Renting Vacation Homes: Tips for Budget Family Travel Planners

A lot of families are harried, with work, stress, and over-scheduled children getting in the way of genuine familyRental Properties for Budget Family Vacations (homeaway.com) togetherness.  We often depend on family vacations to bring us together. Be it relaxing by a lake or actively exploring a new country, an annual family vacation is one of the best ways to build strong family ties. It’s a shame that economic worries are relegating annual family trips to the backburner: Those valued experiences should never be disregarded in their importance. With budget being a concern, vacation rental properties provide a money-saving alternative. I spoke with Justin Halloran, VP of Global Initiatives for HomeAway, about tips regarding rental vacation houses for families on a budget.

Many families are reducing or even eliminating their travel budgets this year.  What are the benefits of vacation rental properties for families?

With vacation rentals, the space is key for families:  Kids can run freely. Parents can enjoy their own room and don’t have to split the kids between two double beds and if you’re traveling with older kids you are saved the expense of booking multiple hotel rooms.   I personally find having a kitchen the best feature in vacation rentals.  Kitchens allow you to save a lot of money by avoiding the outrageous costs of mini bars, room service and eating out for every meal. Staying in for breakfast and letting the kids stay in their pajamas is just so much easier and more fun.  Plus, when you recall your favorite family vacations you never picture your family crammed into a hotel room.  But if you stay in a vacation rental, I bet you will have lasting memories of your family sitting around the table during a meal, talking, laughing and feeling a true sense of relaxation and contentment.

HomeAway offers these cost-cutting tips for that family vacation:

* Stay closer to home- drive instead of fly
* Stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel
* Travel with extended family or another family to split costs and double the fun
* Save money and your sanity by preparing meals in your vacation rental instead of always going to a restaurant
* Check HomeAway.com for Special Offers and VacationRentals.com for deals and freebies

What are some of the most popular places for HomeAway vacation homes for families?

rent a vacation property in Hawaii (homeaway.com)Vacation rentals are always a better option in accommodations for traveling families because they get come with more privacy, amenities and multiple bedrooms. However, some of the most-popular destinations for family travel include: Destin and Orlando, FL (Disney is always tops for families), Hilton Head SC, Cape Cod MA, San Diego CA and Outer Banks, NC.  Here’s a list of vacation rentals that show the perks and variety of family-friendly vacation rentals on HomAway.

What are some tips or suggestions you’d give to first-time vacation home renters?

Here are a few helpful tips for first-time renters, but for a full breakdown of how to rent a vacation rental check out our how-to list.

* Book with a reputable site with a substantial inventory.  Using sites like HomeAway.com, VRBO.com or VacationRentals.com, travelers can easily find and compare thousands of properties from around the globe.  The more choices that are available, the more likely you’ll be able to find a property that has availability and meets your needs and budget.
* Talk to the homeowner—Once you find a home that you think may work, contact the property owner or manager directly to ask questions about the rental and the area to make sure its suitable for your group.  Having a conversation with the owner may enable you to negotiate a price that’s more within your budget, find out great local spots to check out while visiting, or if it turns out they’re booked, they may be able to refer you to another property nearby.
* Read reviews—Sites like HomeAway.com feature reviews from previous guests, which can come in handy for getting a first-hand account of the property
* Register your trip—All of the properties listed on the HomeAway sites are protected by the HomeAway Rental Guarantee.  Travelers who register for the free-guarantee are covered up to $5,000 in the event that the vacation rental book is determined to be not-legitimate.
* Get it in writing—Make sure you have a rental agreement that clearly states the homeowner’s rules and policies regarding check-in/out times, cancellations, etc.
* If possible, pay by credit card.

