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TTK: Holiday Travel
BUYING BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Tribune Media Services There’s just one thing 12-year-old Emily Wolfram can’t live without on vacation. And it’s not her cell phone or Internet access. Emily, who lives in a Portland, Oregon suburb, is miserable without a good book. Emily and her mom, Patti Zebrowski, were part of the group traveling with us in Costa Rica last summer and Emily was never without a book, even in the pool. I know how she feels. I can’t think of anything worse than being stuck on a plane or in a hotel room without something to read. That’s why I was thrilled when my husband bought me an Amazon Kindle for my birthday. The small—just 3.2 ounces-- wireless reading device guarantees I have something to read wherever I am, and I can download books wherever there is wireless access. Another plus, I don’t have to worry about my books making my suitcase too heavy, as Emily’s mom did. More "BUYING BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS" »Sunday, December 14, 2008
Tribune Media Services Finally, some good news for traveling families. If you thought the ever-worsening economy meant you should forgo a holiday or post-holiday getaway with the kids, think again. The reality is that this may be the year to travel. There have never been so many holiday deals—whether you want to spend a night or two in your favorite city (plenty of deals at historic hotels around the country for under $150 a night, http://www.historichotels.org), build sandcastles on a beach (condos for under $100 a night in Florida, http://www.rentalo.com, get a free fifth night, $300 in travelers’ checks, as well as meal, attraction credits and a coupon book packed with other savings in the U.S. Virgin Islands (http://www.usvigetaway.com/winterescape), where you don’t need a passport) or race your kids down a mountain slope. (Get free lift tickets for the gang at Crested Butte in Colorado, if you fly Delta, plus a fifth night free http://www.skithewest.com. ) More "FINDING AN AFFORDABLE LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GETAWAY" »Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tribune Media Services I wasn’t sure my sister would ever forgive me that Thanksgiving. We’d inadvertently left my son’s medicine on the bathroom counter where his younger cousin got into it and drank whatever didn’t spill on his shirt. My sister and brother-in-law spent much of that night in the ER with their toddler. (Memo to grandmas: Keep all those pill bottles out of reach.) Another Thanksgiving weekend, we got back to Chicago with our crew after visiting the relatives to discover that the battery to our minivan was dead—in the airport parking lot. We waited a long time that cold night for AAA. More "SURVIVING THE HOLIDAY TRAVEL CRUSH WHILE YOU ARE WATCHING EVERY PENNY" »Friday, November 28, 2008
If you are flying this holiday weekend-typically the busiest of the year—check in online ahead to save time at the airport. Even then, you’ll want to allow yourselves plenty of extra time because there will likely be long lines to get through security. Remember to tell your tweens and teens that they can’t bring those big (expensive) bottles of hair products through security. You are limited to three ounces of each liquid or gel and all must fit in one quart-sized plastic bag. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in larger quantities and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Make sure to tell the screeners that you have them. For the latest rules, visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving! Before the Big Feast—and assuming the weather cooperates—get all the kids out of the house for awhile. Head to the nearest playground, take a walk on a nearby beach or play touch football in the yard. And when you finally do sit down to eat, don’t expect the kids to spend much time at the table. Let them eat and then go watch a movie or play a game. Remember, the point is to be together. It doesn’t matter if everyone is sitting around a dinner table—for more than a few minutes anyway. Wednesday, November 26, 2008
When the kids arrive for the holiday weekend, make sure they know the house rules—no food on the couch! No teasing the dog! It will help if you can carve out a small “kids area” where they can play, watch TV, keep their toys. If your kids have special toys they don’t want to share, encourage them to leave them home or put them away for the weekend. Consider picking up a new holiday DVD or game all of the kids will enjoy. Let your kids choose. Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Before you start cooking—or start traveling—this Thanksgiving, dust off some of your favorite childhood books and have them handy to read to the youngest guests this holiday. If you can’t find them, pick up a couple of copies at a nearby bookstore or simply order a paperback version from http://www.amazon.com Start a new family tradition by buying a new holiday book to share with the kids. Bring out your favorite board games too. Scrabble anyone? Monday, November 24, 2008
Before you hit the road with the kids this Thanksgiving, make sure you get the car checked out. You don’t want to get a flat along the way! Make sure you’ve got plenty to entertain the the kids as well. Sure DVD’s are good, but bring along a grab bag with inexpensive treats and toys. Laminate a few maps so the older kids can help navigate—if they look up from their electronic games long enough. And make them take out their ear buds—for a little while anyway. When was the last time you all were in the same place at the same time? Here’s your chance for a real conversation! If you are driving along I-95, check out http://www.drivei95.com with everything from gas prices to tips on where you might want to stop. Sunday, November 23, 2008
Tribune Media Services No cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes—sweet or otherwise. No pumpkin or apple pie and not necessarily turkey either. Did I mention eating with your hands? What kind of Thanksgiving is this? It’s the first one, which took place in Plimouth Colony in Massachusetts in 1621. More "DEBUNKING THANKSGIVING MYTHS AT PLIMOUTH PLANTATION" »Saturday, November 22, 2008
If you are hosting a lot of relatives—or you are the guests—consider staying at a nearby hotel, at least part of the time. You will find surprisingly good rates this holiday season and may appreciate the opportunity to get some time away from the family. Check out deals from Affinia Hotels, for example, that start at under $100 in some cities. http://www.affinia.com Affinia is offering those who’ve booked a reservation a 25% discount for a future stay at any Affinia Hotel from January 1 – March 31, 2009. Also look for deals on http://www.quickbook.com or if you are visiting a major city, the official tourism website for the latest deals. |
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