When you book a hotel, do you often wonder what the person on the other line is hiding from you? Do you wonder what the inside information really is? Most people have thought about it and quickly put it out of their minds. Interestingly, that sort of information can have a huge impact on the quality of your stay. But where do you get such information? The best place is from the sources themselves. What do hotel front desk clerks know that they don’t share? Here are five quick facts that will Continue Reading
Why We Have Little Under the Christmas Tree and the Kids LOVE It! #BayouTravel
Before anyone mentions the true meaning of Christmas, we know it. Promise, it's something my family is very aware of. Ever since my children were born, Christmas has been the one holiday where we have "spoiled" them. When I was a kid, my family was considered low income. Let's face it, we were poor but when we opened our presents on Christmas morning, we felt like every other child regardless of how many presents we received. My husband also has fond memories opening Christmas Continue Reading
Creative ways to Encourage Children to Budget in 2016
If you have kids then you know that managing money is not a phrase that always mixes well with the offspring. Encouraging your kids to budget their money this year will help them learn to be responsible for the future. Check out these ideas for helping your kids budget their money this year. Set Up Three Savings Banks Help your kids to understand the importance of saving as well as giving to others and spending wisely. Set up three savings banks for each child to use. One bank will be for Continue Reading
Luxury on a Budget on the Space Coast Florida #BayouTravel
Any vacation to the Space Coast of Florida can be done on a budget, but it is possible to vacation in the lap of luxury all while staying on a budget too. The Space Coast happens to sit between two very expensive vacation destinations, it’s still developed, but spending a weekend to a week here is much more budget friendly than just an hour south or north. Families, singles or couples that want to get away for some sun and sand, really live it up, but not spend like they are independently Continue Reading
Family Travel Chat: Presidential Tours Across Illinois #BayouTravel
While some children enjoy traveling and visiting science museums, history is something many children can appreciate and enjoy when traveling. Living history and witnessing historical Chicago area attractions can really hit home to many traveling families. There have been 43 presidents to serve the United States of America, and of those 43, 4 have strong ties to the state of Illinois. A great way to help kids connect with history is through travel, and traveling through the state of Illinois Continue Reading
Educational Travel- Chicago’s BEST Science Museums #BayouTravel
Now that we know Chicago is a popular travel destination , we need to add education into our Chicano travel itinerary. My kids love to learn on vacation (I'm serious) but the key to adding education is do integrate in into your other fun-filled family attractions. Chicago is a city filled with museums, traveling exhibits and miles of galleries, but that doesn’t mean that all of it appeals to teens. When it comes to teenagers, museum galleries need to be interactive, interesting and Continue Reading
Family Travel Chat: Girl’s Weekend in Chicago #BayouTravel
Some of my readers have asked about having a Girl's (Mom & Daughter) Weekend in Chicago. I have many friends who have flown out with their tween or teen and set out for the Windy City. Spending a day out with your daughter in the city of Chicago makes for a day filled with fun and adventure, pampering and fun shopping. From American Girl Place to the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel to checking out her favorite animals at the zoo, there are tons of great activities to fill an entire girl’s day out in Continue Reading
Camping Chat: Best Campsites in Grand Canyon North or South Rim #BayouTravel
There are two sides to the Grand Canyon to camp out – the North or South Rim. Most people will choose one depending on how difficult of a hike they have planned including Rim-to-Rim or the hardest Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim. If you are not a hiking enthusiast but just want to see the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, there are a few different camping opportunities for you. The Grand Canyon sits in northern Arizona and the Colorado River snakes through beautifully at the bottom. The Grand Canyon Continue Reading
Family Travel Chat: Best Campsites in Yellowstone National Park
Yosemite National Park is a beautiful park that is just hours away from San Francisco and has some of the best hiking and scenic areas found in our National Parks. Camping at Yosemite can be a challenge though. All of the campsites within Yosemite are on a reservation system that fills up in seconds after the dates are opened. Seriously! If you know you want to camp within the park, please plan way ahead of time to secure a spot. When making a reservation make sure you are signing up for an Continue Reading
Destin, Florida’s Perfect Beach DESTINation Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village #EmeraldCoasting
Imagine a few days filled soaking up the sunshine, turquoise waters and white beaches! Does this sound like the perfect beach getaway? Believe me, it is! Emerald Grande at at HarborWalk Village is THE premier Florida Gulf Coast Resort. Emerald Grande is a cluster of beautiful vacation condo's located at the Harborwalk Village. I stayed at Emerald Grande back in 2013 and had an amazing experience! The vacation condos overlook the white beaches of Destin and each rental has an adjoining balcony Continue Reading
Traveling to Alabama’s Gulf Coast? Your kids NEED this Word Search Printable #BayouTravel
I LOVE living in the Gulf Coast! Alabama beaches, attractions and family fun is just a short drive away. My family has spent many weekend across various Gulf Coast states enjoying the beach and beautiful scenery. Every family has their favorite but one we can all agree on is Alabama Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area. There is SO much to do there that I can imagine why families travel to the Alabama Gulf Shores area year after year. I thought we should share something fun today! Instead Continue Reading
Beauvoir, The Home of Jefferson Davis – Historic Homes in the Mississippi Gulf Coast #BayouTravel
Over the years I have traveled to many historic homes in the South. I love the architecture, the landscape and it's at times it's integral part of American history. Like many historic homes, it's story and legacy showcases the good, the bad and the ugly side of American history. The Beauvoir estate was the last home to of the former President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. Located in Biloxi, Mississippi, the estate and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library Continue Reading