Best Top 10 Beaches 2009

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach), Director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research released his list of Top 10 Beaches for 2009. He uses a multitude of criteria to evaluate beaches, which includes water and sand quality as well as safety, facilities and environmental management.

The Traveling Mamas love Hawaii, but we’re also big fans of beaches. Period. Here’s Dr. Beach’s official list. Some are great for families, others are perfect for that romantic escape, but all are perfect for relaxing and getting some sand between your toes.

Hanalei Bay by Seany @ Flickr

Hanalei Bay by Seany @ Flickr

1. Hanalei Bay Kauai, Hawaii

2. Siesta Beach Sarasota, Florida

3. Coopers Beach Southampton, New York

4. Coronado Beach San Diego, California

5. Hamoa Beach Maui, Hawaii

6. Main Beach East Hampton, New York

7. Cape Hatteras Outer Banks of North Carolina

8. Cape Florida State Park Key Biscayne, Florida

9. Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts

10. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Do you disagree with Dr. Beach’s list? Keep in mind that past list leaders are ineligible for inclusion. The annual top beach pick by Dr. Beach has always been in either Florida or Hawaii, with the exception of 2007, which was in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

My personal pick for top beach of 2009 would have to be Nannygoat Beach on Sapelo Island, a Georgia barrier island. It is undeveloped, pristine, fantastic for shelling, and the first time I’ve ever actually seen the beach shimmer with gold flecks. Simply breathtaking.

Here’s a video by brew journalist, Ale Sharpton, that ends on Nannygoat Beach.


Direct link to video.

If you were doing the choosing, what beach would be your top pick for 2009?

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May 25, 2009 | Filed Under Travel News | 9 Comments 

Travel Tuesday: Wine and Vineyards

Red Wine (Flickr photo by smcgee)Wine tourism has become a popular aspect of almost any destination. In fact, it isn’t just a pastime for the wealthy anymore. Moms just like me are learning about color, bouquet, and taste, all while taking some time for themselves and learning how to choose affordable wines to serve when entertaining.

The TwitterMoms Wine Club hosts online tastings each month. A bottle is selected and participants from all over the world taste and discuss the wine, sharing notes through Twitter. There is also another event that is popular, Twitter Taste Live.

I’m fortunate that as a travel writer, I am given opportunities to tour vineyards and wineries, learn the stories of how vintners got interested in wine, and of course sample some interesting and flavorful wines.

But, wine tasting isn’t limited to online events or special occasions. You can broaden your wine knowledge by hosting a tasting with your neighbors, finding wineries during your travels, or just opening a new bottle on a Saturday afternoon.

The news segment below shows just how much fun a wine tasting is:

(Video courtesy of WAFB in Baton Rouge, LA. If you can’t see the video, the direct link is here and the backstory from the cool camera dude is on his blog.)

This Travel Tuesday is all about the vino, so please share your stories of wine tasting or travel to a winery. Whether you visit Napa, Solvang, or even Disney World, we want to know about it. If you toured an Inn and enjoyed some great dinner pairings on a romantic getaway, please share. Even if you have tips for someone’s first wine tasting or if you just want to tell us about awesome wine expert, Natalie MacLean.

Please leave a relevant link to the specific post/story or it will be deleted. When Mr. Linky asks for your name, type in the title of your blog with the post title in parenthesis. Then, leave your post link in the link box and you’re done. Here are the official rules of Travel Tuesday on Traveling Mamas.

We’d love for you to tell your friends and readers about this post and even link back here, but we won’t require you to do that. The purpose of Travel Tuesday is to introduce our readers to interesting blogs and sites.

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May 19, 2009 | Filed Under Culinary Travel, Destinations, Romantic Getaways, Travel Tuesday, Videos | 8 Comments 

Travel Tuesday: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

CajunMama's childhood travel picFrequent readers of Traveling Mamas may already know that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area is a favorite of the CajunMama family. My parents took my brother and I there as kids, and the tradition has been carried on to my little ones.

