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Lush Summer Contest Giveaway - Boycott the Staycation
By MudslideMama | July 2, 2008
It’s time for a Traveling Mamas Boycott the Staycation Summer Giveaway Contest! And what better to start off this giveaway series than with our good friends, the Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics company? After all, Lush was a sponsor for both our Mother’s and Father’s Day contests, and we just love their fresh, organic bath and body products.
Remember, the Traveling Mamas are urging fellow Americans to ignore that ridiculous media-invented nonword “Staycation.” Yeah, we know the price of gas is atrocious, that air fares are only shooting up and airlines are cutting back flights — but travel enhances our lives, and family vacations create valued memories for us and our kids. Those family trips are worth much more in the long term than a summer spent playing Grand Theft Auto or watching reruns on TV. Even a weekend away is worthy; don’t let family travel become a thing of the past. There was a time when just about every American family took summer vacations; it was an important cultural experience.
Our Boycott the Staycation Lush Summer Giveaway is a great Lush gift package. Just like annual family vacations should be brought back, Lush has brought back some previously discontinued (but well loved) products. The Retro Gift Box, available for a limited time only, contains an Uluru Bath Bomb, Bon Bomb Bath Bomb, Pineapple Grunt Soap, Red Rooster Soap, Slammer Shower Gel and Freeze Shower Gel. I’m particularly partial to the Pineapple Grunt Soap and Freeze Shower Gel, but I’ll resist temptation and send the complete package as is to the winner of this contest giveaway.
The limited edition Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Retro Gift Box sells for $49.95 (that’s 50 bucks before tax) but will be free for one lucky winner. To enter the contest, simply post a comment below detailing your favorite childhood travel experience, or a favorite family vacation you were able to share with your own kids. US residents only (sorry; it’s for shipping purposes) and family members of the Traveling Mamas may not enter. Contest remains open until Tuesday, July 8, 2008. Good luck, fellow Lush fanatics!
Topics: Budget Travel, Family Travel, The Cookie Jar, Travel Gear |
TravelMuse
July 2nd, 2008 at
Mine was going to the Syracuse State Fair. My parents and my sister and I went that is a year older than I. This was quality time as we had a large family of seven children and to be able to spend time with my parents in a place that was fun and exciting was just the ultimate experience.I really felt connected to them and to see them laugh and smile as my parents we older then many others.I saw my first country star singer.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My grandmother took me and my cousin (we were both about 11) on a train trip from St. Louis to Chicago. Back in those days, the train was a pretty fancy place and we had a great adventure.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I remember going to a Holiday Inn in Amish Country Pennsylvania, and thinking how neat it was that there was a kiddie pool AND a big pool! I was very young, but I still remember the big meals we ate there, and the beautiful farmlands.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation was to Frankenmuth with my mom and brother when I was about 9. I remember shopping and shopping. It was the greatest! The end of our shopping in Christmas wonderland was topped off with swimming inside at a hotel with a huge slide!
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation has always been the camping trips. We would go camping and fishing and swimming.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My dad loves roller coasters and we would go to a different amusement park every summer for vacation.
July 2nd, 2008 at
The best family vacation was a two week camping trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with 4 kids in tents. We had a lot of fun!
July 2nd, 2008 at
family vacation to Maine
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite chilhood travel experience was when our family went to Pikes Peak in Colorado. I remember seeing the snow covered mountains as we rode down the highway. It was capativating, since we lived in the flat counties in the Mid-west. thank you for the contest
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation was to Galveston Tx, we swam in the hotel pool, the ocean relaxing and enjoying each other!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Camping in Lake George and Disneyworld!
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacation was our trip to Japan. It was quite the educational and cultural experience for my daughter. We had a blast.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My grantparents used to take me and my sister on a short vacation every summer. The best was when they took us to Niagara Falls and we took the tour under the falls in the tunnels.
July 2nd, 2008 at
The family vacation in the VW camper van was the best trip ever, though it did not seem like it back then. My fondest memory is my father nearly apoplectic because gas was over 60 cents per gallon!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Our family vacation driving throughout Mexico for a month one summer was the best ever. We had a blast and still reminisce today.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I took my kids on a Disney Cruise to the bahamas, then we spent a few days at Disney world and Sea World. We had such a good time.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Maybe not the best but the most memorable when I was a kid was the year we went to the Black Hills of SD. Our camper broke down 2 times the first day and my brother got really sick with his asthma. We still had a great time.
July 2nd, 2008 at
We went on a lot of camping trips when I was a kid and just this last May I took my own kids to Yellowstone.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I met my best friend at Six Flags when I was 9 years old. Not only did I have a blast with my family, but I met my BFF, and that was the best vacation of my life.
July 2nd, 2008 at
One of my favorite childhood vacations would be when we rented a boat in Clearlake, Ca. We would make the almost 2 hour drive up the winding, curvy roads that I couls almost not stand. Yup, I get car sick especially in the back seat. I even remember begging my dad to stop once and letting me walk the rest of the way! Yeah, we were miles away so he wouldn’t let me. Smart man!
Anyways, it would all be worth it once we got the the clear, blue lake and rented that ski boat. We’d go fast and the wind would tousle my hair and sting my cheeks. Now I understand how dogs feel when they stick their heads out the car window.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacation was right after my parents got divorced, and my dad decided he wanted to drive my brother and I to visit his family in Boston. We started at out on a Saturday in the heat of the summer, driving a dingy Toyota hatchback with broken AC. The drive was terrible, awful, and we were all really sick of each other when we finally got to Mass, but the wistful smile my dad had when he showed us where he went to high school was worth it. The best memory is of my dad standing over my brother on a dilapidated basketball course, offering a gentle pat on the shoulder, talking about the best game he ever played. They both looked so happy, and that made the drive back a lot easier.
July 2nd, 2008 at
We took our kids on a Carinval cruise and it was the best family bonding time ever! Cruise ships are big enough that you can do differnt things, but not so big that you lose track of each other, you always know when and where to meet in the dining room. Yes gas is expensive but I will give up other things before traveling on vacations! It is so important for your mind, body and soul. Since then we have been on many more cruises and I believe it is the best bang for your vacation dollar!!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Last year I took my son to Croatia (Europe), where I am from. We also visited Austria, Slovenia, Italy (Venice and the islands), Tunisia (Africa).
Being in a gondola was so cool. It was amazing.
In Africa we went to Sahara and rode camels. Unbelievable experience.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I love the time my wife and I went to Mendocino. We loved it there. The coast, cliffs, ocean, beaches…breathtaking. We had a great time.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I think my trip to Mexico was the most memorable. It was a lot of fun, took a lot of pictures and bought a bunch of souvenirs.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Last year I took my son, his wife and 3 grandkids to Fort Worth. We packed a lot of fun into 4 days! We went to the wildlife park, Fossil Rim, and what fun we had! The animals only seen in books before, came to life before their eyes. At first they were a little stand offish, but by the end of the trip we were all feeding the animals and laughing.
