Family Travel Girl

Checked Baggage Charges from American Airlines

The New Carry On Luggage - A Backpack?  Just when we thought that the airlines couldn't possibly (or wouldn't dare) charge us for more add-ons, here they go.  American Airlines' new first checked bag charge will cost fliers $15 for the first (that's right -- 1st) checked bag.  You know what that means, right?  Overhead bins are going to be overflowing, people will be putting their bags in YOUR overhead space.  Have you ever gotten on a plane that has started boarding from the rear only to find out that the overhead bin above your front-of-the-plane seat is full?!  Unless you're a high mileage frequent flier with priority boarding privileges, you'd better start learning how to pack light.  For some travel tips on how to pack using only one piece of luggage, check out my favorite travel website for tips on how to travel light -- One Bag.  Don't be so stubborn, lighten up.  You'll be glad you did (and your back will thank you, too)!

Photo by ToastyKen via Flicker (Creative Commons)

The 2008 French Open: Tennis and Paris A Match Made in Heaven

Tennis - French Open 2008:  If you're planning to be in Paris between now and June 8th and you're a tennis lover, you may want to try to score tickets to the 2008 French Open.  Most of the big names will be there, including Federer, Nadal, Ferrer, Djokovic, Davydenko, Blake.  Sharapova and the Williams sisters will be there for the women.  You can try to find tickets at the Roland-Garros 2008 French Open Ticketing online page.   Don't worry about the language barrier if you can't read French, just click on the American flag icon, and your information will be instantly displayed in English.  Bon jour!

Photo by Dionetian via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Great Barrier Reef - U.S. and British Scuba Divers Rescued

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Safety:  Scuba divers and snorkelers, listen up!  Don't get lulled into a false sense of security just because you're diving or snorkeling with a chartered group.  Two scuba divers went missing from a scuba excursion in Australia, near The Great Barrier Reef.  You can read a full article about the scuba diver rescue in Australia at this AOL News link.  Apparently, the divers ended up spending 20 hours floating in the ocean, waiting for rescuers.  Luckily, they were rescued, but it's still not a great way to end a vacation!  Please listen to and follow all instructions given by your dive master or snorkel guide.  The ocean holds beautiful sites for tourists like us; just remember to put safety first!

Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Theme Parks: Hard Rock Park

Theme Parks - Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina:  Wow, when's the last time you visited a brand spanking new theme park?  Well, here's your chance!  Hard Rock Cafe has spread their interests to include theme parks.  Hard Rock Park is a theme park located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - the land of family beach vacations.  The Hard Rock amusement park held its grand opening weekend June 2 - 3.  This celebration featured rock bands like The Eagles and The Moody Blues.  So, if you're craving for a new theme park family adventure, check out Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, and let us know about your experience!  Rock on!

Photo by scmikeburton via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Amusement & Theme Parks - Disney World Tips

Wondering What You Should Pack for Disney World?  It has occurred to me that with summer vacation season upon us, many of you are probably thinking of taking Walt Disney World Vacations sometime soon.  Having been there numerous times (more than my husband cares to remember!), I feel compelled to pass along some tried and true Disney World tips for summer touring.

After the resort reservations have been made and discount theme park tickets have been purchased, what's next?  Why packing lists, of course!  Since Florida's summers are known to be hot (90+ degree days) and humid, let's talk about how you and your family can dress to stay as comfortable as possible while visiting the land of magic.

Disney World Theme Park Tips

- Your feet!  That's right . . . if you're dogs are barkin' at you, you're not going to be having a good time!  So, please, please, please bring a pair (or two) of your most comfortable shoes for touring Walt Disney World parks.  You'll be walking a lot of miles in those shoes as you hop between Disney World rides and parades all day long.  This is not the time to run out and buy a pair of brand new (stiff) shoes.  Rely on old faithfuls for this trip.  Also, if you don't have some good moisture-wicking socks, now is the time to pick up several pair.  Anything made from CoolMax is a great choice.  My absolute favorite socks are the X-Static travel socks that I bought at www.magellans.com a few months ago (and wore on a two-week trip through Europe).  These socks are an excellent quick-drying choice for sink washing, too.

