Happy New Year from The Traveling Mamas

The Traveling Mamas wish you a safe and Happy New Year! Remember to have fun, but don’t drink and drive.

Since we’ve got celebrating and alcoholic beverages on the mind(s), we thought we’d close 2008 with a few photos of some of our favorite drinks we’ve sampled on our travels this year. Bottoms up!

Kauai Mai Tais (Donnali) by MudslideMama

A Taste of Caicos by DesertMama

Caicos Mama (Ocean Club Resorts in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos) by DesertMama

Sexy Sangria by MountainMama

Sexy Sangria (Karen's Place, Bucerias, Mexico) by MountainMama

Robbitini by Cajunmama

Robbitini by Cajunmama (At CajunMama's Aunt's house in Huntsville, AL)

Where ever you are in the world, raise a glass and make a toast to good things in 2009 for us all!

Champagne for us all

Champagne for us all

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December 31, 2008 | Filed Under Travel News | 8 Comments 

Waimea Canyon Trails - The Best Hiking in Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is the rainiest of the Hawaiian islands, and winter is its rainy season. Since many families can only vacation when their kids are off school, a lot of people find their Christmas holiday in Kauai to be marked with a little rain every day. The great part of this is, though, that Hawaii is still tropical, and the rain and sun are not mutually exclusive in the slightest. Even hiking through one of Hawaii’s most lush forests, in the rain, is an awe-inspiring and memorable family activity. Hiking Kauai’s Waimea Canyon proved to be one of the best highlights of our vacation in Hawaii.

Yes, it’s true; we went for a hike in the rain. My kids weren’t exactly pleasures to be with at the time. In fact, if shooting dirty looks at their mama worked as intended, I’d probably have turned into a toad, or at least a more spoiling, indulgent mother. Nonetheless, it just feels irresponsible to stay inside a hotel room all day when the beauty of Hawaii hid behind Kauai’s stop-and-go weather outside. We had scheduled a hike in Waimea Canyon for the morning, rain or shine. Or, more appropriately, rain AND shine. Simultaneously. We counted seven rainbows on our drive to Waimea Canyon.

Waimea Canyon is on the west side of Kauai, a mostly roundish island. It starts at the base of Waimea Canyon State Park, and ascends gently. We headed west from Poipu Beach resort area, and got to the base of the canyon in half an hour. The main road up takes travelers (still by car) up to the Kokee State Park, where trail maps are available at the Kokee Museum for around $2.00.

Now, we did a very easy hike, in accordance with the wishes of our damp and petulant children. There are strenuous hikes as well, and be warned: They start off going downhill, so the hard part is the return trip! Experienced backpackers and hikers should have little problem, but us suburban types knew our limits. We took the Pihea Trail, a very scenic walk along the Kalalau Valley rim, through the wet forest. For those intrepid hikers traveling without young kids, the park ranger recommended the Kukui Trail: This trail, while just 5 miles round trip, is a steep hike into Waimea Canyon, with an elevation change of around 2,000 feet. The Waimea River runs along the bottom, having carved out this canyon much as the Colorado River carved out Wailea’s larger cousin, the Grand Canyon. Because this is Hawaii, you know that a volcanic eruption was also at least partially involved in the creation of this natural wonder.

The Pihea Trail hike itself was along through a forested trail, with no vistas or views until the end. But Waimea Canyon is called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” for a reason: We’re talking breathtaking, panoramic views of Napali Coast to the west, and of the cliffs of Kauai’s interior to the east. Anyone who’s been to the Grand Canyon will agree that Wailea Canyon’s nickname is well-deserved. It is like a greener version of that other, more famous canyon. Waimea Canyon is over 3,000 feet deep, and around 10 miles long, with gorgeous gorges and buttes. The photos I took, remember, were on a somewhat rainy day. Imagine the vibrancy of those red cliffs in the sun.