July 2nd, 2008 at
We once took a family vacation in a rented Winnabego. It was great. As a kid, I was amazed at all the fun you could have in a “house on wheels”. We drove up the coast of California and saw the sites. It is a great childhood memory.
July 2nd, 2008 at
The summer before 6th grade, my family took our first big (and, it turned out, last) trip. We went to Canada and visited Calgary, Banff, and Jasper. The trip as a whole was memorable — hiking, staying in a cabin, etc — but the best moment was when we were stuck in traffic due to a baby bear wandering into the middle of the road and just sitting there. We had the windows rolled down to get a breeze. I stuck my head out of the car and found myself face to face with a ram!!
Needless to say, we rolled the windows up and the next day took a different route into town haha
July 2nd, 2008 at
When I was four, my family took a cruise on the Boheme (which no longer exists). We went to Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and St. Thomas. At four, everything is new–I remember the wonder of sucking on sugar cane in the DR. Who knew sugar came from a plant? I also won a hermit crab race - go yellow! With the couple dollars I won, I bought myself a pair of maracas in Haiti. i still have one of them…the first thing I ever purchased with my “own” money. The waiters used to carry me around on their shoulders…George from Greece and Mr. Pak from the Phillippines still have a special place in my heart for those rides. If they tried that now with my thirty-five year old pregnant self, they’d surely rupture something. The other thing that impressed me most about that trip was the poverty I witnessed in Haiti and the DR. I’d never seen anything like it before, and the mothers holding babies with bloated tummies made me cry. I constantly smuggled food off the cruise ship to give to the hungry mommies and babies. It was a trip of firsts, bittersweet and memorable, even 31 years later.
July 2nd, 2008 at
The summer I spent at my fathers quaint mountain village is southern Greece…I was 8 and spent nearly 3 months there. The best time of my life. Farm animals, mountain trails, the ocean…what was there not to love? I regret that when I got older I was too busy to spend much time there…I really miss my family that still live there and hope to get back soon.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation was a childhood one where we returned year after year. We vacationed at the beach in Santa Cruz, CA for two to three weeks every summer, renting a house that I still recall fondly. After spending the day at the beach and some evenings at the Boardwalk, we would go to sleep in our sleeping bags upstairs. There was one large room with ten beds and we took delight in moving to different beds every night. Many fond family memories were created there.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacations were a yearly trip for a week in northern Michigan on a smaller lake, Bear Lake to be exact, on the west side of the state. We would rent a cottage and swim and hike and generally have a good non tv viewing time for a whole week. There was always lots of delicious BBQ invovled as well, le sigh…
July 2nd, 2008 at
Lovely products!
July 2nd, 2008 at
When my family went to Gettysburg,P.A.
History was always my favorite subject.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Last summer we took our grandchildren to Kenya.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite travel moment as a child was when we took my grandmother to a theme park. She is a very heavy woman. Unfortunately she got caught in one of the turn-styles and paramedics had to come and cut her out. There were several tourists taking snapshots of this ordeal. Needless to say we got a good laugh out of this.
July 2nd, 2008 at
As a kid my family never had a lot of money but we always traveled to Michigan to see our relatives in the summer. As an extra treat we would veer off our path a few hours to visit Frankenmuth. Its a small German town nestled somewhere between Saginaw and Flint MI. We would start off with a big traditional Chicken dinner that made my mouth water just to imagine. It always ended with a big refreshing scoop of orange sherbet! After we ate we would tour the shops nearby. There was an old candy store, an antique arcade and or course the year round Christmas shop! We never bought a lot of doo-dads but spending time with my family in what seemed like a magical place was really special. There aren’t a ton of kid-friendly activities right in town but the hotel does offer a great pool! One for kids and one for the adults. You can even get a horse and carriage ride around the square! Its a quaint town full of charm that I will never forget. I plan on returning with my family to keep the tradition alive.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Over Labor Day weekend each year, our family would get together with my husbands relatives and their families at a place called River Ranch. The cousins loved all being together; we cooked out together; there was even a small rodeo one night and come as you are church on Sunday morning.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My family didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so vacations were few and far between.
My favorite vacation was when my parents packed my brother and I into our family car and drove from Utah to Mexico. I remember my parents listening to old Marty Robbins tapes on the drive down, spending my time wondering what the ocean would look like, and how happy, relaxed and carefree we all were.
Funny thing is I remeber the drive more than I remeber Mexico. Sure I remember the beach and a few other things, but mostly I think about driving through the desert with my family singing along with Marty Robbins.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Growing up, my parents would bring my brother and I each summer to Wildwood, NJ for a week. We continued this tradition into our late teens, always staying at the same hotel. Now that my brother and I both have children of our own, we again visit Wildwood each summer, along with our parents. We still stay at the same hotel, each renting a room next to each other. The kids especially look forward to spending time with all their cousins.
Thanks for this great giveaway and for the great memories.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite childhood vacation memories are of going up to Clear Lake with my grandmother, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I remember spashing around in the lake, playing pool, and riding in bumper cars with my cousins for the first time. I’d forgotten, so thank you for the sweet memories.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite trip is when we took both kids to disney. It was the 5th time for our 6 yr old and the first for our 2 yr old. Its was so much fun seein how the two year old reacted when each character came to her.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite summer vacations as a child were always the trips we took to the Poconos. My family didn’t have much, but we’d save all year to make that trip!
The most memorable for me was the summer I was 8 years old. I saved my allowances all year so that I would have my own money to spend, and I saved $86.00. My father was so proud of me!
We went to a place called Memorytown which was set up to look like an old fashioned town from the 1700’s, and it had the most amazing candy shop with handmade sweets. We had a wonderful time there and at the lakeside cottage we rented. I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world, and I’m going to make sure my kids always have a true summer vacation, even if it’s just a camping trip for a weekend. When your loved ones are gone, memories are all that remain. I hope that your contest inspires some new vacation memories for young moms and dads!
