My Road Less Traveled By

Bill and I are trying to decide where to take the kids this summer for vacation. With money being tight due to our basement remodeling project, it is really hard to decide where to go. We also have the other disadvantage that Will is only going to be one. There is not a lot of things that are going to hold both Madison (who is 4 years old) and his attention. He hates to be in the stroller too. One of the places that we were thinking about taking the kids is Wisconsin Dells. I know, its a tad pricey there. However, I think both kids would enjoy the water parks. Instead of going to all the travel sites like Orbitz or Expedia, I have been using Hotels Combined. They have the largest database available. Nothing is more annoying than having to look at 10 different travel sites just to find the best deal. As a mom with little ones, I don’t have time for that.

There are a couple of different things I am looking for in a hotel room. Now, if it is only Bill and myself, I don’t normally care. However, when the kids are with us, we need a lot more room. They need room to play and walk around. I also really like having wifi. I also do not like having to pay extra for it. I also like not having to look at the fine print of the hotels to make sure they have wifi. I like a site that allows me to search according to my parameters not theirs.

Now, I am checking out hotels that Hotels Combined gave me, and there is a ton of information to comb though. One of the hotels I was actually able to check out and get a way better price is the Great Wolf Lodge. This is one of the hotels we are seriously looking at. I was happily surprised to find out that the prices offered here are way less than go through their site. They list all the different prices that all the travel sites are offering, so you can pick which one you want to use. One you pick which place you want to go through, Hotels Combined directs you to their site so you can book. They definitely make it much easier and less time consuming to book your trip.

Bill and I are trying to decide where to take the kids this summer for vacation. With money being tight due to our basement remodeling project, it is really hard to decide where to go. We also have the other disadvantage that Will is only going to be one. There is not a lot of things that are going to hold both Madison (who is 4 years old) and his attention. He hates to be in the stroller too. One of the places that we were thinking about taking the kids is Wisconsin Dells. I know, its a tad pricey there. However, I think both kids would enjoy the water parks. Instead of going to all the travel sites like Orbitz or Expedia, I have been using Hotels Combined. They have the largest database available. Nothing is more annoying than having to look at 10 different travel sites just to find the best deal. As a mom with little ones, I don’t have time for that.

There are a couple of different things I am looking for in a hotel room. Now, if it is only Bill and myself, I don’t normally care. However, when the kids are with us, we need a lot more room. They need room to play and walk around. I also really like having wifi. I also do not like having to pay extra for it. I also like not having to look at the fine print of the hotels to make sure they have wifi. I like a site that allows me to search according to my parameters not theirs.

Now, I am checking out hotels that Hotels Combined gave me, and there is a ton of information to comb though. One of the hotels I was actually able to check out and get a way better price is the Great Wolf Lodge. This is one of the hotels we are seriously looking at. I was happily surprised to find out that the prices offered here are way less than go through their site. They list all the different prices that all the travel sites are offering, so you can pick which one you want to use. One you pick which place you want to go through, Hotels Combined directs you to their site so you can book. They definitely make it much easier and less time consuming to book your trip.

I think the craziest thing I did in Las Vegas was attend BlogWorld and PostieCon by myself. Crazy, because I am a stay at home mom who hates flying and hasn’t done anything alone in years. However, it was awesome. I got to meet a ton of my online friends and got to network with a ton of people. I also learned a lot. I even got to shake Mark Cuban’s hand. I know it doesn’t sound all that crazy, but for me, it is. That being said, I now find a list from Trusted Tours & Attractions of things to do in Las Vegas. They are not all wild and crazy, but they are definitely fun. Heck, if you are willing to travel, you can even set up an Alcatraz tour .

I wouldn’t say Vegas is too family friendly, so if you are looking for some family vacation ideas, you should definitely sign up for the Trusted Travels eNewsletter newsletter. If you do, they have a contest that you can win an IPOD Nano! I know we are trying to figure out where to take the kids next year. I don’t want too expensive, but I definitely want it to be fun!

I think the craziest thing I did in Las Vegas was attend BlogWorld and PostieCon by myself. Crazy, because I am a stay at home mom who hates flying and hasn’t done anything alone in years. However, it was awesome. I got to meet a ton of my online friends and got to network with a ton of people. I also learned a lot. I even got to shake Mark Cuban’s hand. I know it doesn’t sound all that crazy, but for me, it is. That being said, I now find a list from Trusted Tours & Attractions of things to do in Las Vegas. They are not all wild and crazy, but they are definitely fun. Heck, if you are willing to travel, you can even set up an Alcatraz tour .

I wouldn’t say Vegas is too family friendly, so if you are looking for some family vacation ideas, you should definitely sign up for the Trusted Travels eNewsletter newsletter. If you do, they have a contest that you can win an IPOD Nano! I know we are trying to figure out where to take the kids next year. I don’t want too expensive, but I definitely want it to be fun!

Lists are an important thing to do when you are planning to travel.  I use to laugh at my mom for making lists.  However, it is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything.  You should start your list making at least a week in advance.  You should make a list of everything you need to shop for.  Your next list should be everything you should pack.  You should also make a list of all your information like credit card numbers in case your purse or wallet would get stolen.  This list should stay in your hotel room and an additional copy should stay at home.  You should also have a list for each day of the week with the things you need to get done that day.

With these lists, you should be well organized for your trip and you shouldn’t forget anything!

Lists are an important thing to do when you are planning to travel.  I use to laugh at my mom for making lists.  However, it is the best way to make sure you don’t forget anything.  You should start your list making at least a week in advance.  You should make a list of everything you need to shop for.  Your next list should be everything you should pack.  You should also make a list of all your information like credit card numbers in case your purse or wallet would get stolen.  This list should stay in your hotel room and an additional copy should stay at home.  You should also have a list for each day of the week with the things you need to get done that day.

With these lists, you should be well organized for your trip and you shouldn’t forget anything!

Madison loved The Children’s Museum In Oak Lawn, Illinois.  Mom, on the other hand, not so impressed.  I found that admission price was a bit high for what we found there.  Adults are $4 and kids are $3.50.  They toys and things to do were considerably old.  There wasn’t a lot of room and the place easily got trashed.  When we went, they were busy, and you felt like you were on top of everyone else.  Currently, it is located in a very small building.  They are in the process of raising money to move the museum and get newer projects for the kids to do.  Once this happens, it will be a great place to take your kids.  However, until that happens, I would pass on going here.

Madison loved The Children’s Museum In Oak Lawn, Illinois.  Mom, on the other hand, not so impressed.  I found that admission price was a bit high for what we found there.  Adults are $4 and kids are $3.50.  They toys and things to do were considerably old.  There wasn’t a lot of room and the place easily got trashed.  When we went, they were busy, and you felt like you were on top of everyone else.  Currently, it is located in a very small building.  They are in the process of raising money to move the museum and get newer projects for the kids to do.  Once this happens, it will be a great place to take your kids.  However, until that happens, I would pass on going here.