We looked out at the Kalalau Valley and Waimea Canyon as a family. Those children, previously whining about being cold and wet, fell silent. I asked them what they were thinking. “It’s so amazing, it’s awesome,” said the younger daughter quietly. My older kid (who really was getting on my nerves just 10 minutes prior) thought for a moment. She said, “I only hear the wind going past me, and I only see these cliffs. I think someone 500 years ago could have been standing right here, feeling the same wind and seeing the same cliffs.”

She’s right; it’s timeless. There is something about awe-inspiring vistas that bring out the poet philosophers in everyone, even those who would rather be watching TV in their hotel rooms. The Waimea Canyon in Kauai did just that, for our traveling family. This truly is the best hiking area in Kauai. It gave us a memory we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives.

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December 30, 2008 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel, Luxury Travel | 9 Comments 

Beach Erosion in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

No, those kids aren’t playing on a beached whale. That’s a massive sandbag in the ocean in front of the Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa. It’s just one of dozens of humongous bags of sand found up and down the beach along the hotel strip known as Playacar just south of Playa del Carmen.

The hotels put them up to protect what little sandy beach is left in the area. Beach erosion has been problematic in the past few years. There were no sandbags when my family visited the same area in 2005 (in fact we were at the Iberostar Tucan next door to the Sandos property). Since then, a series of storms and ocean currents have wreaked havoc on the sand, and the natural reef/sandbar that had formerly protected area beaches has disappeared.

The sandbags are decidedly unsightly. And in front of some of the resorts in this Playacar area, lounge chairs are packed like sardines on what little beach is left. (The Sandos and the Iberostar had decent beach for chairs and palapas.)

It’s just sad that in a few short years the makeup of the Playacar beaches has changed so much! Thankfully, my marketing friend at the Riviera Maya Tourism Office tells me that government officials recently approved a “beach restoration project” that will pump some money into pumping sand from deeper spots in the ocean to restore beaches to their former glory (sans sandbags).

One bright spot is that kids do love playing on the massive sandbags. Of course, there are warning signs telling visitors that they are not to climb on them (ha!), but kids have a ball jumping off the massive “whales” into the ocean. Since the “whales’ block the big waves and strong currents, the ocean is a bit friendlier for young children, too.

That said, for two days on our vacation, a tropical storm must have been brewing off the coast somewhere. We had major winds and HUMONGOUS waves, and we (adults included) played and laughed in the giant waves in an area in front of the hotel that was not blocked by the sandbags. I have no idea what those strong currents did to the sandy beach, but we sure did have a ball.

Don’t let the sandbags and smaller strips of beach stop you from booking a hotel stay in the Playa del Carmen area. Sure, it’s not as enjoyable to gaze out into the turquoise and royal-blue ocean with those massive lumps in the way, but all-inclusive properties, hotel activities, archaeological ruins, tequila bars, snorkeling expeditions, ATV rides, ziplines, tropical breezes and lots of sunshine still beckon!

Here are a couple more photos of the “beached whales” in front of and just north of the Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa:

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December 29, 2008 | Filed Under Destinations, Flying High, Travel News | 10 Comments 

No Reservations Season 5 Sneak Peek

In Season 5 of No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain heads to exotic locations like Venice, Azores, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and doesn’t hold back on his blunt observations about people, places, cooking and culture. While his travels take him across the globe, he doesn’t forget about the foodie hot spots in Washington DC, Chicago and New York City. This is one season you won’t want to miss. This Mama can’t wait until the season begins,

In the premiere episode on Monday, January 5th at 10pm ET on the Travel Channel, Tony travels to Mexico for some fresh salsa, fresh lime and of course, fresh meat.

The new season of No Reservations premieres Monday, January 5 at 10pm ET on the Travel Channel. Don’t miss it!

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December 28, 2008 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Culinary Travel, Travel News | 2 Comments 

Best Sail and Snorkel Trip on Hawaii’s Big Island - Fair Wind II

Yellow Tangs at Kealakekua Bay, Best Marine Sanctuary Snorkel Spot in Hawaii

Yellow Tangs at Kealakekua Bay, Best Marine Sanctuary Snorkel Spot in Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has several terrific snorkel spots, including both coral reefs and rock outcroppings. The Mudslide Family wanted to try a half-day sail and snorkel trip to somewhere special, somewhere unique and unforgettable - yet above all, child-friendly. Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides had the answer: The Captain Cook Monument snorkel site in Kealakekua Bay. This is definitely one of Hawaii’s best coral reefs for snorkeling.