July 2nd, 2008 at
We went a lot of places when I was growing up (Dad travelled frequently for business–gotta love those frequent flyer miles!) but I think looking back my favorite vacations were the road trips we would take to Boston every summer. My dad, my sister, and I would spend a week at the Holiday Inn in Somerville, that had the best indoor pool ever–bathwater warm and you could stay in it ALL DAY! During the days, we would go to Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall–Ming Tree chicken wings, Pizzeria Regina pizza, and Joey’s Gelateria mint choc chip gelato, plus cool little stands with all kinds of things for sale. I remember one trip there was a woman who used the skinniest handsaw I’ve ever seen to cut your name out of wood (in one piece!) and then glue it on to your choice of mirror, name plate, sign, etc….I think I still have the name plate I picked out. That was a big deal to me because at the time, my name (Anna) was not popular at all, and I could never find “personalized” things with my name on them. We also went to the Children’s Museum (next to the giant milk bottle!), the Computer Museum, and the Museum of Science every time. We got to ride the T (subway) and I loved figuring out the different lines (Boston uses colors–Red Line, Orange Line, etc.) and what stops we would have to get off at to get where we wanted to go. That trip every summer stayed fun all the way from age 9 or so till I was well into high school and getting ready for college. Last summer, my father (now 76) decided that he wanted to take one more family vacation to New England–so we (me, my husband, my sister, her husband, and my dad) all made the trip (we were coming from Colorado and Hawaii, so a little longer than it used to be) back and were able to do a lot of the things we did all those years ago–it was a lot of fun. When my husband and I have one of our own, we’re looking forward to being able to take our own family vacations to Boston even if we won’t be able to go as often!
July 2nd, 2008 at
We rented a houseboat at Lake Powell. We had a family reunion. There was so much to do and nobody was ever bored. I was only 8 at the time and I still remember this fantastic trip.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I cant pick just one. Everytime I get to go on a camping trip with my husband and kids is magical and I take something from each one that I store in the thank you god for my blessings box.
July 2nd, 2008 at
One of the many family trips that I will always remember happened in Summer 2001 when our entire family went to Scandinavia. At the time we lived in Austria. The reson behind this trip was our parents trying to keep things working between them and what better way than to spend a few months travelling with the entire family? The culture, the currency, the scenery; everything was new and unique to us! Unfortunately, things did not work out between my parents but we will all always have the memory of the last trip as a united family.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Every summer my family would all pack up the minivan and go camping for a week in Eagle River, WI. The whole family would go - aunt’s, uncle’s, cousin’s - everyone! Every single year we did the same thing: fish, shop, campfire and fireworks. But every year seemed to be special in it’s own way…that one week always seemed to race by so quickly yet stand still at the same time.
I went back to the same spot with some friends a few years back. While it was nice to be visiting the old haunting grounds again, there was something missing - it was more like revisiting a memory than creating new ones. I suppose that’s just part of getting older, but I miss that old feeling of time racing by and standing still all at once.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Every summer we would head up North Michigan to Traverse City, Petosky, Charlevoix, Macinaw Island and the Sand Dunes. I would read the entire way up, while alternating the time arguing with my sister and brother and sleeping. (It was like a 4 hour drive LOL)
My brother was killed in a car accident about a year ago. We’ll never relive those vacations, and I haven’t been able to relive them yet. Hopefully this summer, my husband and I can head up for a weekend so I can share those areas with him and remember my brother that way.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I grew up in a large family (8 kids), and we were very poor, so we never took a ‘real’ vacation. Butonce, when we we were 12, my twin brother and I were allowed to go to camp for a week with church. I don’t know how my mom came up with her part of the money to pay for it, but we had a really great time. It was the first and only time that we were away from home, but we were together so we didn’t get homesick. My brother passed away when we were 20 (from a heart condition), but i will never forget that week at camp and the good times that we had together.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My parents developed a tradition for our family. We would all pile into the car and travel to stay with my cousins in a cabin near the lake. Some of us would set up tents. Others went fishing or bike-riding on the tandem bikes. We’d make homemade ice cream. It was great fun.
When my own children were old enough, we too packed up the car and drove to their grandma’s farm. That was a much farther drive - from GA to OH! We’d stay up late, play and make ice cream. My mom makes the best homemade berry toppings. The cousins and my sisters would visit. It was great.
Vacations don’t need to be expensive and lavish. It’s all about building and keeping relationships, building memories and having some fun.
July 2nd, 2008 at
As kids we used to love to go camping and hiking all over the California coast. Now that I have my own clan, that’s exactly how we spend our summers.
gkstratos@ yahoo.com
July 2nd, 2008 at
When I was a kid, my family would travel down long dusty highways and up steep, curvy mountains for a weekend camping trip with our church. I loved it!
Fumbling with the tent set-up, helping to drive stakes into the ground. Lugging everything inside, and then organizing our sleeping arrangements. The smell of the lantern fuel as I read myself to sleep…
Waking up early in the morning to cold mountain air. Wrapping myself in one of my dad’s gigantic plaid puffy vests while he cooked up some eggs and bacon on a camp stove in front of our tent.
There was a tadpole pond - nothing but frogs, in varying stages of development! Once my friend slipped and fell into the pond, and when I tried to get her out, she pulled me in too! We screamed and laughed and scrambled to pull ourselves out; the slick green slopes made it difficult. We snuck back to the camp bathrooms to clean up, hoping to dodge our parents. But they found us anyway, and I remember feeling clean and warm after a shower and some time under the hand dryers!
And there was a fishing pond, ruled by domineering birds - geese, swans and ducks. You fed them in exchange for safe passage.
And there was a stream, with all sorts of plant life alongside it; I fell once and got poison ivy. (Notice a pattern? :-P)
Swimming helped to counter the sun’s heat! And speaking of - ouch, sunburns! Aloe vera gel was a necessity. There were horses and sheep, and there was square dancing and impromptu softball games. There was a ‘wagon camp’ with old pioneer wagons, and the setting sun looked so majestic beyond their silhouettes.
Yep, every year my parents and I would load into my dad’s old truck. And every year, we brought our friendly feathered companion: Brewster the Rooster! I had begged for a baby chick in first grade, when one of the kindergarten classes was keeping an incubator. My mom agreed, and we took a chick with us to live in our suburban home. (Little did we know I’d picked out the rooster!)
Brewster loved going to camp, and everybody at camp loved Brewster. Kids from all over the campground would come to see him. He was gentle, attentive, interested, and entertaining. He would jump on a ball, balance, and wait for applause; then he would jump off and strut a bit, making pleased noises. Brewster loved attention, and he fascinated all who encountered him. He was a beloved family pet.
All of that, and so much more…
I love those memories, and I mourn for the loss of that camp (it was sold when I was about 13, and we couldn’t go anymore). But I am so thankful to have had those experiences with nature, and to share them with my loved ones. Family vacations are priceless!
July 2nd, 2008 at
my favorite childhood travel memory brings to mine our trip to Chincoteague Island. There are wild horses there and I had read a book about them in school called Misty of Chincoteague. I really wanted to go. We didn’t have lots of money but Dad actually made that dream come true for me. it is the first of many times in my life that I was able to see a book come to life.