These are some valuable tips, Justin. Thank you for describing the advantages of renting vacation houses for family travel planners on a budget.

family vacations with rental homes (homeaway.com)

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July 3, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Family Travel | 6 Comments 

Twilight Tour Video - Family Vacation in Olympic National Park

Parents and children flock happily to the US National Parks every summer for family vacations. But what about that cranky, out-of-sorts teenager? Adolescents can be real downers during a family vacation, what with texting, eye rolls, and “I just wanna be with my friends.” That’s why families with teens should strongly consider Olympic National Park. This is where the Twilight book and movie series takes place, after all - Forks is right in the National Park. In fact, several Twilight locations are specifically designated as such now, such as Edward Cullen’s and Bella Snow’s houses.

Dazzled by Twilight is a store and tour bus operated by Annette Root, and she’s as passionate a Twilight fan as they come (Team Edward, I believe, but I’m not sure). She hired a fantastic Twilight guide, Travis, to show my group around. Yes, the group was all women - coincidence? I think not. Twilight fans skew strongly female. Check out the video below: Since the Dazzled by Twilight Tour is sure to be every teenager’s highlight of an Olympic National Park family vacation, I don’t give too much away.

Twilight may be why your surly teenager suddenly wants to visit Edward Cullen from Twilight in Forks, WAOlympic National Park, but Forks is not only the setting for the incredibly popular vampire romance series. A true story, passed down orally throughout the years, was retold by my group’s travel guide in the Forks Timber Museum - yes, a dose of reality for the family may just cure that sense of being overpowered by vampire lore. For someone like me, that’s just what the doctor ordered.

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June 25, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Videos | 10 Comments 

Winning Wednesday: Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radios

Thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway for the Motorola two-way radios. Lucky commenter #100 (number generated randomly) came up the winner. That’s Reginald who said that the radios would come in handy when kids get loose at the mall. So true!

Congrats, Reginald! I’ll email you to get your snail mail address.

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June 24, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Travel News | 1 Comment 

Budget Summer Vacation in Sedona, AZ

Budget Summer Vacation in Sedona AZSedona is one of my favorite US vacation destinations, no doubt. Whether it’s a family trip or a romantic getaway, the glorious scenery and outdoor adventure opportunities make it one of my top recommendations for travel. So when the owner of the Innovative Analysis Group asked that I talk with him for his well-regarded aviation and travel industry’s podcast, I immediately requested that the podcast’s travel destination focus on Sedona, Arizona. Addison Schondland agreed, suggesting that the theme be summer budget travel to Sedona. After all, it’s HOT in Sedona in the summer; all the more important to get great value from a summer trip there. Smart man; these days, everyone’s looking for ways to get the most out of their vacation budget.

Talking with Addison was a lot of fun; the podcast (click here) regarding Sedona summer vacation activities came out well as a result. It may sound counterintuitive to plan a summer trip to Arizona, but my kids loved it last August, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

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June 5, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Travel News | 1 Comment 

Best Free or Cheap Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a popular travel destination all year round; there are plenty of things to do and the weather’s never too cruddy (air quality be damned). With the ever-growing list of fantastic restaurants and cultural experiences, LA is no longer just a place to see famous people getting into bar fights, either. The fun child-friendly activities make LA great for a centrally-located family vacation too: Disneyland to the south, Knott’s Berry Farm and Malibu to the north, plus plenty to do right here too. But it’s the best cheap or free activities that help stretch our vacation budgets. What to do when your travel budget is smaller than you’d like? Go cheap, but still have fun. Here are my top five cheap and free things to do in Los Angeles, California.

See the Santa Monica Pier Durng Your Los Angeles Vacation

See the Santa Monica Pier During Your Los Angeles Vacation

Top 5 Best Free or Cheap Activities in LA, California

The Santa Monica Pier has a fun, old-timey carousel and small amusement park, making it a great spot for families to take their young kids. An all-day wristband for the Pacific Park on the pier is available there or cheaper online, though you can walk around the amusement park without going on any rides (yeah, right!) for free. Under the Santa Monica Pier is a no-frills touch tank style aquarium, run by the nonprofit Heal the Bay. Local marine life are featured here, and donations are appreciated.

