Taking a two year old on holiday is always a little daunting, even for the experienced traveler. No matter whether you are staying close to home or going long haul, successful holidays with pre-schoolers take precision planning.

For our first holiday as a family, we decided to push the limits and go long haul, opting for South Africa for a family safari, more specifically, Cape Town, the Garden Route, followed by a few days at a family safari lodge. During the build-up to our safari holiday, we primed our son with the Lion King, Madagascar and all Disney characters that pertained to an African safari, making sure he knew the names of the different animals he might be fortunate enough to see.

We bought all our travel essentials, including perhaps the most useful (in hindsight) a pair of toddler reins, with an incorporated backpack.  The reins meant that not only could my son proudly carry his own teddy, book and drink around Heathrow, but that we could keep hold of him with a simple loop of the wrist, while other hands were free to carry bags, check for passports, push trolleys and generally get ourselves to Cape Town.

With a free upgrade to Business Class under our belt after a debacle of a departure, my son slept the whole flight, waking in Cape Town with fresh eyes and a smile.  What more could a parent ask for?

We stepped out of Cape Town International airport into the morning sun, and instantly relaxed to absorb the friendly atmosphere.  Joseph (our meet and greet) shook our hands, gave us an amazingly warm smile and took all of our bags. An hour or so later as we walked into the reception of the Cape Grace Hotel, my son was shocked into good behavior as he was cheerily greeted by name, given orange juice and a toy as a gift to occupy him while the adults took care of the check in details.

At midday we strode out onto the waterfront and enjoyed a fabulous lunch before wandering the markets and shops and then enjoying an afternoon at the nearby Two Oceans Aquarium. My son’s sheer delight was evident as soon as we discovered a large dome full of Angel Fish, or “Nemos” as he gleefully called them.

The next morning we ascended Table Mountain in a revolving cable car that provided fantastic views of Signal Hill, the glistening Waterfront and working harbor. In the afternoon we hopped on and off the open top buses that pottered along the Cape peninsula, stopping off at both sandy and rock pooled beaches, much to the delight of our son.

After a fabulous couple of days in Cape town, we climbed into our rental car and drove along the picturesque Garden Route to the malaria free Kwandwe Game Reserve.  Our goal – to spot as many animals as we could with our excited son.

On arrival at Ecca Lodge we were greeted by our guide Alistair and the staff of Ecca who did a fabulous job at looking after us. The game viewing was, superb. My son’s face instantly lit up with delight when he spotted “Dumbo” far in the distance silhouetted against the horizon, only to then be told to look to the other side of the jeep, to see another elephant slightly hidden behind thicket, asleep on its feet just a short ways away. We saw three lion that day, and heard the grunting of hippo in the river as we headed back to the lodge for dinner, with a very sleepy, happy two year old.

With heads full of the adventure that had turned into wonderful memories, we boarded our flight home.

Guest author bio:  Nicola Valentino is a writer for Opulent Africa a luxury safari operator.

Photo credits:  Courtesy of the author and ©Opulent Africa.