July 2nd, 2008 at
In 1948 we took a family trip out West and went through wonderful country, particularly Yellowstone National Park. We stayed at Buffalo Bill’s Hunting Lodge right out the park and my Dad, a history buff, made it so special. Two years ago we took a trip to Yellowstone and it was so special to find the Lodge again. Dad always made history alive!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Just a simple trip to the woods where magic still lived and harmony still thrived.
July 2nd, 2008 at
The most fantastic trip of my life was in 1954, my family traveles from North Georgia to Cocoa Beach FL. I will never forget how big the Atlantic Ocean looked, how much the sun burned me and how darn bad it hurt when I got stung by a jellyfish! It took my 28 years after that to get here but I finally moved to Florida and have loved every moment since….
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite summer vacation was to visit my aunt and uncle who lived on a farm. We got to feed the chickens and milk the cows and ride horses. I loved every minute of the adventure.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Im a travelinb man
July 2nd, 2008 at
My best childhood traveling memory, is of my grandparents taking myself & my brother to Washington DC. We were 6 & 7, and braved huge storms, getting arms stuck in a chair, and lots of fun.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite childhood memory always involved driving. One Father’s day, my birthday just happened to fall on, we were awakened by my parents who hustled 5 kids into clothes and out the door before the sun was up. We were treated to McDonald’s as soon as they opened. Our parents suprised us kids by taking us to Six Flags over Georgia. Each of us were given $20 to spend, which was a lot of money to us. We all savor that trip.
July 2nd, 2008 at
I took my children to an island off the west coast of Florida. I remember swimming out a very long way with each of the three children. Then I saw Jaws! I’m taking my grandchildren to the beach this summer. I think we’ll stay in the shallow part of the beach…
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation, is probably because it happened when I was 16 and I think my family and I all realized it was probably going to be the last vacation as “the family” before I grew into an adult and things change:) I was (still am) an avid hockey fan, and my father surprised me by somehow managing to get our family standing room only tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks game vs the Detroit Redwings, when it was Chris Chelios’ first game back in Chi-town. This was a huge game.
It meant a lot to me because I am an only child, and my dad lucked out having a girl who is a tomboy. It was wonderful because we all road the train up to Chicago, and even my mom came to the game with us, and after the game they took me out to Cheli’s Chili Bar to end that evening. The next day we went shopping and site seeing so my mom was able to enjoy some girl things with me.
It was a wonderful vacation, one that I will remember forever because I was able to be their little girl for that last time, and that was their way of lovingly letting me move into being the woman I today.
I love them very much for not only that vacation, but all of our other wonderful family experiences and time spent together.
July 2nd, 2008 at
i’m a traveling man
July 2nd, 2008 at
My family took family vacations twice a year, during spring break and also in the summer. We traveled up and down the east coast so I visited places like Canada, Florida, Virginia, Maine and Pennsylvania to name but a few. I’m very grateful that my parents took my brother and I to see so many places, it really enriched my life.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacation memories were the yearly trips to Rehobeth beach that we always took. We would always stay at the cheapest hotels on the beach that smelled like mildew. But my dad would always “splurge” for ocean view. Then I would play in the ocean and sand for three days straight. And eat nothing but crabs and hush puppies. It would be greatest trips ever.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite was traveling to South Dakota.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Traveling to CA with my husband, son and parents was my favorite and now I live here in CA!
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation was when my best friend took me to Connecticut with her for a family event. When her family heard that I had never seen an Ocean before they decided that a family trip to see the ocean was in order. We all piled into a couple different vehichles and they drove me to New Jersey. When we finally got to the ocean it was rainy and a bit gloomy, but we played on the beach for a while anyways. Her extended family didn’t know me at all, but they went out of their way to make sure I had a new experience to take home to Missouri with me
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite memory is bringing my son to Disney for the first time. His excitement at seeing Mickey, the rides and all the fun we had was priceless.
July 2nd, 2008 at
When I was about 5, I went to my first amusement park! The first day there, I could barely take everything in. On the second day, I rode a swinging Pirate ship…. and unfortunately, got sick. I ended up throwing up on the woman in front of me. All I could do was cry and apologize over and over. That will be a trip I will never forget!
July 2nd, 2008 at
we often went to virginia to a naval base- and then travelled around the area to different beaches. i loves going to assateague and chincoteague to see the wild horses on the beach. i was so amazed they just ran by, i stood in awe!
July 2nd, 2008 at
My favorite vacation by far has been taking our kids to Disney World in Orlando, FL. It’s nice to see that some things have stayed pretty much the same!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Going to Disney World after my youngest brother was born…that was the very last time we were ever able to vacation as a family together. Awesome memories.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Actually, I am 14 years younger than my brother and 10 years younger than my sister. When I was very young, we took a vacation (so my sister tells me); and she kept putting my feet in a fountain and I didn’t like it. All I did was cry. I do think that part of the reason vacations stopped is because I was born with a large birthmark on the left side of my fact. It took my mom a long time to adjust to the circumstances. Thanks, Cindi
July 2nd, 2008 at
I grew up in the country, so we never took vacations. The only vacation we went on was a one night trip to the rodeo, one hour away. The fancy meal we ate was “Burger King”.
July 2nd, 2008 at
My most memorable vacation was when I was 12 and my brother was 10. My parents had divored earlier that year and our mother wanted to treat us to a vacation, away from all the negative vibe at home. The plan was to drive to Disneyland. We got 200 miles down the road (over 500 miles away from Disneyland) and our car broke down. Getting the car fixed took a fair chunk of our vacation time and our vacation money. We ended up staying at a hotel outside of Scottsdale, Arizona for 3 days and called that our vacation. My mom was so disapointed, but my brother and I loved it! We got to swim all day long, play with lizards, and watch cable TV, which we didn’t have at home. My brother and I still thing it was one of the best vacations we ever had.
July 2nd, 2008 at
When I was in high school, my family and I took a vacation to Reno/Lake Tahoe/San Francisco. Not only was the trip fantastic (you just don’t see that kind of stuff growing up in Nebraska), but it was the last one we took as a whole family before my mom was diagnosed with MS a little while after the trip.
July 2nd, 2008 at
We had the most amazing road trip through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. We visited fishing villages, historical sites, beaches, an indoor amusement park, and the amazing Bay of Fundy. We walked on the bottom of the ocean when the tide was out and we kayaked when it came in. We have taken a road trip every year for 12 years and this one remains our family favorite.
July 2nd, 2008 at
Luckily camping doesn’t take much moolah. Just a bag of marshmallows and a couple of sticks next to a roaring campfire. Those are my memories from childhood and hopefully some of my childrens favorites too!
July 2nd, 2008 at
Our summer vacations were all about going to the lake. Camping out, fishing, waterskiing, boating … It was some of the best times of my life. And to this day, taking my family to the lake brings back some of those feelings and there’s nothing I’d rather do as a family.