This week, Travel Tuesday is about the Smoky Mountains and any stories or posts you may have about the area. Have you gone on some great mountain hikes? Have a recommendation for a really cool cabin resort? Know of any great summer travel specials? Here’s your chance to let our readers see what you have to say.

If you don’t know what Travel Tuesday is, you can read about it here.

Where it says “Name” in the Mr. Linky icon below, leave the name of your blog or company with the title of your post in parentheses. You don’t have to link back to this blog post, but it sure would be awesome. We hope you enjoy this feature on Traveling Mamas each Tuesday.

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May 12, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Travel Tuesday | 5 Comments 

Clean Diesel, Cruise Nations, and Roller Coasters

The Traveling Mamas get numerous emails and press releases from companies and readers informing us about current events in the travel industry, new products, and great deals. We only recommend products we’ve tested personally and feature destinations and hotels we’ve experienced firsthand, but every once in a while we like to share some travel news with our readers. Here are a few of the more interesting items, such as a new roller coaster, cruise news, and how to find diesel that I wanted to share with TravelingMamas.com readers.

New VW Blog – TDI Truth and Dare

I love my VW, so it isn’t hard for me to share news about this company that may help consumers planning a road trip. RedBugg isn’t a diesel powered VW, but some of our readers may need this new resource for vacation planning.

From VW - Since there might be some misconceptions out there about how clean diesel works, this new blog has a wealth of information to dispel myths and stack up the TDI cars against others. It’s a great resource not only about VW but about clean diesel in general.  The “Diesel Finder” feature on the website will help find diesel stations along the way on their vacations during the summer.

We’ll be sure to update our readers on the best vehicles for road trips as we test them out. We’ve got the scoop on new and updated models coming out this year.

Royal Caribbean – Why Not?

I have yet to go on a cruise, but the new ad campaign by Royal Caribbean sure makes me want to join the Nation of Why Not. If you’ve seen the commercials I have, I’ll admit that now I’m ready to go cliff diving or rock wall climbing. Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, has started a blog to show another side of Royal Caribbean International.

From RCI - Follow Adam as he discusses the latest news, happenings and ship innovations from Royal Caribbean, the different types of experiences Royal Caribbean cruisers can expect from their journeys at sea, and Adam’s personal insights on the travel and cruise industries as a whole.

I did go check out the site and blog, and while Adam only has his first entry, I will be following the progress of both Royal Caribbean’s Nation of Why Not and Adam’s venture into the world of blogging.

Universal Orlando – Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

I LOVE roller coasters. However, I gave birth to two individuals who don’t seem to get into them like I do. I don’t know what it is about these high velocity rides, but they excite and thrill me to no end. It’s no surprise that I have to share with TravelingMamas.com readers that there is a new ride coming to Universal Orlando.

From Universal Orlando - Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It’s selecting a popular song as the soundtrack to your ride. It’s video cameras capturing your ride experience so you can take home your own music video. It’s one-of-a-kind ride maneuvers and a revolutionary ride vehicle system.

I’m ready to test it out and post the video as proof, Universal Orlando. Woohoo!

Now that I’m in a roller-coaster mood, here’s a little video I took during my visit to Disney World in February for the American Idol Experience Premiere.

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May 8, 2009 | Filed Under Travel News | 3 Comments 

Travel Tuesday: Last Minute Mother’s Day Deals

Mother's Day by minxlj on FlickrWe all know mamas plan ahead of time for holiday, events, and vacations. We also all know that dads tradionally wait until the last minute (in the CajunMama household anyways). Maybe you just decided to take mom for a quick getaway or you are looking for that special place for Mother’s Day Brunch.

Do you have a post or deal on your blog or site regarding the upcoming Mother’s Day Weekend? Share it with TravelingMamas.com readers by clicking on Mister Linky below and adding your link. (Where it says to enter your name, enter the text you’d like to show up with your link.)

This is a new feature we’ll have each week called Travel Tuesday. Read more about it here.

