Family Travel Girl

Travel Tips for Packing a Suitcase - Packing Cubes

Mesh Packing Cubes:  Here's an innovative travel product that will help you pack an organized suitcase so you can breeze through airport check-in and security lines.  Do you think that the way you've been packing for decades is the best way?  Well, reserve judgment until you've tried mesh packing cubes.  Every now and then, someone creates a new travel product, and, in my opinion, this is a great one! 

On a recent trip to Europe, our family was game to try backpacking since we planned to be traveling by trains and local metro lines quite a bit.  That meant lots of stairs in and out of underground stations.  We purchased Rick Steves' Convertible Carry-On backpack-style luggage.  I also purchased his 3-piece packing cube set.  After paring down my packing list to accommodate the backpack mode, I proceeded to pack these cubes as instructed by rolling my socks, t-shirts, pj's, lingerie, and placing them in the cubes.  You do roll your clothes, don't you?  I was amazed to see how many items I could neatly fit into each one.  When I was done, I had three nicely packaged cubes to place inside the backpack, leaving enough space for the important stuff (make-up, of course)!

While traveling, neither I nor the airport security personnel had any trouble identifying items because the cubes are made of a clever see-through mesh material.  I've also seen these offered online at Magellan's Travel Supplies, so you can check that brand out, too.  Give them a try!

Also take a peek at Family Travel Girl's post about Eagle Creek's Pack-It folders, another great travel packing aid!

Photo by Magellan's via www.magellans.com

Tax Rebate Checks: Will You Spend Your Rebate on Travel?

Tax Rebate Checks:  Thanks to the Government's Economic Stimulus Package, free money is about to flow into your mailbox in the form of a tax rebate check.  The government is hoping that you are going to spend this tax rebate money, but a recent article from AHN suggests that "only 3 out of 10 check recipients plan to spend their tax rebates, according to a study by the University of Michigan, while the rest would use it to pay their debts or save it."  What will you spend your money on . . . paying your bills or funding your summer vacation?

Photo by PPDIGITAL via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Eos Airlines Shuts Down

Eos Airlines Ceases Operations:  According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times, Eos Airlines has officially ceased operations.  The luxury airline, which began operating in 2005, is the latest victim of the perfect storm of events that has hit the U.S.  Fuel prices and the credit crunch is taking its toll on the transportation market.  Hope none of you had tickets for an upcoming Eos flight.  You can click here to check out the company's letter to the public which provides a little more detail and recommends carriers who may be able to accommodate you.

Photo by Rich Moffitt via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Travel Safety Information: Australia, China, Mexico, Tibet Travel Alerts

Crocodiles a Problem in Australia:  Before you travel to an exciting foreign land, do a little research of official travel alerts that can keep your family safe.  A travel information article that I read recently on the Web Edition of the Chicago Tribune pointed out a few recent travel alerts to places that may be on your upcoming itinerary.  Crocodiles in Australia are prompting officials to call for a public awareness campaign, and that means that everyday tourists like myself should be well educated before wandering in to the outback.  As most of you are probably aware, China and Tibet are extremely unsettled right now due to protesting occurring over The Olympics.  Lastly, the article cites kidnapping and killings along the U.S. and Northern Mexico border.  For official travel warnings and alerts, visit the website maintained by the U.S. Department of State.  Safe travels!

Photo by Zevotron via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Weekend Getaway to Starved Rock State Park Waterfalls:  Dreaming of seeing waterfalls?  Don't have time or the cash to take a trip to the tropics right now?  Well, then you should explore Starved Rock State Park for an affordable family vacation.  A great weekend getaway located about 1 hour and 45 minutes southwest of Chicago's tourist attractions.  An recent Chicago travel information article in the Chicago Tribune caught my attention because I just happen to have grown up near Starved Rock -- lucky me!  To continue memories with my family, we planned our own weekend getaway and rented a small, affordable cabin at Starved Rock.  We celebrated my son's 2nd birthday there - cowboy and Indian style - complete with food and lots of lawn games! 

As the Chicago Tribune piece points out, tourists can find a variety of waterfalls inside the park, ranging from 15 to 80 feet in height.  Not bad for the middle of the Midwest, hey?  Located along the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park is also near a new indoor waterpark resort -- Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort.  This new facility is a fun choice for a quick and easy family weekend getaway.  Adventurers can hike Starved Rock's trails, fish along the river, visit the park's beautiful log lodge, camp out under the stars, cook out, and play Frisbee till day turns to night. 

Starved Rock State Park is a great place for a great place to explore nature and enjoy a little family vacation time!  Be forewarned, though, the lodge and the cabins fill up fast, so book your vacation early!