July 2nd, 2008 at
When I was little I loved camping at Brennans beach with my family. We had our camping trailer right near my grandmas camping trailer. It was always so much fun there.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Amusement park vacations were a family favorite, we would be allowed to invite our bff which made the trip all the more special. After a day in the sun riding all the rides, we would all hit the beach in the evening. Have a picnic style dinner on the beach and then watch the sunset with a big ice cream cone in hand!
July 3rd, 2008 at
The only vacation I can really recall is our trip to the Grand Canyon, I was nine and it was just a fantastic trip!
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacation memory was the extended family trip to Daytona Beach when my grandparents surprised us all my showing up.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My parents took us to Manhattan when I was seven. It was a fantastic place for kids from a small town. I still have vivid memories of the museums and skyscrapers.
July 3rd, 2008 at
When I was a kid, we would take an annual vacation to Florida with my grandparents. Florida was so much fun, with it’s beaches and of course Disney world. But I always thought that getting there was half the fun. See, we drove in a big van down from Michigan. As a kid, staying in motels, frequenting rest stops and roadside attractions, finding random museums, and eating out for every meal felt like a grand adventure! As an adult, I sometimes still prefer the trip to the destination.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Our family once took a rafting trip on the Grand Canyon. It was four days of rafting, camping out, beautiful scenery, food cooked over a campfire, peeing in a bucket (hee hee), but an overall great experience and wonderful memory.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My family vacation w/ my family was when we all went to Disney World.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Taking my daughter to Disney World.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My parents always took us to the Oregon coast, and we always took our children there. They loved to ride the go-carts.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I’d have to say that my favorite memory was taking our son to Horrorfind Weekend for the first time, first for us too and it was great fun. Meeting celebrities, watching great movies and a lot of funny times along the way. Thank you so much and have a wonderful 4th weekend!
July 3rd, 2008 at
When my children were yound we’d spend time together at the Jersey Shore. I miss that.
July 3rd, 2008 at
We go to Disney World every three years and it always seems to be the kids’ favorite vacation.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Mine was a place called Fairy Tale Forest, in New Jersey. Sadly, it’s closed, as is Gingerbread Castle, my other favorite. The closest we can manage is to bring dd to Sesame Place every year.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I was pretty young, but I remember when we took a vacation to the Atlantic Ocean. We were from Ohio and that was the first time I saw the Ocean. We rented a house with rickety stairs and I remember playing Monopoly in the evenings.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I remember traveling with my parents were younger and going to the Bahamas (the first time I ever stuck my toes in the ocean) and later going to Washington D.C. I remember we were at some historic location in D.C. and I was bored and put my foot against the fence, it slipped and my foot got caught in the fence. As the tour went on, everyone started leaving, not noticing and I freaked out and thought I was going to be stuck there. I yelled out for my mom and we had to get security to get my foot out. Even as a kid I was embarrassed, now I wonder how my mom felt!
July 3rd, 2008 at
We didn’t really take family vacations when I was a kid. But my husband and I take our kids to Disneyland every year for a few days of nothing but fun and playing together. I think we actually love it more than the kids do!
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family trip was going to NYC and seeing “They’re Playing Our Song” on Broadway!
July 3rd, 2008 at
Growing up, we took quite a few “day vacations” so I really remember the 2 week vacation we took one year. We left Illinois, traveled down to Ariziona, over to California, up to Utah and then back home. We had family scattered over the West and made one big trip to see them all. It is definitely a vacation I have never forgotten.
July 3rd, 2008 at
we went to the beach for a week on Memorial weekend. It was so much fun.
July 3rd, 2008 at
never had a vacation actually…
July 3rd, 2008 at
The summer before I turned 13, my family took our first vacation in 8 years. We splurged and went to the Cayman Islands for a week. It was tropical and magical and relaxing and all that a Caribbean vacation should be…until our last morning. Mom and I decided to get up early and take a long walk down the beach. We were about a half-mile from our condo when a frazzled-looking jogger approached from the opposite direction. She warned us not to go on, because “there’s a naked man hiding in the bushes up ahead!” We naturally thought she was just crazy and continued on, albeit a little nervously. After 5 minutes and no naked man, we relaxed…and then out of nowhere the mysterious naked man DID emerge from the vegetation, waving a pair of red briefs wildly at us. We screamed like little girls and tore off in the opposite direction. I have never been a runner, but we made it back to the condo in record time, never looking back to notice that the man was not following us.
Every time we talk about family vacations, that story comes up and we laugh as hard as we did once we were safely locked inside that day.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Every summer, a few weeks before school started we’d go to Martha’s vineyard for a week. My parents would drive overnight while my siblings and i slept. We’d wake up parked to wait for the ferry to bring us to the island. Once we got to the main island, we’d drive across and catch a second to stay on Chappy island. We stayed at the same cottage every year that had an outdoor shower and a path to a private beach. On low tide, you could walk across the bay to the ocean. We didn’t watch any tv and only listened to the radio when we were there after a hurricane. At night we’d go to the main island for dinner and ice cream at Mad Martha’s. There were always celebrities there. Mic Jagger was in the harbor having a party on his yacht, i once told brendan frasier he had a weird looking dog without knowing who he was, i walked behind bruce willis into a book store (he’s surprisingly shorter than i thought). The book store was the best, they always had book signins with authos like judy blume and susan branch. i miss that place so much, i wish i could go back again…
July 3rd, 2008 at
This is a wonderful giveaway!! I love LUSH!! Our best ever family vacation took place two years ago whn the kids were 5 and 2. We were so blessed to be able to travel to Walt Disney World and spend 6 days enjoying the whole experience. As a lifelong California resident I had never been to the Florida Disney parks so this trip was an amazing dream of mine. Everyone should see Walt Disney World at least once in thier lifetime - it is just the best place for a family to travel to. Magical!
July 3rd, 2008 at
playing games on a long car ride
July 3rd, 2008 at
for awhile in the late 80’s, times were pretty lean for me and my mom, and money for frivolous things like vacations got spent on things like… groceries. so we didn’t go on a vacation or any unnecessary trips for a couple of years…. then one night when she got home from work, she woke me up and said to pack a suitcase because we were going on a trip. we didn’t know where we were going, just that we were gonna drive until we ran out of gas (or almost) and find someplace interesting to stay overnight and then the next day do something fun wherever we were.
we didn’t end up anywhere spectacular (i think it was Anniston, Alabama) but we had fun exploring a new town and just generally being silly. two nights in a cheap hotel and then we had to go back home - but even compared to all the expensive vacations we’d gone on when i was little, that one means more to me.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I loved going to Seaside Heights and the boardwalk in New Jersey.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Favorite? Being from such a large family, we didn’t take family vacations, but going to a nearby beach for the day was always fun.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Our first summer after moving from New York to California, my grandmother, along with my aunt, uncle and their 2 kids came out to visit us for a week. Then my mom and I flew with them to Colorado to visit another aunt and uncle. While in Colorado, we went to Pikes Peak, a red rock area, gold panning, and camping. I have fond memories of my grandmother braiding my hair while we were camping, and of my cousin Billy sleeping on the back dash of the car while we were driving around. It was an idyllic summer for a 9 year old, and I think of it often.