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Roller coaster fans have a lot to look forward to in 2012, with new attractions opening at theme parks in the US and Canada.  Whether you’re a true fan that crosses the country looking for the biggest thrill, or just want a little theme park adventure, here’s a little peek at what you have to look forward to this year.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Verbolten is a multi-launch three-and-a-half minute ride that twists and turns like you’re on the Autobahn.  It’s a 2,800 foot track reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.  The park has six additional rides also opening this year.  Busch Gardens is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
• Dollywood – The Wild Eagle steel wing coaster hovers 21 stories above the ground before dropping riders 135 feet into a series of four inversions, a vertical loop, a zero-G roll, and a flat spin.  Dollywood, named for country superstar Dolly Parton, is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
• Hersheypark – Skyrush is a 200-foot tall steel roller coaster with cantilevered trains.  Hersheypark is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  (That’s the Great Bear roller coaster in the photo at the top.)
• Leviathan – New this year is a 306-foot steel roller coaster that promises speeds up to 90-plus mph.  You’ll experience an 80 degree descent as you are propelled through the nearly 5,500 foot track.  Leviathan is located in Vaughan, Ontario (near Toronto).
• Sea World San Diego – The new roller coaster Manta is shaped like a giant manta ray.  As it takes you from sky to sea, you almost touch the waves.
• Six Flags America – Apocalypse:  The Last Stand is a stand-up roller coaster with a 100-foot climb.  Six Flags America is located in Largo, Maryland (near Baltimore).
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – Superman Ultimate Flight is the new roller coaster here; it’s a 150-foot high ride that speeds up to over 60 mph.  It features two upside down twists and two vertical rolls.  Six Flags Discover Kingdom is located in Vallejo, California.
• Six Flags Great America – X-Flight is a new wing coaster that offers barrel rolls, Zero-G rolls, twists, turns, and ends with a vertical flip through a key-hole cutout.  Six Flags Great America is located in Gurnee, Illinois (near Chicago).
• Six Flags Magic Mountain – The new Lex Luther: Drop of Doom is a floorless gondola that pulls riders to the top of a 400-foot tower, then drops them at speeds of up to 85 mph.  It’s a 5-second free fall.  Six Flas Magic Mountain in located in Los Angeles.
• Six Flags New England – With a coaster named Goliath, you know it’s going to be big.  Goliath is a suspended seat roller coast that climbs 18 stories before dropping riders into a vertical dive, than back into a 201-foot loop, a 110-foot butterfly turn, and a 19 story drop.  Then it does it all in reverse.  Six Flags New England is located in Springfield, Massachusetts.
• Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Great Adventure – Both of these parks are opening the Skyscreamer, an extreme swing ride that takes riders 15 stories above the ground, carrying them around in a 98-foot circle.  Speeds get up to about 40 mph.  Six Flags Over Texas is located in Arlington, Texas, and Six Flags Great Adventure is located in Jackson, New Jersey.

It looks like it’s going to be a crazy, twisting, upside down year at these theme parks.

Photo credit:  William via flickr

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When I think of traveling to Singapore, I think of the city life, the food, and a chance to discover so much different than my own.  But it turns out there’s another side to Singapore, one that I had no idea existed – the island resort of Sentosa.  The translation of Sentosa means peace and tranquility, and while you may find that on the island’s beaches and gardens, much of the action centers around the island’s other activities, ranging from golf to clubs to Universal Studios Singapore and other attractions.  It’s like the whole island is one giant theme park, and a recently launched Sentosa Play Pass is trying to help you enjoy as much as you can, as economically as you can.

The one-day one-ticket system covers 13 attractions offering a variety of activities for all interest levels, and also allows holders to skip the line ups.  Saving money and time is always a great combination, and for even greater savings you can update the pass to add three more attractions.

Not sure what there is to do?  Take a look at this list and see the choices you can make:

• Segway – An island adventure of a fun tour on a Segway is a great way to start the day.  It’s fun and easy to learn.
• Bi-Pedal bicycle – 1 hour rental to get a little look around.
• The Merlion – A historical attraction, this structure has the head of a lion and the body of a mermaid, and a walk to the top will give you an amazing view.
• Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom – Over 15,000 butterflies are in this outdoor conservatory, and they fly freely, so keep a close eye out.  Don’t worry though, the dangerous insects on display are in an enclosed area.
• Images of Singapore – Interactive displays and wax mannequins showcase the various ethnic groups of Singapore, Chinese, Malay and Indian.  You’ll get a bit of history along with a healthy dose of culture as you learn about the various festivals, holidays, and rites of life.
• Luge & Skyride – With a course for the beginner as well as the advanced rider, it’s a race to the bottom as riders see how fast they can manage their 3-wheeled cart without hitting the brakes.  If the Luge is a little too much action for you, you can opt for unlimited trips on the Skyride.
• Flying Trapeze – Fly like fox (a flying fox, that is) while bouncing on a trapeze.
• Fort Siloso – This historical attraction displays the history and evolution of Sentosa Island, from the era of World War II up to its modern day status and a recreation and tourism area.
• Tiger Sky Tower – A free standing observation tower that, on a clear day, will provide a view of parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.  The ride to the top is in a glass enclosed cabin, providing a view all the way to the top.
• Cineblast – A cinema ride that features a wide screen and a log ride.
• DESPERADOS – A virtual attractions featuring a shoot out on horseback.
• Nature Discovery – Flora, fauna and more.
• 4D Magix – A movie experience with seats that move.

There’s plenty more to do and see on the island, whether you opt for additional attractions, the beaches, to other theme parks.  It’s just a matter of choosing the Singapore escape that best suits your time, interests, and preferences.