- Your skin!  To protect your lovely skin from Florida's harsh sun, bring a hat with a nice brim.  Also be sure to pack some good sunscreen.  Apply it early and often!

- Your hair & clothing!  Unless you like walking around in wet clothes after a quick, but heavy thunderstorm or a ride on Splash Mountain, do yourself a favor and pick up a few cheap rain ponchos.  You can find $1 ponchos at lots of stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens).  Look in their camping department if you're having a tough time locating them.   

Make your Disney trip one of your family's best vacations ever!

Photo by Simon Grossi via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Mesa Airlines to Cut Routes at Air Midwest

Mesa Air - Air Midwest Cutting Routes:  Air Midwest (Mesa Air) is cutting service, according to a recent article on AOL Travel.  Mesa Air will be all cutting routes serviced by Air Midwest by June 30, 2008.  Soaring fuel costs have forced this unfortunate cut back.  So, if you have plans to fly Air Midwest in the next six weeks, I'd advise you to call the Air Midwest asap for up to the minute information.  Good luck!

Photo by cubbie_n_vegas via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Shark Bites: Travel Tips To Keep You Safe At The Beach

Beach Safety Tips:  Dreaming of a beach vacation this summer?  Planning to do a little body surfing in the ocean?  Before you get into the water, consider taking a look at a few shark-averting safety tips. 

According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, has earned a reputation as the shark bite capital.  But, before we get too carried away, you should know that you are 30 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to be bit by a shark.  But, just in case, here are a few quick ocean safety tips that you can follow to keep yourself safe from a Jaws shark bite.

- Don't swim alone

- Don't swim in murky water

- Don't swim at twilight

- Don't wear shiny jewelry

- Don't swim if you have an open wound

Follow these tips, then hang ten!

Photo by colmsurf via Flickr (Creative Commons)

JetBlue in the News Again: Makes Man Sit on Toilet During Flight

JetBlue Airlines

Gee, JetBlue Airlines can't seem to keep its nose clean lately.  Wait till you hear this one -- I'll bet their Public Relations Agency is busy, busy, busy!  According to a USA Today article, a man is suing JetBlue for allegedly making him give up his seat to a flight attendant and then forcing him to sit on a toilet for more than three hours during a flight from California.  What was that pilot thinking?!  If there weren't enough seats available on the plane, they should have never let him on in the first place.  I have a feeling that this gentleman is about to become a little richer than he was before his "stinky" flight.  What do you think?

Photo by Cubbie_n_Vegas via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Last Minute Travel Deals Website

Grand Ole Opry - Great Last Minute Travel:  Travel websites . . . sure, everyone's heard of Travelocity and Expedia.  But, if you're looking for a new and exciting place to hunt for last minute budget travel (or even last second travel deals), pay attention!  Lastminute.com offers awesome package deals on U.S. destinations.  You can search for low prices on hotels, car rentals, and airfare at this site.  I've used their service in the past to take my family on a quick weekend getaway to Nashville and found the process to be smooth sailing.  So, step out of your safety zone and check out lastminute.com for some great deals.

P.S.  Don't miss a show at the Grand Ole Opry or a stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (take an indoor boat ride) if you're planning to head over to Nashville.  Lots of fun to be had for the whole family!

Photo by jdtornow via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Airplane Germs: Airline Seat-Back Pockets - What's In There?

Airplane Germs - Beware the Seat-Back Pockets:  OK, we all know that people dispose of all kinds of stuff in their airline seat-back pockets, right?  But, being a frequent traveler, I guess I just never really wanted to think too hard about what might be in there besides old newspapers, chewing gum wrappers, and the like.  Well, an article in the Chicago Tribune has opened my eyes!  I will never put my hand willy-nilly into the seat-back pocket in front of me again.  Come on, people -- dirty diapers?!  Really?  What are you thinking!  According to the article, the airline maintenance staff only give the planes cursory cleanings in between flights.  In fact, the planes are not given a deep cleaning except for about once every 30 days.  So, please be considerate of the fliers who are coming after you.  Dispose of your trash appropriately so that we can all fly on clean airplanes.  I thank you and so do the other innocent people who are about to reach into their seat-back pocket.

Photo by irishflyguy via Flickr (Creative Commons)