July 3rd, 2008 at
Family vacation to Disney
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite childhood memory was my first time travelling with my parents to Europe.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite was a cross-country bus trip from Arkansas to Seattle, Washington with my momma when I was 12. We went to the World’s Fair of 1962 togeather. That was in September and she died just a few months later. It makes the memory so much more poignant to me.
July 3rd, 2008 at
The only vacation I’ve ever been on was when I drove to Chicago with my grandma when I was 13. I had to read the map and we got lost a few times; but, by the end of the week, I could read maps really well!
July 3rd, 2008 at
Every summer my dad would take 3 weeks off work and we’d go camping somewhere and my sister and I always got to bring a friend. Those were some great vacations.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite childhood vacation trip took place when I was about 6 years old. My mom, gramma and sister and I took a train from Colorado Springs, CO, to Salt Lake City, UT. The train station in Colorado Springs is now a restaurant, but they have kept it as much like the train station as possible. The seats inside the train were wooden and wrought iron. No cushions at all! lol! The conductor checked your tickets, but your ticket did not assign you to a specific seat; so if you left your seat to do something, it was up for grabs! We did not know this, so when we left our seats to explore, we came back to no empty seat waiting for us! lol! It was a gorgeous rail trip through rugged mountains, covered in fall colors! The aspen leaves were golden pennies shimmering across the mountain sides, and we crossed many steep wooden bridges that made us hold our breath!! We were able to open our windows by our seats and poke our heads out to smell the crisp outdoor air and stare down at the gullies far below. It was an adventure we would never forget! Thank you for the contest!
July 3rd, 2008 at
My most favorite vacation I can remember as a child. I was staying with some foster care parents.
We all took a trip to Florida. I remember setting on the beach and filling up plastic cups with the sand and turning the cups over and out came the design of the cup. I still love the beach to this day. If I had my chose where to live, I would live somewhere close to Florida so I could visit the beach whenever I wanted to. Thank you
July 3rd, 2008 at
When I was little, my mother, father, younger sister and I went to North Carolina. We stayed in a small house/condo, the place was family owned and felt very homie unlike a huge hotel line would. It was on the beach, and had an amazing view. That was one of the few times my dad was at the beach with us for an extended amount of time. Every other vacation he waqs not able to stay the entire time because of work. He took me putput golfing, and to the board walk where we played arcade games. He is going through chemo therapy now, and that memory is so fond to me.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I grew up with 5 bothers and sisters so there was always a need to share everything including time with my parents. One day, my mom asked each of us if we wanted to go with her without telling where she was going. I told her I’d go with her while my siblings were skeptical and decided not to go.
So she and I went on a long road trip and wound up spending the day at New Smyrna Beach. It was nice being alone with my mom at the beach.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family trip was to Disney World when I was a little girl.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family trip was driving from MD to MO and back.
July 3rd, 2008 at
ok, i am in
July 3rd, 2008 at
I’m from MI and my grandpa owned a cottage in Northern MI when I was a kid. We went there every summer and went fishing, swimming, etc. We loved it.
July 3rd, 2008 at
I soooo miss those days of vacations where everyone piled in the car and drove for hours and hours to go camping on the beach! (At least that’s how our vacations went.) Yes, looking back, the trip was tiring, hot, and boring, all of us kids fought the whole time, dad threatening to turn the car around and go home, mom trying to get us to stop fighting by playing a game of how many different liscense plates we could spot, etc., but they were great. We would camp near the beach and watch the wild horses play in the sand dunes! I really miss it. Thanks for the contest!
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacations were when we would go to the beach in Florida for a week each summer. We didn’t do much besides play in the ocean and the pool, but it was a lot of fun. Unfortunately we live in Indiana now which is a LONG way from the beach!
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite family vacation was a repeat EVERY year!! We loaded up the car and drove 13 hours to Kalispell, MT, to see all the relatives. It was AWESOME! Not so much the ride, but once we got there. Playing ‘No Bears are Out Tonite’, swimming in Flathead Lake, going to the country fair and watching the adults play poker until 2am. I really miss those days!
July 3rd, 2008 at
We used to go to Grand Lake in Celina, Ohio EVERY YEARS but we loved it and had a great time. I even have a link on my computer to view a web cam of the lake!
July 3rd, 2008 at
Canoeing on a beautiful Northeastern lake.
July 3rd, 2008 at
We camped out at the Smokies and a bear visited the camp ground.
July 3rd, 2008 at
We had a condo in Florida and I remember my family plus grandparents all going there for the holidays to spend vacations together.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite childhod vacation was going to Traverse City and climbing the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
July 3rd, 2008 at
The summer after my grandma died, we went out to California. My dad grew up there, and because his dad (my grandpa) was buried out there Grandma wanted to be buried there as well (nevermind that we all lived in the midwest). Of course we did some of the typical SoCal things like going to Disneyland, but we also got to see the town and house my dad grew up in. We visited my grandma’s brother and sister-in-law and reconnected with that side of our family.
The four of us (my mom, dad, brother, and I) went to Medieval Times and got placed in the stands for The Green Knight, who was from the swamps and sort of groady. To this day, my family and I still cry out “The Green Knight!” and cheer. I think it stuck with us because it was something we enjoyed as a family, and especially after Grandma died that wasn’t something we experienced much of.
July 3rd, 2008 at
my favorite was going camping, we went to Yosemite and had so much fun camping out and watching the wildlife there.
July 3rd, 2008 at
My favorite childhood vacation was to Galveston with our entire family, cousing, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all, and it was just so much fun going to the beach spending time with everyone!
July 3rd, 2008 at
being a working, single mom we didn’t take very many vacations but I think the most fun was one weekend we drove up the coast stopping where we wanted. No real plans, just a lot of fun
July 3rd, 2008 at
My mother and I were going to Indonesia for my uncle’s wedding, but when we arrived in California for our flight to Taiwan my passport had been expired and neither of us knew, it was a Friday evening, and we were stuck in California until Monday. It was a fantastic mini vacation to Disney Land, only to end up in Bali, Indonesia witnessing a traditional Indonesian wedding in paradise! Not to mention the fantastic addition to our family! I don’t even remember the horrible twenty-four hours on airplanes!