The Sentosa Play Pass is available with 3 options:  The Day Play Pass is valid from 9 am-7 pm, with prices starting at $47.90 for kids and $63.90 for adults, and covers admission to 13 attractions.  The Noon Play Pass is valid from 2:30-7 pm, with prices starting at $31.90 for kids and $37.90 for adults, and covers admission to 4 attractions.  The Premium Play Pass is valid from 9 am-7 pm,with prices starting at $65.90, and covers a choice of three additional action-filled attractions (Segway eco-tour, Wave House Flow Rider, Heritage Island Exlorer, Cable Car ride, ClimbMax zip adventure, or MegaZip adventure park).

Sentosa might not be the reason you travel to Singapore, but it’s a wonderful day break once you’re there.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Sentosa Play Pass

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Sentosa Play Pass.

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Spring break might be over for some kids, but there are still a lot of families traveling on the planes.  I’m not sure if parents are taking the kids out of school, home schooling, or if perhaps there are schools with a really late spring break.  Most of the families seem to be having a good time, the parents may be tired and the kids a little rambunctious – it’s spring break, after all – but every day it reminds me how families choose to make travel a priority.

Kids are full of questions, whether they’re experienced travelers or first timers, and they’re not afraid to put it all out there.  From questions about flight etiquette to information about Travel Guard flight insurance, here are some of my favorite questions from spring break – along with a few answers (always slanted to be appropriate for the child’s age).

What makes the plane stay up in the air? Sure I took physics, but there’s no way I can explain the concepts of lift, thrust, speed, and all that other stuff to a 10 year old.  I barely understand it myself, often preferring to think that it’s all just smoke and mirrors.

Why do I have to turn off my iPad, iPod, or whatever other game or music player they have? Kids will just blurt out the question that you know adults are thinking and mumbling about.  There is plenty of debate about whether or not leaving these things on can endanger flight or not.  But that discussion doesn’t really matter when you’re on the plane right now.  A bunch of guys sitting in offices somewhere have decided that they need to be turned off and made it a regulation.  The rest of us have to ensure compliance with that regulation.  At least until such time as another group of guys sitting around in an office somewhere decide to change it.

Why do I have to wear a headset to watch my movie? I realize that you may not need to wear when at home or in the car because your parents want to hear what you’re doing.  But on the airplane there are a hundred or so other people who want peace and quiet.  So everyone has to wear a head set, or turn off the sound, if you’re using something that makes noise.

What’s that? Whether it’s asking about something on the airplane or out the window, I always try to explain it is.  For kids that are fearful travelers, getting answers to questions about the plane can be calming.  We often don’t know what’s out the window as we can’t see out, but we can often call the flight deck to get a question answered.

Do you have any cards? No, we don’t, although sometimes we have color books or paper to draw on.

Can I go up to the cockpit? During flight this is a big NO, but during boarding or deplaning there may be an opportunity.  Depending on time constraints, and what’s going on in the flight deck, many crew members will show a child around, let him put on a captain’s hat and pose for a photo.

When are we going to be there? For kids that can tell time, I tell them the truth – it will be four long , boring hours.  OK, I don’t embellish, but giving them a real time frame usually helps them.  For a child that can’t tell time yet, or doesn’t have a watch, I explain it based on what will happen during the flight – before we land you’ll have time to watch a movie and then have something else to drink.

I want kids to have an enjoyable and safe flight, whether they’re traveling alone or with their family.  I don’t always have the answers to questions, and answering is often a matter of timing, but there’s nothing like watching a child discover the fun of seeing the world.

Does your child have a travel question?  Leave it in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer it.

Photo credit:  author’s collection

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This post is part of the Travel Blog Mob’s salute to Spring.  Read what the other “mobsters” have to say:

Travel Green with Kids! Tips to Make Family Vacations Eco-Friendly from Ciao Bambino

Spring Ahead on Planning Your Summer Trips from BootsnAll

Go Skiing (But Not On Snow) from Spot Cool Stuff

It Might as Well Be Spring from Nerd’s Eye View

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Admission at a US National Park from the Vacation Gals

Spring is Here! Get out Into the World – Or Bring It Home from Wanderinng Educators.

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In honor of Black History Month, I am pleased to feature this guest post on the Underground Railroad, a part of history that’s well worth spending time learning about.