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May 5, 2009 | Filed Under Travel Tuesday | 4 Comments 

Swine Flu Travel Questions Answered

We’ve received a handful of emails and comments from consumers worried about the swine flu and their upcoming travel plans. Here are a few we’ll try to answer.

Dear TravelingMamas –
I’m 73 and I’m going to PVR in a couple of weeks with my 45 year old daughter…staying at a time-share. Should we be overly concerned? Both of us are in excellent health and have been there before. Thanks for your help
 –An American Red Cross Disaster worker (so I’ve pretty much seen it all)

Swine Flu Cowboy on Flickr by EneasMy thoughts are to keep up with current events regarding travel information through official sources. We’re not doctors nor do we give medical advice and suggest that if you are overly concerned about your health then you should visit your personal physician. The Department of Homeland Security suggests that only necessary travel to Mexico should be undertaken at this time. We have no way of predicting how swine flu will affect the next few weeks.

“We are planning a 50th wedding anniv. party in Club Med Ixtapa in June - we are taking our whole family 5 grandchildren - youngest being 8 mos. old. Should we go?” –Lorrie

“My Ph.D. and Dean at Univ of Houston husband and other profs are taking 23 students to TURKEY on May 19. Should they get travel insurance, or cancel trip? I am scheduled to fly into Burbank, CA. from Houston Hobby on May 22, for 18 days. Should I cancel? I was traveling to San Diego in CA. Should I stay away? My husband is 66 and has lung problems, was hospitalized and treated for 30 days last fall, having contracted flu and lung infection in Sicily. I am 66 with bronchial problems.” –Sybil

As a frequent traveler, both domestic and international, I highly suggest that travelers check their insurance policies through their current health provider before undertaking any travel. You should be prepared for an illness regardless of current events. Also, securing trip insurance for unexpected accidents or illness is probably a good idea, especially if leaving the US.

I’ve used TravelGuard in the past for international travel, but fortunately didn’t need to use the policy. There are many trip insurance providers available, but Travel Guard is the only one I have experience with.

Carol Mueller, a spokesperson for Travel Guard, explained that  if a traveler secures an insurance policy with the “cancellation for any reason” option, then their trip should be covered even if it is affected by the current swine flu epidemic. She also noted that having a travel insurance policy not only protects your trip should you have to cancel, but it also takes care of the insured should they become ill while out of town. TravelGuard has operators on call 24/7 to answer any questions or to help the insured find an English speaking doctor or in the instance he or she needs to be evacuated.

Regarding travel from Houston to California, as far as we are aware, there aren’t any domestic travel restrictions. However, use your own judgment and realize that if you are sick or show signs of illness, the airline is within their rights to protect the other passengers and may deny you boarding. Again, stay in tune with current events and official updates from the CDC.

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April 28, 2009 | Filed Under Travel News | 3 Comments 

Swine Flu Travel Warnings

First, poor Mexico was hit with the increase in crime warnings. Now it seems that Mexico is the source of the outbreak of swine flu — and cases have been confirmed in other countries. We’ve all been hearing news reports about this possible pandemic, followed comments on Twitter, and listened to the opinions of our neighbors. But, what if you are currently in Mexico or you plan on traveling there in the next few days? I know that if I were in Mexico right now or had a big trip planned and paid for, I would be concerned about where to find the information I need. TravelingMamas.com has gathered information to help you make informed decisions. Here are some excerpts from a recent press statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the swine flu and travel warnings. You can read the entire release here: Official DHS Press Release Keep reading for resources and tips to stay informed before canceling your travel plans.

Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“It’s important that people understand that there’s a role for everyone to play when there’s an outbreak going on. There are things that individuals do, there’s things that families do, communities do to try and reduce the impact. At the individual level, it’s important people understand how they can prevent respiratory infections. Very frequent hand-washing is something that we talk about time and time again and that is an effective way to reduce transmission of disease. If you’re sick, it’s very important that people stay at home. If your children are sick, have a fever and flu-like illness, they shouldn’t go to school. And if you’re ill, you shouldn’t get on an airplane or another public transport to travel. Those things are part of personal responsibility in trying to reduce the impact.