July 4th, 2008 at
We just recently took our kids on a cruise. It was very special beacause all of my husband family (brothers, sisters, wives, children and his mother) came along. There were 24 of us. It was truely wonderful. It reminded me of when we used to go to my dad’s uncles and everyone would come over and I would get to see all my aunts and cousins. Nothing beats getting together with family.
July 4th, 2008 at
We traveled across the country pulling a small travel trailer so my dad could apply for a job. It was a wonderful experience that ended up giving me an appreciation for handicapped children and a new dog!
July 4th, 2008 at
The year we were able to fly to California and go to Disneyland is so memorable. None of us had ever been there and to be able to experience it together as a family for the first time made the trip extremely special.
July 4th, 2008 at
I am from Philadelphia. When my sister and I were in Elementary school my mother and her parents took us to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We did the whole car-on-ferry trip down the Carolina Coast until we got back to Kitty Hawk to see where the Wright Brothers flew the first time. Now that I live in North Carolina I will be able to do that same trip with my own daughter in a few years!
July 4th, 2008 at
My parents took me and my cousin Josh on a cruise to the Bahamas when I was 8 and he was 10 and we met up with relatives from across the country on the boat. We had so much fun!!!!
July 4th, 2008 at
my favorite was going camping.
July 4th, 2008 at
I never got to visit Disneyland growing up (my family was pretty poor and with 6 kids, money was very tight!) so when I had my son, I vowed that would be our first real vacation. We went after he turned 4 and it ended up being a last minute thing. My friends had given me some free passes, I had some hotel points I could use, and the plane tickets were really cheap (yes, it was a few years ago)! The best part other the the constant smile on his face was when we stopped by one of the parades and he saw the “real” power rangers! I could see the awe on his face along with his yelling hello and waving at them. I was the coolest Mom ever that day!
July 4th, 2008 at
I am pleased that we as a family get to go on a vacation every year. We actually see how cheaply we can go. We go to a different state park every year; we eat off the dollar menus at fast food restaurants; find discounts where we can; etc. Our biggest thing is we find the programs that the parks sponsor. They usually have 2-3 activities a day and it gives us a chance to find out some information we would not have known otherwise.
July 4th, 2008 at
Growing up in TN I can still remember my first family trip to a beach in Myrtle Beach, SC when I was about eight. Now living in Florida I get to go to the beach whenever I want.
July 4th, 2008 at
My most memorable vacation was one summer in which we went to Myrtle Beach, SC, the same week that a hurricane was coming along the east coast. It was far enough away that we were safe, but it scared most of the people away. We just about had the whole beach to ourselves!!
July 4th, 2008 at
My grandparents have a cabin up in northern Minnesota, and my little sister, my two cousins would spend all summer up at the cabin, swimming, playing, running, just being kids. I miss those days. I haven’t even been up to the cabin in so long, since I live across the country now.
July 4th, 2008 at
My all time favorite vacation with my kids (we didn’t vacation much when I was a kid) is a trip to San Diego. We used foam boogie boards to body surf and we all loved it! Hours of electronic free fun - we even cancelled some of the plans we had for theme parks and other places. Such great memories and photos!
July 4th, 2008 at
disney world, it was magical for me as a child (and still is)
July 4th, 2008 at
My family used to go to Michigan every year. I think my favorite part was getting fudge from this wonderful candy store that smelled of chocolate & caramel as soon as you opened the door!
July 4th, 2008 at
My favorite memory is going down the Jersey shore with my grandma and she would always make our favorite foods for dinner!!
July 4th, 2008 at
One of my favorite trips was the first one I took with my 5 children after my divorce. We went to Yosemite and loved it so much we stayed for 2 weeks instead of the one I had originally planned.
July 4th, 2008 at
My favorite childhood travel experience was our first trip together to Disney World. It was awesome except for the dove that had an accident on my head
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
July 4th, 2008 at
LUSH LUSH LUSH!
Um, pardon me, I got a little distracted there.
When I was a kid we used to travel up to Mackinac Island every summer for a few days. It was actually so my father could go to a work conference, but I didn’t know that until I was a bit older–I just figured he was off playing golf while my mom and I went swimming and biking and fudge shopping. I haven’t yet had the chance to take my daughter up there, though we’ve stopped by a couple of times on the way to visit her paternal grandparents. Not to the Island itself–I’m sure that hasn’t changed much–but the City is all built up and really nothing like I remember. There didn’t used to be any fast food restaurants there (local ordinance) and there was space between the hotels right on the Lake. It’s kind of depressing to me.
July 4th, 2008 at
The best family vacation I have ever had was just 2 months ago, when my family was able to visit Hawaii for a week, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish foundation. Our family relaxed and had a wonderful time at the beach, driving around Oahu, surfing and horseback riding. My daughter chose Hawaii because she loved “Lilo and Stitch,” and it was truly a magical experience for her. We never could have afforded it ourselves, but Make-A-Wish made it possible. My husband and I loved it so much that we plan to make it a regular vacation destination (when he is done with school). I don’t care how much it costs, it will be worth it to spend that time together in such a wonderful place!
July 4th, 2008 at
Every year, my family would travel to Clearwater, FL. It was almost like a 2nd home. Now, we live there permanently and it is our home.
July 4th, 2008 at
my first trip to disneyland with my family was the best vacation ever. i can still remember thr awe and magical feeling i had. when my daughter was 5, we took her for the 1st time. made me tear up just seeing the look on her face when she saw the castle.
July 5th, 2008 at
My mom thought nothing of packing the old station wagon, six kids, a dog, and often a friend or two heading from San Francisco to Pearl River, LA to see her folks. She never allowed the radio to be on when she drove, but she had a beautiful voice and we passed many hours of travel by singing.
July 5th, 2008 at
Around the time I entered kindergarten my family lived in Italy (both my parents were in the army). Once I remember we took a train to Venice. I was so afraid the pigeons would poop on my head, but it was beautiful and I had my first taste of tortellini in a restaurant overlooking the water. I still have a scarf we bought there, along with lots of family photos.
July 5th, 2008 at
I’d like to win this great prize.
I enjoyed the trip I took to Branson, Missouri with my aunt and uncle one year. We stayed in a camper at night and saw all the great attractions during the day. It was much fun.
July 5th, 2008 at
Every year packing the car up for the July 4th week at the Jersey Shore.
July 5th, 2008 at
When I was 13, my grandfather was dying of cancer and wanted to see his family one more time. We didn’t have alot of money, so he, my grandmother, my mother, my brother, my uncle and his friend all piled into a small RV for a road trip to the Prairies. We lost a tire, my brother and I spent some time in the trunk of a rental car (so everyone would fit), and we had to use an outhouse late at night with coyotes baying in the darkness. But I learned more about where I come from, ate alot of delicious food, and spent time with the people who mean the most to me in the world. Of course, I still have the pictures to help me keep the memory close to my heart.