The beach is, needless to say, really crowed in the summer right around the pier, but walk a little bit north or south of it, and the crowds thin out quickly. Parking is free on some streets, and there’s a fee (varies, but around 10 bucks) for beach lot parking. Venice Beach is a healthy walk south, and the best for people-watching. The Will Rogers State Beach is just a couple miles north of Santa Monica, and a lot less crowded. Drive north a few more miles, and you’re in Malibu. Goggling at surfers is free, though the beach equipment rentals will cost you a few bucks.

Iconic Hollywood Star

He's Sure an Iconic Hollywood Star

Hollywood Walk of Fame is free to walk around, and plenty of those stores have cheap touristy stuff for sale too. There are over 2,300 stars’ names inlaid along the walk here, and all sorts of characters strolling around for photo ops. (If you pose with one of them, it’s nice to give a tip.) The Walk of Fame is along Hollywood and Vine, itself an iconic intersection. There are fictional stars with stars on the Walk of Fame too; my kids got a kick out of finding The Simpsons’ star.

Grauman’s Chinese Theater is a landmark that tourists like to see; it’s right on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. The large red pagoda, Chinese dragon across the front, makes this an unmistakable spot: The footprints and handprints in front of Grauman’s are a fun place to take photos too. The oldest handprints include Mary Pickford’s in 1927, and more recent ones include Will Smith and Hugh Jackman. Anyone who wants to see a movie while on a Southern California vacation can see one here, though many grouse that ticket prices aren’t so cheap!

Television show tapings often need people to fill up the seats, especially talk shows and game shows. Grauman’s Theater is a good place to get free tickets to TV shows; other places to score free tickets to TV shows are the Glendale Galleria and Universal Studios Hollywood. Where else, besides New York City, can people on vacation have a chance to see some of their favorite TV personalities live at work? If you’re planning a trip to LA and really don’t want to leave this to chance, call Paramount Television Audience Show Guest Relations (323) 956-1777, Audience Associates (323) 467-4697, or Fox Television’s Audience Unlimited (818) 506-0043.

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park is the biggest city park in the United States. It’s probably most famous for the Griffith Observatory, and admission to the Observatory is free. There’s a fee to get into the planetarium, but this is also pretty cheap. Griffith Park as a whole is over 4,000 acres of trails and parkland, so obviously there’s lots to do. There are hiking paths and bridle trails, picnic areas and canyons. It’s a great place to take kids during a family vacation; the LA Zoo is here, as well as the Autry Center (for cowboy lovin’ kids), pony rides and “Travel Town.” The Greek Theater is also right in Griffith Park - this outdoor theater hosts year-round concerts.

Needless to say, these are just my picks for the top 5 free or cheap things to do in Los Angeles, California. What’s best for one vacationing couple or family may not be the top activity chosen by another. Have your own favorite cheap or free Los Angeles activities? I’d love to hear them - leave your comments below.

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May 11, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways | 15 Comments 

Earth Day Top 5 Easy Green Travel Tips

Easy Green Travel for Earth Day (wikicommons)
Easy Green Travel for Earth Day (wikicommons)

On Earth Day, it’s important to consider the potential benefits of traveling on the earth, as well as how to mitigate negative consequences. No doubt about it; travel leaves a carbon footprint. The CO2 emitted by airplanes is a greenhouse gas, as we (mostly) all know. Further, biodiversity (important for the health of any habitat) is affected by the construction of hotels and resorts. What can an eco-conscious travel lover do? Plenty. And on Earth Day, it’s important to consider the potential benefits of traveling on the earth, as well as how to mitigate negative consequences. Here are the Traveling Mamas’ Top 5 Easy Green Travel Tips!

Don’t worry; our level of commitment can vary. Not just between person, but between trips as well. Awareness of the environment doesn’t have to equal staying in yurts and other no-indoor-plumbing types of lodging. Eco-travel is not a forced choice. There are many small ways in which any type of travel, from budget to luxury, can be made more environmentally responsible.