Anyone been on day-long sail/snorkel trips on vacation? I sure have, and one aspect about them that I’ve noticed to be pretty consistent is this: After the snorkelers clamber back on the sailboat or catamaran, the captain cranks up the Jimmy Buffet and breaks out the rum. The second half of chartered sail and snorkel trips, in other words, nearly always seem to devolve into some sort of booze cruise. The Fair Wind II snorkel cruise to Kealakekua Bay, on the other hand, had many families with young children, and while there was some mixed drinks after the snorkel portion, the bottles were kept out of sight and needed to be requested. But first, of course, were the sail trip and snorkel.

MudslideMama and Daughter Snorkel by Captain Cook Monument, Hawaii
MudslideMama and Daughter Snorkel by Captain Cook Monument, Hawaii

The youngest Mudslide daughter hadn’t snorkeled in the “real” water before (just pools), and she hesitantly swam next to me the whole time. Our older kid, who’s more experienced, swam off and reported seeing “20 billion puffer fish.” …I question her judgement, but her enthusiasm and excitement were undeniable. The highlight, however, was when someone spotted a big moray eel; a large female whitemouth moray, to be precise! Now, she didn’t leave her bit of coral - probably her home - but she did put on quite a show.

The moray eel rared up a few feet, opening and closing her mouth. She looked all the world like a grumpy old lady yelling “get off my lawn!” Everyone enjoyed seeing the eel. The yellow tangs, convict tangs, parrot fish butterfly fish, trigger fish, big lazy groupers, and a very shy trumpet fish all made appearances. It was a GREAT snorkel trip at an A+ location. We saw so many varieties of tropical fish, it was truly astounding. The famous humuhumunukunukuapua’a even made several appearances (though my photos of them are, sadly, just of their tail ends. No pun intended).

The Captain Cook snorkel site in Kealakekua is a healthy reef, protected and cared for. It can only be accessed by boaters or kayakers, or by the intrepid hiker (no roads) and because it’s a marine sanctuary, it shall remain so for the foreseeable future. The Fair Wind company understands and respects the importance of coral reef preservation, and shows a video on the return trip (along with serving hot off the grill burgers and hot dogs). The video includes shots of animals we may have missed - no dolphins this day - and some light information about the dangers of water pollution in such a delicate environment. This was not polemic, though, and always presented in an entertaining, child-friendly way.

Before we left Kealakekua Bay and the Captain Cook Monument, lots of kids had great fun on the two giant water slides. One of these “kids,” as always, was my hubby, Mudslide Dad. Fair Wind’s morning half-day snorkel trip goes from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, and includes both breakfast and lunch. The ease of snorkeling, the 15-foot water slides and inner tubes, the food, snorkel instruction as needed and the video all add up to the best family-friendly snorkel trip on the Big Island, and a real highlight of a Hawaiian vacation. Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides is highly recommended for a terrific family vacation experience in Hawaii.

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December 26, 2008 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel | 8 Comments 

Festivus Prizes and Winners

Thanks to everyone who left a comment during our Thirteen Days of Festivus Giveaway. We had so much fun reading the grievances and leaving a few of our own. We appreciate all those who participated, including the companies who sent us items to review or giveaway. At TravelingMamas.com, we do our best to provide useful information for our readers so that they can plan the best trips and family vacations. Thanks again to everyone for their comments and tweets on twitter. If you are one of the winners, please send an email to CajunMama at TravelingMamas.com and include your name, mailing address, and the prize you won. Happy Festivus for the Rest of Us!