July 5th, 2008 at
I miss going to San Antonio on the weekends with my younger sisters and my dad.
July 5th, 2008 at
A couple of years ago I was able to take my family on a driving vacation from Washington state to California to see my dad. It was me, my husband, my 12 year old daughter, her 22 year old sister with her boyfriend and baby. All in one van. LOL It was wonderful with various stops along the Oregon Coast and then over to Crater Lake. In California we went to San Francisco and had a great visit with my dad. Amazingly good time.
July 5th, 2008 at
My dad took us hiking and traveling along the dunes and parks of California - anytime I go back to California I find some other beautiful place to visit but I am bound to find my way back to the original spot eventually on a trip.
July 5th, 2008 at
I have to say my favorite family vacations was when I was 16. My mom, my aunt, and their best friend took 4 teenagers to Myrtle Beach SC. I was so excited because my car got to come with us, and that perhaps I may get to do some driving (and I did). I recall one night begging my mom to let us go walk the beach and she said we could for 20 min, I guess we lost track of time, next thing I knew I see mom coming down the beach in her pjs!! I thought I was going to die!!We were chatting it up with some cute boys too!*die* Though its a good chuckle now, my cousin and my friends still laugh about it. Myrtle Beach is a favorite vacation spot for our family now. I have since lost my mom to cancer and our final trip together to the beach was just a 2 months before she passed but it was one of the best weekends we enjoyed together with my boys.
Thanks for letting me share my funny beach story!
I think now as a mother of a teen I would love to sneak up on him in my pj’s on the beach haha
July 5th, 2008 at
Picking one is difficult!
My family was not rich but we always went on a family vacation each year and you guys are right, those are some of my best memories.
My favorite might be our trip up to Amish country (PA) where began my passionate love for funnel cake. I remember sitting on my dad’s lap while my mom drove (this was the 70’s after all) while he sang to me Suzy Q (Susie? Suzie?) from CCR. I think we also hit Hershey, PA on that trip. That was a great trip.
My other favorite was when we drove down to Mexico from VA. My younger sister (about 6 at the time) wanted to ride a horse so somewhere in OK we saw a farmer with a horse and stopped to ask him if my sister could have a ride. He said yes! He led the horse in a circle on his little dirt road while my sister got a thrill. People can be so nice and neighborly! He was great!
My family always made a point to stop at the historical sites, the ‘antique’ (aka junk) shops, and the local diners so our trips were always so interesting. Thanks for letting me share.
July 5th, 2008 at
My fav vacation was going to Disney World. WOuld do it again and again.
July 5th, 2008 at
My favorite vacation memory is actually a series. Every summer while growing up, my grandmother and I would get on the Greyhound and go visit one of her kids. She had 11 kids so there were alot to visit. I saw so many things thanks to her. I treasure those times with her now that she is gone even more.
July 5th, 2008 at
My parents took my and my sisters on a cruise to Alaska one summer, and it was amazing. Our room on the ship was about the size of my closet, but the ship itself was so much fun and Alaska is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
July 5th, 2008 at
My mom took my sister and I to the Florida keys. We went fishing and I caught a blowfish. We had to step on it to get it off the hook and throw it back.
July 5th, 2008 at
My favorite family travel memory is whenever we would road trip with the whole family, my grandfather convinced us children that each state was separated by a raised boundary line and whenever we crossed a state line he’d say “Did you feel the bump?” Of course we really thought we did, and now I’ve got my kids convinced as well! So fun, and brings back fond memories of my grandfather.
July 5th, 2008 at
Going to Disney Land was our favorite vacation
July 5th, 2008 at
My favourite childhood vacation was when my mom and I went up to Canada for my first ski vacation. The scenes of us stumbling to our hotel trying to hang on to all of our skiis, ski poles, and boots were comical. Needless to say, I was not very good and ran into a pole. It was magical.
July 5th, 2008 at
I LOVED READING ALL THE TRIP IDEAS SINCE I AM A TRAVEL PLANNER MY ALL TIME FAVORITE TRIP HAS TO HAVE BEEN TODOUBLE JJ RANCH IN MICHIGAN THE PLACE IS AN OUTDOOR PARADISE AND VERY EDUCATIONAL AT THE SAME TIME THE PEOPLE THERE ARE SO KIND THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT IDEAS!
July 5th, 2008 at
My Mom and Dad would always take us camping to Calaveras Big Trees state Park way back when and then a couple of years ago I found myself taking my husband and son there and reliving my old fond memories
July 5th, 2008 at
fav vacation was our trip every year to the Cape…still love it, and have taken our son many years, he loves the ocean as much as I do!
July 5th, 2008 at
I was very young, probably only 6, but still remember having the most amazingly beautiful vacation in Hawaii. We stayed in a hotel that had PENGUINS in the lobby! Can you believe it? There was also a talking parrot by the restaurant in the hotel that cursed a lot, and we fell in love with her. I still remember her name-Delilah! I think the part of visiting Hawaii that stands out most is the sheer beauty- there were rainbows nearly every day, bright blue waters and lush plants and flowers. I hope to go again one day, especially when I have children, as it is a place where there is so much nature and wonder to see.
July 5th, 2008 at
[...] lush giveaway!!! Just write about your fav family vacation Lush Summer Contest Giveaway - Boycott the Staycation | Traveling Mamas [...]
July 5th, 2008 at
Last Christmas, my husband and I brought his daughter, who is 12 and has never traveled out of the state, to Orlando. We were trying to cut down on costs so we drove from NJ instead of flying. The drive there and back was part of the bonding and part of the fun. We watched animated movies in the car and had lots of laughs together. In Orlando we hit the parks and had a great time. My stepdaughter was so impressed with the trip and especially the experience of staying in a nice hotel, which she had never done before. It was one of the best vacations I have been on and was a great opportunity to bring the family together. We hope to go on this type of vacation again this Christmas. Incidentally, this trip was also where we first discovered LUSH (in the Florida Mall) and our whole family now shares a LUSH addiction, thanks to this trip!
July 5th, 2008 at
My dad fell off the toilet one time at a restaurant right before we took a vacation. In the car driving, my brother and I made up a song about my dad falling off the toilet and sang it for hours on the drive to Colorado!
July 5th, 2008 at
My two kids very 1st trip to a beach was when they were 11 & 12 & it was to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. They loved it so much that now, that is the ONLY beach they want to go to now!
July 5th, 2008 at
We live in OHIO and have many amusement parks, I loved going them as a child, grew up watching the Brady Bunch and during one of their vacations they went to Kings Island. I remember telling my daughter that the first time we went there. She only knew whe the Brady kids were because they reintroduced them to a whole new generation at the movies.