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Over the years, I’ve found that introducing history to my children through travel has made more of a difference than anything they’ve read in history books. Visiting the places where history actually happened gives children and adults so much more knowledge. It also gives them a real connection to the past. As February is Black History Month, I’ve been researching Underground Railroad locations to bring history to life in our neighborhood and in preparation for our forthcoming family travels.

Here are the most interesting Underground Railroad destinations on the East Coast which are open to the public:

• Florida – Fort Gadsden State Park, Route 65, Sumatra – This abandoned fort, also known as Negro Fort, previously occupied by the British, served to hide Seminole Indians and runaway slaves until it was destroyed by the U.S. Army in 1817. Today, you can still see earthworks and trenches used to hide slaves.
• Tennessee – National Underground Railroad Museum, 115 E. Third St, Maysville – The oldest Underground Railroad Museum that houses memorabilia including runaways’ diaries and letters and slave sale broadsides. Also located in Maysville is the Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum, 2124 Main St, Maysville – Author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Stowe made trips through Maysville to witness slave auctions and collected many of the artifacts now seen in the museum during these trips.
• Georgia – First African Baptist Church, 23 Montgomery St on Franklin Square, Savannah – Many churches hid slaves on the underground railroad, but not many were designed and built with that purpose in mind. The church design includes 4-feet wide underground tunnels with diamond shaped holes cut into the walls for ventilation.
• North Carolina – Coffin Home, now Guilford College Historic District, 603 W. Main St, Guilford, NC – Vestal Coffin, a Quaker farmer assisted hundreds of runaway slaves by hiding them in his farm house which is now part of Guilford College Historic District. His cousin Levi, who became known as President of the Underground Railroad, helped drive sales out of the state and eventually started his own underground railroad stop in Indiana.
• West Virginia – Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, Harpers Ferry – Harpers Ferry became famous when abolitionist John Brown seized the federal munitions arsenal there in 1859 in an attempt to help southern slaves rebel. Unfortunately, Brown was captured along with 21 other men helping him and was hanged by Colonel Robert E. Lee. Today, Harpers Ferry is a picturesque little town with a number of small buildings and a museum dedicated to the slaves. Brown’s headquarters, Kennedy Farm located in Sharpsburg MD – is also open to the public.
• Washington DC – Mt Zion United African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1334 29th St SW – Mt Zion harbored slaves, ingeniously, in an above-the-ground family burial vault in the church cemetery.
• Pennsylvania – Dobbin House, 89 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg – A secret room hidden between two floors and reached through pantry doors is now proudly displayed to patrons that frequent the Dobbin House. The residence now functions as a restaurant. New Jersey – D.B. Cole House, Creek Rd, Lumberton – Can be seen from the road, and rumored to be open by appointment – Cole used a well to hide runaway slaves by building a room with 20-foot ceilings at the bottom of the well. The room was reached by climbing down a long rope. As you might imagine, this secret room was never discovered!
• New York – Peterboro Area museum and Gerrit Smith Exhibit, Main St, Peterboro – Gerrit Smith, a wealthy businessman, spent his adult life fighting slavery by hiding runaways in his barn and a secret room under his kitchen. He also employed dozens of freed slaves. His biggest risk, though, was purchasing guns for John Brown to use in his attack at Harpers Ferry. Smith was never charged with a crime because he signed himself into an insane asylum and had his doctors use an insanity plea, an incredibly savvy move for the time!
• Connecticut – Old State House, 800 Main St, Hartford – The site of the first Amistad trials, the Old State House is now a museum that puts on a short, 30-minute play every Tuesday and Thursday re-enacting the trial.

As you can probably tell, I’ve ordered the Underground Railroad stops from south to north in order to imagine escaping in the night as a slave might have traveled in the 1800′s. Most of the Underground Railroad were private homes established by abolitionists that wanted to help slaves escape. Many of these homes are still standing and continue to be privately owned, so they are not likely to be open to the public. You may be able to do a walk by in your town by checking out the Underground Railroad Map.

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Author bio:  Milan and her family of six have saved over $14,000 vacationing by home exchange over the last 5 years. Follow her on Twitter @HomeExchangeMom for tips on how to find house swaps for your family.

Photo credit:  Curtis Anderson via flickr

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You’ve seen Phantom of the Opera, and maybe even the sequel, Love Never Dies, so what’s next for your theatre breaks in London?