We issued two days ago an outbreak notice on our web site regarding travel to Mexico. It indicated that if you are traveling to Mexico, that you look at that to see what precautions could you take as an individual to reduce the likelihood that you became ill. We’re going to continue to evaluate the situation in Mexico, and if need be we will increase the warnings based on what the situation warrants.”

Secretary Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security
“…..we have implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen individuals who may arrive at our borders. All persons entering the United States from a location of human infection of swine flu will be processed through all appropriate CBP protocols. Right now those are passive. That means that they’re looking for people who — and asking about, are you sick, have you been sick, and the like; and if so, then they can be referred over for further examination.

Travelers who do present with symptoms, if and when encountered, will be isolated per established rules. They will be provided both with personal protective equipment and we will continue to emphasize universal health measures like hand-washing and gloves. And if and when the situation develops all CBP sites can implement and we can deploy additional personnel to the borders.

In addition, at the TSA, many of the similar measures are being implemented there with respect to the protection of our TSA workers and also their experience with travelers. To date, the State Department has not issued official travel advisories for particularly Mexico, but again, as I said earlier, these situations are very fluid and so you need to keep up to date on that. In addition to the CDC website, the Department of State has a website that will keep travelers posted on what the situation is not only with our neighboring countries, but with countries around the world.”

Before everyone starts to panic and cancel the vacation plans they made for that November dream trip, we need to all take a moment to assess the situation and learn what we can do individually to prevent this disease from spreading.

* If you are planning on travel in the next few days, keep yourself updated on the latest travel advisories regarding swine flu by visiting the CDC’s official page on swine flu updates.

* Watch your local news and keep abreast of happenings that might affect you directly.

* Use basic hygiene practices, such as washing your hands with soap and hot water, using a tissue when you sneeze or cough (and immediately dispose of it), and monitor your health. If you begin to have any flu-like symptoms and you have recently traveled to any of the affected areas in Mexico or the US, you should visit your healthcare provider immediately.

* Be aware that if you are traveling from an affected area and coming through US Customs, you may be subject to a health check. Normal border control is in place, regarding sick travelers, but the precautions may increase as more is discovered about this illness.

To keep updated on official statements regarding travel plans and swine flu, visit The Center for Disease Control, The Department of Homeland Security, and the World Health Organization.

Canadian? Check out Health Canada for updates.

Airlines are now waiving change fees for passengers flying through affected areas.

European Union Health Commissioner Andorra Vassiliou urged Europeans to postpone nonessential travel to the United States and Mexico “unless it is very urgent for them.”

When it comes to swine flu and travel, we cannot be too careful. That said, again, the Mamas encourage you not to panic and cancel travel plans that are months away. Simply follow the updates from official organizations linked above. And let’s hope this awful virus can be contained.

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April 26, 2009 | Filed Under Travel News | 16 Comments 

Antiques, Music and Family Fun in Bell Buckle, Tennessee

Bell Buckle, TN is a charming little town set amidst the Tennessee Walking Horse farm area. I visited there while antique shopping with my family and found some great bargains, as well as nostalgia. It makes a great stop for families, couples, or travelers just wanting to explore.

The main building of Bell Buckle’s antique district was purchased for $750. This included all of the contents, which were WWII era. The owner, Mr. Phillips, refurbished the building and opened Phillips General Store and Antiques. The General Store offers antiques and gifts, but if you look above, the orginal items that were in the store hang as a memorial to a bygone time, where women wore dresses and men dressed up to go to “town”. Around the corner is Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor that offers homemade fudge by the pound and hand-dipped ice cream in delicious waffle cones. They are all served up at the original ice cream and soda counter. An interesting fact about the place: the Ice Cream Parlor was voted Tennessee’s Ice Cream Shop of the Year. They also offer a special flavor, White Chocolate Raspberry that is made just for the shop.

