Obama kids have had to put up with a lot of disruptions in their lives this year, though Michelle Obama seems to be doing a heroic job of keeping their lives as normal as possible. Any time-crunched parent can appreciate how difficult it is to steal a few days away with the kids during a busy time at work—and they aren’t being dogged or criticized in the national media. If anything, I think this weekend away shows us yet again that the Obamas are a new generation of politicians. They don’t believe in putting family last. And that’s a good thing. I think we could all follow their example and make more time for our kids. They are, after all, the future. And they are what matters most in our lives. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Flight Delays are Worse Than Ever—What To Do?
I’ve been in that situation more times than I want to remember—often with kids in tow. I hate seeing other families in the same boat.
Sharkey’s column:
Our vacation time is limited and budgets are being squeezed tighter than ever. But with families scattered across the country, we don’t have an alternative but to fly. s This at the time, as Sharkey reports, that fares continue to rise because, the airlines say, of soaring oil prices. We’re certainly not getting anything more for our dollar either—forget a meal these days. On some flights I haven’t even gotten pretzels—and not only are delays getting worse but planes are so packed that if we miss a connection, it literally can take days during a busy travel time to get where you are going. So much for that carefree family time. We’re not going to give up flying, of course. We’ve got to get to that wedding, that Bar Mitzvah or that first encounter with Minnie Mouse. We’re determined to make those vacation memories. After all, the experts tell us, they stick with us throughout our lives and often comfort us in difficult times. I hate to think how many memories these days are of travel debacles. It’s high time for the government and the airlines to fix a system that broke a long time ago. What do you think… your comments are welcome. comment here or email me: eileen@takingthekids.com |
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