1) Getting There by Plane: In terms of getting to our vacation destinations, we don’t have to sacrifice air travel for leaving a lighter carbon footprint. There are click-through carbon offset purchase options available online. I like NativeEnergy for this, because its benefits aren’t just environmental, but economic as well. NativeEnergy builds positive businesses for family farmers and Native Americans by taking those carbon offsets and putting them towards farmer-owned renewable projects.

2) Getting There by Car (or otherwise): It’s good green thinking to research whether we can forgo car rentals. Some hotels offer free shuttles to and from the airport and local activities. Since these shuttles are running regardless, using them cuts down on CO2 emissions. Bikes and public transportation are also great alternatives.  When it’s necessary to rent a car, we can ask if there are hybrids available. Some hotels offer rebates on parking for guests who pull up in hybrids.  The Better World Club is an eco-friendly alternative to AAA.

Grand Canyon3) Once You’re There: Sure, there’s camping, and there are yurts and ecolodges. Environmentally Friendly Hotels has a list. No matter the destination, though, there are easy choices we can make to travel “greener” without giving up accommodations we want on our vacations. For example, we can still turn off the lights in our hotel room before we leave for the day (it’s surprising how many people don’t bother). Ask if a hotel has a linen reuse program. These hotels usually have signs in the bathrooms that say something like, “If you want us to wash the towels, leave them on the floor.”  Also, we can check if there is a hotel at our destination of choice that participates in a water recycling or conservation program.

4) Time to Eat: Some hotels - notably the Fairmont family of hotels -  have restaurants that use locally grown, organic ingredients for their menu offerings. This not only cuts down on transportation costs, but assures a fresher quality of food too.  Eating locally but outside of the hotel is still more ecologically sensitive than, say, a Happy Meal at McDonald’s. The 100 Mile Diet promotes locally grown produce. Inquiring about which of your destination’s restaurants participate in this earth-friendly concept is an easy way to affect positive change while traveling.

5) What to Buy: No matter where you take your vacation, remember to take only photos, leave only memories (as they say). The broken-up a’a lava rock looks plentiful and free to take as a souvenir in Hawaii, but it’s illegal to do so for a reason: Can you imagine if everyone took some? While buying unique crafts from local artisans is more expensive than buying that cheapo t-shirt at the airport, doing so invests back in the community. It supports traditional craft-making as a sustainable job in the travel destination’s economy. Sustainable tourism money translates into vacation destinations promoting the protection of their habitats’ biodiversity.

Making informed choices as a travel consumer is easy. Green travel is also easy, once we realize we don’t have to forgo our favorite vacation amenities to do so. Every little bit helps, after all. And who knows? Maybe next Earth Day, we’ll be game for that backpacking-camping-no indoor plumbing-ecotrip. Until then, incorporating easy green concepts into our vacations is painless, and great for the planet.

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April 22, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Eco Travel | 22 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 

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 

Exploring Louisiana: Monroe and Ruston

A few weeks ago I had the chance to explore the northern part of Louisiana. I’ve lived in this state my entire life, but as any average American, when it comes to vacation time, we always venture far from home. I’m the first one that will tell you to “Boycott the Staycation” as we see how detrimental the lack of travel is on our economy, but I’ll also be the first one to tell you to get out there and see what is in your own backyard.

I really think the idea of a “staycation” is just plain ignorant. Last summer, the media was telling people how to save money, by providing alternatives such as buying an outdoor movie theater or visiting places close to home. Well, the cost of that outdoor movie theater is equivalent to a week’s condo rental, should you shop around. And as far as visiting places closer to home, you should be doing that with your kids on the weekends anyway.

I’d like to call my foray into north Louisiana as a sort of reconnaissance trip to determine what I’ll do with my kids this summer on short jaunts. This will by no means take the place of our annual family vacation, but now that they are preteens, my bonding time with them is growing short.

Here are a few of the choices I’m giving the kids for their summer learning through travel. This year’s theme is about learning where you live.

Monroe/West Monroe Area:

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge – This 1600-acre lake is dotted with cypress, offers a visitor/education center (complete with baby alligators and various snakes), a wildlife observation deck, nature trail, and pier.