I walked through downtown and admired the handmade crafts and the Southern Hospitality. I even went into the Bell Buckle Antique Mall and found out that it is owned and operated by the mayor at the time.

The kids were getting hungry, so we stopped in at the Bell Buckle Cafe to get some lunch. Every Friday and Saturday evening they offer live music with no admission charge and Thursday is songwriters’ night. This is where some of the great country music artists get their start. The ostrich burger and white chili was pretty good too. Get there early if you want a table on the weekends.

Bell Buckle was a charming weekend retreat and I am planning on visiting again to do some shopping. I may even visit for one of the annual festivals that they celebrate.

Festivals

March - Daffodil Day Celebration of Spring and Arbor Day
May - Mayfest Outdoor Tribute to Music
June - RC and MoonPie Festival A Celebration of one of the South’s Finest Traditions, Moonpies and an RC Cola
September - Quilt Walk A Walking tour of Bell Buckle. View a display of quilts at churches and in homes
October - Webb School Art and Craft Festival The #1 Arts and Crafts Show in Tennessee
December - Christmas in Bell Buckle Lights and old-fashioned wreaths decorate the town.

Where to Stay

Mingle House Bed and Breakfast - A Victorian house that serves up a coutry-style breakfast. 931.389.9453 (recent traveler has slideshow available)

Arrowlet Bed and Breakfast - Located 2 blocks from the Antique District.

The Cumberland House - A new, upscale Bed and Breakfast on Cumberland Street. 931.389.9223 (couldn’t find web listing)

Main Street Inn - Located in Wartrace, TN this B&B has a fantastic breakfast.

How to Get There

Interstate I-24
Exit 97, between Murfreesboro and
Manchester, Hwy 64 to Hwy 82

Interstate 40
Near Lebanon, I-840 to I-24 to
Hwy 231 to Shelbyville, to Hwy 82

Interstate 65
Exit at Cornersville to Lewisburg,
to Shelbyville, to Hwy 231 to Hwy 82

If you can’t get enough of the area, you can visit nearby Shelbyville, TN or Lynchburg, TN. Lynchburg is the home of the famous Jack Daniels Distillery. Bell Buckle also makes a great family day trip from Nashville, TN or Huntsville, AL areas. For more information, visit the Bell Buckle Chamber Website.

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April 16, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Romantic Getaways | 3 Comments 

Hyatt Hotel Giveaway, Contest and Sweepstakes

The Traveling Mamas are big fans of using hotel brands’ customer loyalty programs, which is a great way to earn free nights at hotels for future family road trips, a quick romantic escape, or girlfriend getaway. Hyatt Hotels and Resorts has reached out to a few blogs and asked us to get the word out about how they are putting the hospitality back into the travel industry with their own loyalty program, the Hyatt Gold Passport.

To celebrate new initiatives and improvements with the Gold Passport program, Hyatt is giving away room nights left and right. Enter to win one of 10,000 free hotel nights in the Hyatt Big Welcome Sweepstakes, or enter the Hyatt Big Welcome Contest (by writing a short essay) to win 365 nights at Hyatt hotels. (Yep, one lucky winner will get a year’s worth of hotel stays.) Enter either by visiting The Big Welcome.

In the meantime, The Traveling Mamas are also giving away free nights at Hyatt hotels! We’re awarding one night each week to one reader during Hyatt’s Big Welcome Contest and Big Welcome Sweepstakes promotion (total of five nights).

How to win at Traveling Mamas: Leave a comment telling us what you would do if you won 365 room nights at a Hyatt property. Readers can comment once per day per email address now until May 12, 2009. Each Wednesday we’ll announce a new winner and we’ll list them on this post, so be sure to keep coming back to check and see if you’re a winner.