Photo by Dave Benson via Flickr (Creative Commons)

European Travel: Hofbrauhaus Munchen Beer Garden Germany

Beer Garden Fun - Germany:  Planning a trip to Munich, Germany?  Don't miss out on the fun of the Hofbrauhaus Beer Garden's nightly show held in the Festival Hall.  After researching fun things to do in Munich, we decided on a visit to The Hofbrauhaus.  We sure enjoyed our taste of Bavaria.  Upon arrival, we realized what a popular tourist spot this was as we watched lots of people being turned away because the show / buffet was totally sold out.  Fortunately, we had reserved our tickets over the internet a few weeks beforehand. 

After being escorted to our seats located in a huge hall that seats 900, our drink order was taken, and we were pointed in the direction of the long buffet tables.  Traditional German food was available on the buffet, including several types of veal and pork sausages, sauerkraut, salads, cheeses, and desserts.  My personal favorite was the basket of Bavarian pretzels placed at our table.  Yum!  Shortly thereafter, we were thoroughly entertained by Bavarian “Schuhplattler” dancers, alphorn players, and yodelers.  Though some might view it as "touristy," our family had a great time clapping our hands and whooping it up with the performers.  So, loosen up, get out your lederhosen, and join in the fun!

Airplane Drinking Water Safe?

Airplane Water Contaminated?  If I'm not already freaked out about the plastic water bottle controversy, now I've just read about how some airplanes may have contaminated water.  I first read about this issue on one of my favorite travel blogs The Perrin Post.    Blog author, Wendy Perrin, references an article that she read in the Washington Post.  According to the article, "The Environmental Protection Agency issued a 29-page proposal April 9 to make the nation's airlines follow a schedule for sampling water used in galleys and restrooms, as well as for keeping records, notifying the public of problems and taking corrective action. The aim is to limit the level of bacteria, such as coliform, in the water."  Now, personally, I'm good with a little EPA guidance on airplane water.  People and airline employees should be able to wash their hands in an airplane restroom without worry of getting sick, don't ya think?  But, until the EPA gets airlines to fully comply with the recommended water testing, I'd suggest that you bring your own bottled water (hopefully in a bottle made with a "safe" plastic!) for drinking.  In addition, consider using either alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer gels after using airplane water to wash your hands.  (By the way, I always bring alcohol wipes with me to clean the tray tables and audio/video controls.  Does that make me an official germaphobe?)  A little prevention can go a long way in securing a healthy vacation for you and your family.

Photo by Saaby via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Travel Deals: Expedia Summer of Adventure Sale - Biggest Sale of The Year

Summer Vacation Deals:  I've just been e-mailed the details of Expedia's "biggest sale of the year."  Book by June 30 and travel by September 5, 2008, for summer adventure travel deals up to 30% off.  The sale includes participating hotels in featured destinations.  According to their travel website, travelers should look for the green tags that say "Summer Vacation Sale."  So, if you're planning a trip this summer, now might be a good time to start looking and booking! 

Photo by Gaetan Lee via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Broadmoor in Colorado Springs Package Deal

Golf Vacation at The Broadmoor!  Have a yearning for some cool, crisp Colorado mountain air?  Would you like to visit a beautiful mountain resort that has first-rate tennis and golf facilities (and a travel deal to boot)?  Maybe you should consider a few days at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As a matter of fact, The Broadmoor is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and is offering a special commemorative package.  Guests can stay at the hotel from May 1through October 31, 2008, at package prices which start at $302 per person, based on double occupancy.  The package includes accommodations, incidental service fee, a bottle of wine, a Broadmoor history CD, and dinner for two at one of their exquisite restaurants.  Check out the Broadmoor's website for offer details. 

There's nothing like a Colorado family vacation!

Photo by Hasslefree Clip Art   

Travel Safety: Bush Pilots and Small Planes in Alaska - Are They Safe?

Alaska Float Planes and Bush Pilot Safety Records:  How many of you have flown in small planes before?  I'm talking about the ones that seat 6 or less people.  Do you ever wonder about the safety of these single pilot planes?  If you travel to Alaska, you will see many of these planes, including float planes, being used as primary modes of transportation.  According to a recent article in The New York Times, Alaska reported 104 aircraft accidents in 2007 and 30 deaths.  These numbers deserve notice by officials and travelers alike.  If you choose to travel on one of these planes, at least educate yourself about the air safety standards of the pilots and planes that you will be flying.  Here are a few good websites that can help you make informed decisions about flying on various planes:  www.ntsb.gov, www.asias.faa.gov

Safe travels!