Poverty Point State Historic Site – This 400 acre site has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earthworks are dated between 1650 and 700 B.C. An onsite interpretive center showcases an impressive collection of items found here. It is one of the largest mounds in North America.

Poverty Point State Park – This park and campground  offers cabins for overnight lodging. The cabins overlook Poverty Point Reservoir. Don’t let the name fool you, these cabins are a steal at around $99 per night for a two bedroom cabin complete with full kitchen, flatscreen tv with satellite, screened porch, and even free wifi. The cabin I stayed in had a queen bed in one bedroom and two sets of bunks in the other. The wildlife and nature trails make for a true Louisiana getaway. Plus, the nearby Black Bear Golf Course is part of the Audubon Golf Trail.

Ruston/Lincoln Parish Area:

Follette Pottery – Hidden just off of Hwy 86 in Ruston on Pea Ridge Rd is one the South’s hidden treasures. Kent and Libby are the nicest people and on the second Saturday of each month, they cook lunch for visitors and have a sale. Don’t worry if you stop in on another day, you’ll still get a taste of Libby’s sweet peach tea. Their products are sold in 44 states.

Lincoln Parish Museum – Have you ever walked into an old house and wished that the walls could talk? Well, they do here! The murals on the main hall walls tell a story, and there’s audio to go along, recorder by former living citizens of the area who recount their childhood stories and history of Lincoln Parish. Upstairs is like walking into your grandma’s attic (without the dust). The music collection made me chuckle, it even included an Ace of Base CD. Someone is very funny at that museum.

Arcadia Old Railroad Museum – This train station/museum/office/tourism center houses a collection of paraphernalia from the Bonnie and Clyde saga. In fact, the funeral procession of the legendary duo ended right across the street from the train station.

Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum – This was truly an interesting stop in the little town of Gibsland. There’s nothing like seeing autopsy pictures blown up and hung on a wall. I have to admit, it was pretty morbid, but I know my preteens will love it, even while they scream, “Gross. Come look at this!”

There’s so much more to see in North Louisiana and this is just the beginning. Be sure to check out my state’s Official Tourism Website for more information. Don’t worry, there’s more to come.

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April 7, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Culinary Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel | 6 Comments 

Marriott Gift Card Contest

I’m so excited about seeing all the other Mamas today at the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino that I went to check out Marriott’s new forum for rewards members to find what great things there are to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. One member, CorpTraveler, says, “We were referred to a local Puerto Rican restaurant on Tapia Ave. in San Juan. La Casita Blanca was one of the most enjoyable experiences in nearly three years of travel to the island.  Genuine home cooking, and a gracious host. Located in a seldom visited area of San Juan, it was safe, and parking was available.”

This is just one of the many tips you can pick up on Marriott Rewards Insiders, where members share candid travel advice and informed opinions about the rewards program, along with their intimate knowledge of the Marriott family of hotels and resorts.

To celebrate the launch of the Marriott website and our annual girlfriend getaway to the San Juan Marriott Resort &  Stellaris Casino, we’ve teamed up with Marriott to offer one lucky Traveling Mamas reader a Marriott $100 gift card to put towards your stay at any Marriott property!  To enter, simply leave your favorite travel tip in the comments section below. (We also highly suggest you share your travel knowledge with the folks at the Marriott Rewards Insiders forum, too!)

Contest ends Tuesday, March 31, at midnight (EST). We’ll announce the winner on Winning Wednesday. Normal TravelingMamas.com contest rules apply (US Citizen, none of our mothers can enter, etc)

Good luck and feel free to leave tips about San Juan that we can use during our stay this week. We’re still searching for local restaurants to sample and where to find the hottest spots to dance the night away - hey, no kids to worry about on this trip! We’ll be livin’ la vida loca…

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March 25, 2009 | Filed Under Budget Travel, Culinary Travel, Destinations, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Travel News | 241 Comments 

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