Don’t forget you can also enter Hyatt’s official contest and sweepstakes at The Big Welcome, where you just might be one of three people to win 365 nights at Hyatt properties. Again, The Big Welcome was designed to help get the word out about Hyatt Gold Passport, the brand’s global loyalty program, and its redesign to offer even more privileges such as complimentary Internet access and exclusive check-in areas.

If you need a little inspiration on what you might do with all those free nights, check out this video of what other people would do if they win:

TravelingMamas.com Hotel Night Winners
April 15 - Spencer
April 22 - Cynthia C
April 29 - Jennifer Jones
May 6 - Roxanne
May 13 - txag

This giveaway is now over. Thanks for all the entries.

TravelingMamas.com regular rules apply: US Citizen and no immediate family members of the Traveling Mamas are eligible, but they CAN try to win the Hyatt prizes. Heck, we love ways to travel with our families, take a romantic weekend with our husbands, or just getaway with friends, so we’ll probably all enter The Big Welcome too!

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April 13, 2009 | Filed Under The Cookie Jar | 1,111 Comments 

Sleep with The Beatles Near Stonehenge

Have you ever wanted to sleep where the Beatles slept? During a solo visit to the UK I came across an interesting hotel, The Antrobus Arms, which offers lodging where the Beatles once stayed. I was searching for a place that wouldn’t beggar me with the exchange rate, yet was near to my friend, Keith Kellett, whom I was visiting in Amesbury.

Old Auntie, as the locals call the place, is a 17th Century coaching inn set near Stonehenge and Woodhenge. Not only does the place have history, but it is also where the Fab 4 stayed while filming “Help” on the Salisbury Plain. In fact, the garden area was also the setting for a few “Miss Marples” episodes. Of course, which room did I book, but The Beatles room. My mother was already jealous of my visit to the UK, but she became downright irate when she found out I would be sleeping where Macca slept. It seems that as a teen, she collected every Beatles trading card and Paul McCartney was her fave.

The building is old and a little worn, but still retains its charm. I did check out reviews of the place to see what other travelers had to say online. There were some complaints, but I kept in mind that it was the most affordable lodging in the area and also, well, it was old.

The Beatles Room was pretty cool, with a black and white theme. Photos of the group were placed throughout and the bed was super large and comfy. The floors were creaky as this room is located just above the lobby. I gasped when I stepped into the bathroom, not from horror, but of the various pictures of the Beatles staring at me from the walls. They were plastered with lyrics, newspaper clippings, and collectibles of all things Beatles.

There is a hotel restaurant and lobby bar, but while I was in residence for the night, it was also the city council meeting, which is held at the hotel. I stepped next door to The Kings Arms, which was empty except for me and one other patron. I sat down at booth, ordered a pint of Guinness and asked the server what was the cook’s favorite thing on the menu. The Steak and Ale was the meal of choice, and my American mind chuckled inside, since this was the first time I’d ever had the real deal. I had always thought Steak and Ale was a chain restaurant.

The steamy dish was placed in front of me, topped with a flaky pastry crust. I raised the fork to my lips and had a taste of Heaven. Who knew that in an empty little pub on an afternoon that I would taste such a delicious meal?

You can’t get much more British than this: Beatles, Miss Marples, Stonehenge, Steak and Ale. I sighed in contentment as I had the last sip of my Guinness and scraped the bottom of my dish. The only thing that could complete the evening would be a pot of tea and a hot shower before crawling into bed to rest up for a day of ancient archaeological exploration with Keith Kellett.

I enjoyed that shower immensely, entertaining myself by singing “Paperback Writer” at the top of my lungs. When I turned the shower off, I stopped singing, only to be surprised at Yoko Ono staring at me from the wall and the realization that I could hear everything below me at the lobby desk. I could hear a few people below singing back at me, “Paperback Writer” and laughing.

All I could do was crawl into bed laughing and stare at the pictures of The Beatles surrounding me, knowing that they would be there in the morning when I woke up.

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April 8, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Destinations, Girlfriend Getaways | 4 Comments 

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