London’s West End is home to a number of theaters offering everything from the decadent larger musicals and big stars (Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Lion King) to smaller venues offering the new, quirky, or debuting (The 39 Steps, The Woman in Black, Love Story).

If you’re a theater buff like me, pretty much any choice of show will be a good one. My tastes run the gamut and I’m game for almost anything – even productions that I’ve seen numerous times.  But if you aren’t sure what to see or how to choose you can throw caution to the wind and let someone else decide, or you can do your homework and make your selections.

Here are a few of the top shows for your consideration:

• Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies - “Based on a classic French thriller about a terrifying and legendary figure who emerges from the depths of The Paris Opera House and manifests the mythic opera ghost in terrifying reality” Phantom is one of the classics of theater.  It’s sequel, Love Never Dies picks up the story 10 years later.  These would make a great one-two punch for a weekend of theater.
• Wicked - “Experience this unforgettable, award-winning musical and discover that you’ve not been told the whole story about the land of Oz..”
• Chicago – “The kiss-and-tell story of chorus girl Roxie who kills her lover; Velma Kelly, the glamorous double-murderer and Billy Flynn, the slick and manipulative lawyer keeping them from death row while promising to make them stars, has all the topicality of our celebrity-seeking times.”

Want to laugh?  Try a comedy:

• Legally Blonde – “When her boyfriend dumps her for someone serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and heads for Harvard Law School.”
• Mamma Mia! – “On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past to the island they last visited 20 years ago.”  Full of rocking songs by ABBA.
• Priscilla Queen of the Desert – “PRISCILLA tells the heart-warming and uplifting story of Bernadette, Tick, and Adam, a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio who agree to take their show to the middle of the Australian outback.”

If you’re looking for fun for the whole family, consider these:

• The Lion King – “At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Prideland.”
• Shrek, the Musical – “Join Shrek, our unlikely hero, and his loyal steed Donkey, as they set off on an adventure to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from her tower, guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon.”
• The Wizard of Oz – “Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their heart’s desires.”

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a girls getaway, or a family night out, the London theater scene in lively and vibrant offering great choices for everyone.  What are you waiting for?

Photo credit: Andy Bird via flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Hotel Direct UK; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

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For the price of a hand of blackjack or a roll of the dice, you can spend some time with predators of a different kind — at Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium.  The only predator-based aquarium in the United States calls the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino (3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, map) home.

What predators lurk here?

The lionfish is cute looking, but you don't want to run into him

Tigers Sharks.  The second deadliest specie behind the Great White, these two females are quickly becoming the prima donnas of the aquarium, and it’s the only place tiger sharks are available for viewing in the US.  You’ll be able to spot them easily with their tiger-striped markings and sharp-serrated teeth.

Komodo Dragon.  What they lack in looks, they make up for in speed, and the world’s largest lizard uses both its speed, cunning and power to track and kills it’s prey.  They’re so ugly that they’re kind of cute, but make no mistake about it, these guys are deadly.

The piranhas.  A guide was standing near the exhibit to answer questions, and the question on everyone’s mind was – when do you feed them?  He explained that they are fed three times a week.  Their diet is primarily raw chicken, chopped up into small chunks and then thrown about the water so that the piranhas disperse and chase the food.  By keeping the food spread out in the water it helps to  avoid any injuries to the fish as a result of their gluttonous eating habit.

The stingray petting pool was a big visitor favorite, and mine as well.  A naturalist nearby gave adults and kids instructions about how to “pet” the stingrays swimming about the shallow pool.  I shoved up my sleeves and put my arm in the pool waiting for the stingray to swim by.  When it did, I ran one finger along the top of him.  It’s hard to explain what it felt like.  It was soft and spongy, but definitely not what I expected.  The closest I can come to describing the feel is that it’s like injera, the Ethiopian pancake-like bread.

Shark Reef Aquarium has lots of different kinds of sharks

I’d recommend allowing an hour or so to walk through the exhibit, listening to the audio guide as you do.  The audio guide provides a nice enhancement to what you’re seeing, giving you two choice:  just the basics or a more in depth explanation.  I used the basic info most of the time, pressing for more details on those exhibits that really captured my attention.

Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily starting at 10 am.  Admission is $16.95 for adults, $10.95 for children, and toddlers four and under are FREE.   Shark Reef has just added an annual pass option, $40 for adults and $25 for children 5-12, which saves a bundle if you’ll visit often.  Nevada residents get a discount on admission; ID required.  Tickets can be purchased online or on site.

Photo credits:  personal collection

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Over the past decade or so, Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities have been working hard to change the stuffy image that they have long suffered from.  No longer just a haven for the retired, blue-haired geriatric set, the Coachella Valley has broadened its appeal and you’ll now see families and couples of all ages and genders.

Baby Giraffe at the Living Desert in Palm Desert, California

One of the great spots to visit in the area is The Living Desert in Palm Desert.  Founded in 1970, it is a zoo and botanical garden based entirely on the ecosystem of the desert.

The Living Desert currently occupies about 1,200 acres of land, is a pioneer in environmental education and native wildlife rehabilitation, is active in captive breeding and plant propagation programs, and sustains itself through an aggressive membership and volunteer program.

When you walk around the facility it is hard to imagine that just a few decades ago, this land was barren, litter-covered fallow land.  The 1970′s saw the development of the Living Desert concentrate on clearing and construction of the facilities, and the beginning of development of several botanical exhibitions.  In the 80′s wildlife was added to the mix, and a full time animal curator was added.  The 90′s saw the development of additional animal exhibits as well as a train exhibit.  And in the 2000′s, a kids’ play park and picnic area have been added, in additional to the continuing development of the animal exhibits.

I think the best time to see The Living Desert is shortly after it opens for the day.  Going early in the day allows you to escape the bulk of the desert heat, see the animals when they are fresh and a little more active, and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some of them having their breakfast.  You may have the opportunity to watch the giraffes being hand fed before you head off to nuzzle with a couple goats in the Petting Kraal and then walk around looking at all the rest of the desert plants and animals.

A community of meerkats

Among the animals, my favorites area the playful and mischievous meerkats.  Known also as mongoose, these clever little guys are very social, living and raising their young in large communities.  If you can catch the exhibit when they’re active, they’ll quickly capture your interest and you may wind up watching for hours.

Allow two to three hours to visit the Living Desert, perhaps a little longer if you’re a real animal fan.  Wear sensible  clothes and walking shoes (it will get hot), drink plenty of liquids, and don’t forget the sunscreen.  And don’t forget your camera!

Location:  The Living Desert is located at: 47-900 Portola Avenue in Palm Desert, just a few minutes from Palm Springs and Indio (map)

Hours:  9 am – 5 pm daily during October through May.  8 am – 1:30 pm during June through September.

Admission:  $12.50 for adults; $11 seniors (62+) and military; $7.50 children (ages 3-12); FREE for children under 3.

Photo credits:  Drew Avery @flickr (meerkats); Renee Silverman @flickr (giraffe)

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Located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, opposite the District of Columbia and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillon is adjacent to the Unites States Marine Corps War Memorial. The site is park of the National Park System.

Set among thousands of tulips in a park setting, the 127-foot high tower was a gift to the American people from the Dutch.  It was a symbol of friendship characterized by a common allegiance to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy that has weathered temporary differences.  The bell carillon was originally installed in a temporary tower in 1954, and was then moved to its current location in 1960.  It was officially dedicated on May 5th, 1960, the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis, meaning the 50th anniversary is nearly upon us.

The carillon originally contained 49 bells.  On May 5th, 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation, a 50th bell was added.  The largest bell measures nearly 7-foot in diameter and weighs 12,264 pounds.  The smallest bell is eight inches in diameter and weighs 35 pounds.  The bells are programmed to play automatically by computer, striking the hour daily between 10 am and 6 pm.  In addition, special programs and concerts are also held.

Two bronze lions guard the plaza steps of the carillon, and a staircase leads up to an observatory platform.  From the observatory platform, a small circular staircase winds up to the glass enclosed bell cabin, which is 83 feet above the ground.  You can climb up the tower.

Plan a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens surround the bell carillon.  When the tulips are in bloom it is especially pretty.  This is a family friendly space, and it’s okay to play on the grass.  In fact, this makes a perfect spot for the kids to burn off a little energy while the adults spread out for a few restful moments, or just sit and enjoy the weather and a little people watching.  The spot provides a great view of DC’s monuments, and if you linger on into dusk you can enjoy the spectacular view of the city as the lights of the monuments and city come on.