Festivus Prizes and Winners:
Orbitz Gift Basket
VW Logo Items
Bug Bam!
Pacifier Pouch
Travel Humidifier
Organic Skincare
DisneyWorld Book
iPod Compatable Translators
UV Sanitizing Wand
Putamayo Kids CDs
Posh Pouch
Monster Cable Power Strip
Plane Quiet Headphones

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December 25, 2008 | Filed Under Travel Gear | Leave a Comment 

Plane Quiet Noise Cancelling Headphones

Why oh why can’t I listen to my music or movies when flying? Either my kid or someone else’s kid is screaming all through the flight. Let’s not even mention the noise from the plane itself.

Plane Quiet Noise Reduction Headset - The Plane Quiet Platinum is a full around-ear active noise reducing headset. It’s combined high fidelity sound, active noise cancellation, and low price, make it an unbeatable value. The Plane Quiet Platinum is also one of the lightest,active noise canceling headsets available. Experience “The Sound of Silence”. Compatible with: iPod ®/ MP3, CD, DVD players/laptop computers/ desktop computers. This item can be purchased at ProTravelGear.com. Traveling Mamas readers can get an extra 5% off their order and free shipping by using the discount code travelmama.

Congratulations to Heather C who left the last Festivus comment before the end of the contest.

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December 24, 2008 | Filed Under Travel Gear | 1 Comment 

Happy Holidays from TravelingMamas.com

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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December 23, 2008 | Filed Under Travel News | 6 Comments 

Monster Cable Mini Power Strip

Dontcha just HATE that hotels only have one plug that is available. Sometimes reaching that one particular plug turns you into a contortionist, stretching and possibly pulling a muscle, just to get the prongs in the outlet. What if you want to charge more than one electronic item?

No longer does a traveler have to moan and groan while reaching to plug in the cell phone charger. No longer does a traveler have to switch out items for charging. This power strip from CableOrganizer.com has multiple outlets, including a USB charging port. Now all of your charging problems are eliminated.

Monster Cable’s mini power strips are a compact and convenient way to power your devices. The dual sided design includes wide spaced outlets so you can plug in large adapter plugs. You can safely charge up to four devices at a time as these mini power strips come equipped with a resettable circuit breaker to prevent overloads. The 24k gold plated plug is corrosion resistant to provide you the best possible power transfer and it illuminates to indicate you are receiving power. Monster’s power strips are ideal for travel as the flat wrap cord folds away neatly and will fit into a standard sized laptop or travel bag. These 4 outlet power strips are ideal for use on laptops, cell phones, PDA’s and charging stations.

Congratulations to Steve Scott who can now charge multiple electronics while traveling.

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December 23, 2008 | Filed Under Travel Gear | Leave a Comment 

Celebrity Sightings in Aspen

With Christmas days away, the big private jets are starting to land at the Aspen airport. Yep, it’s that time of year when Aspen’s downtown core is filled with fur-coat-wearing tourists, as well as Hollywood types who have second homes here or who vacation in Aspen for the holidays.

My husband is immune to the celebrity scene. “They’re just people!” says hubby, who grew up here, and, as a teenager, delivered hay to Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’s place in Old Snowmass. Me? I’m stupidly star struck. Since I’ve lived in the area, I’ve gotten such a kick out of spotting Kevin Costner walking down the street (he owns a home here); serving iced tea to Kate Hudson when I was a twenty-something waiting tables (this was well before she graced the cover of People), and bumping into William H. Macy at a bar (his wife Felicity Huffman grew up in Aspen).

But my favorite celebrity sighting took place last year over the Christmas holidays. We were skiing at Buttermilk Mountain, and while eating lunch in the lodge, my mom pokes me, points to a table, and says, “Is that who I think it is?”

Of course it was who she thought it was, and so we, like ding-a-lings, tried to surreptitiously take pictures of the famous actor on a Sunday-night TV show and the raspy-voiced singer married to the hottie-mom slash Victoria’s Secret model.

Check out the heads behind my daughter in this photo? Who do you see?

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December 22, 2008 | Filed Under Destinations, The Cookie Jar | 8 Comments 

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