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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Food expenses are a major budget consideration when planning your vacation, and while you can’t eliminate the expense, there are lots of things you can do to keep it as low as possible.  Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

Book accommodations that have a kitchen.  Whether it’s staying at a condo, an extended-stay property, or maybe just a room with a coffee maker and refrigerator, these will all presents ways to help you save on food expenses.  With a full kitchen you can stock up on supplies so that you’re not dining out for every meal, while still keeping in mind that no one should have to cook every meal of every day – that’s not much of a vacation for the cook.  Even if you don’t have a full kitchen, stocking up on some cereal, milk, juice, coffee, and other snacks can help pare down this expense by many dollars each day.

Fill up at an all-you-can-eat buffet

Buy food at the local farmers’ market.  Many cities have these, and shopping there will give you a chance to mingle with the locals in addition to getting some fresh food.  Pick up bread and sandwich fixings for the room and pack yourself a picnic.  Try a local delicacy in a small quantity instead of spending big bucks to try it in a restaurant.  If there’s no farmers’ market, find a local supermarket.  Picking up some snacks to throw in your purse or a backpack will keep you from overspending while you’re sightseeing.

If you can’t get accommodations with a kitchen, look for a hotel that offers free breakfasts and/or afternoon or evening happy hours.  Eliminating breakfast can be a big savings, especially if you’re traveling with a family.  Even if it’s not a full cook-to-order meal, grabbing cereal, fruit, juice and coffee will give you some nourishment to face a full day of vacation activities.  Many hotels are offering complimentary “manager receptions” with reduced or free alcoholic beverages and light appetizers.  If you’ve got plans for the evening, this can be a way to get something light to eat, along with a cheap cocktail, before heading out.

Get take out or delivery service.  Picking up a to-go meal, or ordering in pizza, will get you fed without tempting you to overspend with all the other items on the menu.  You can drink the beverages you have chilling in the refrigerator, and save even more.  Ask for suggestions as the front desk, as most will be able to help give you some recommendations.

Consider the early bird specials.  Many a Seinfeld joke has been made on this topic, but restaurants offer discounts to get people in before (and sometimes after) the dinner rush.  Sometimes it will be a special (and often limited) menu, sometimes a 2 for 1, or maybe just a coupon for dollars off, but it generally represents a good value.  It’s not just for seniors either!  If you’ve had a hectic day, don’t pass up the chance to eat early and have a relaxing evening in your room.  And save money, too!

Make lunch your main meal.  Prices are usually cheaper at lunch, and you can eat somewhere fab for less.
Restaurant Happy Hours can save money on drinks and food.  Happy Hour discounts very between discounts for food, drinks, or both, so you may have to do some scouting around to find the best money saving deals.

Look for kids and senior meals.  Many restaurants offer special deals to these two important groups of guests, and some restaurants offer a kids eat free program.  Don’t be afraid to ask for a senior or kids specials if you don’t see it listed on the menu.  A restaurant may not offer a special menu, but may offer a half portion.  Ask.

Consider an all-you-can-eat buffet.  I’m not a fan of these type of buffets, as I rarely the food is very tasty.  Still, if your short on funds and long on hunger, squeezing this into the day may give you the budget relief needed to eat well another day.  And they’re usually great for families.  Consider making it a lunch buffet and you’ll usually save even more.

Look for a local restaurant rather than a chain.  These can be hard to find sometimes, so you may need to ask at the front desk or other people you meet.  Try asking where they go to eat, rather than for a recommendation.  A little hole-in-the wall place that locals go to will usually be budget friendly.

Use coupons.  From AAA to your hotel to those found in a newspaper or magazine, there are lots of coupons available.  Use common sense though.  It’s not a deal if you’re getting something that you don’t like or if you’re spending more than you normally would to use the benefit.

Have appetizers as an entree or share a meal.  You’ll need to be careful here as some restaurants have a minimum person order or will charge a plate fee to split a meal.  A salad and appetizer, though, can be enough if you’re not super hungry, and is a great way to check out a restaurant that you’re dying to try – and without breaking the bank.

All of these tips won’t work all of the time, and some may just not be your cup of tea.  So pick and choose the ones you can use, and let me know of any others that work for you.

Photo credit:   SXC

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