Vacation Never Ends: Travel Chat

Lessons Learned from Chicks Who Click

 I had the opportunity to attend an energizing conference this weekend, Chicks Who Click.  It focused on women in social media and helping to provide the tools and connections needed for those women to succeed. I wanted to take a quick moment to reflect on what I learned from the conference.

1. A group of fast twittering women can create a top trending Twitter topic in little over an hour
2. There are lots of fabulous, brilliant women out there in social media.  OK I knew that before I went but I got to meet a bunch of them.
3. I learned a great meditation technique using a bubble.  I have already tried this with my daughter and she loved it.
4. Crocs make a bunch of different shoes beside the holey sandals they are known for
5. I added some great new tools to my social tool box.
6. Twitter can be used by corporations, specifically customer support.  Which I think we should take advantage of. Speaking of TravelGroupPlan is our account on Twitter.

It is on my calendar for next year and I enjoyed that one so much I think I need to find some other conferences to try this year.  Thanks Ladies!

Travel Group Planner Sponsors Race Car to Support Children's Hospital

Travel Group Planner had the opportunity to sponsor the race team, Team Tinkerbell Rosso (aka "Red Tinkerbell"), in the "24 Hours of LeMons"  race.  The race team is raising money for Children's Hospital of Orange County.  The cause is close to our hearts. 

The Red Tinkerbell team finished 9th out of 114 teams that started the race, awesome job. 

A photo of Vicky all ready to go.

Great Aniversary Idea - Elvis Chapel

We were just in Las Vegas.  It was a special occasion, our wedding anniversary.  We were lucky to have our close friends join us in Las Vegas to help us celebrate.  Travel Group Planner was helpful to getting us organized, four couples, four different hotels, four different flights. 

Part of our celebration was to renew our vows.  We chose the hound dog package from the Elvis Chapel.  They were fabulous and we had lots of fun.   Our DVD is coming in the mail soon.  I can't wait to watch the ceremony. 

Colorado Weekend Trips - Get out there before summer is over

Last weekend was Labor day.  What happened? Summer is almost over.

There were so many trips I wanted to take when summer started and a couple of them worked out but not all of them.  I always feel like I have more time.  We are wasting no time this weekend we are going to Breckenridge for Oktoberfest .  We went last year by chance and loved it.

If you are looking for Colorado weekend getaways here are some other suggestions:

• Sand dunes - should be a good time of year, not too hot.
• Grand Mesa - they have lots of lakes and outdoor activities
• Black Canyon - phenomenal to see
• Steamboat Springs - the hot springs are fabulous
• Glenwood Springs - you have to stay in the old hotel there
• Grand Junction - I want to tour the vineyards.  I have heard that is lots of fun.
• Mesa Verde National Park - do the tours and hikes

Get out there and enjoy what's left of summer. Let us help you plan next summer so it doesn't slip away from you again.

Florida Family Reunion - Group Toe Picture

Our family reunion in Florida went was so good this year, we were super organized thanks to Travel Group Planner. I took a toe picture to make sure  I captured the feeling. 

The scene was everyone lounging around the pool drinking white wine, or juice for the kids, and eating some good food. Ahh family togetherness, isn't it beautiful.

I like to take Toe Pictures of my trips - my first blog post on this.

Camping with a Baby or Toddler - Advice from Moms

 The questions came up in the mother's group I belong to about what works when you are camping with toddlers and babies.  Here are some of the suggestions from other camping moms. 

• Bring a pack & play - this will fit in most large tents
• Bring lots of extra warm clothing for the little one, even bring extra fleeces.
• Have the little one sleep between you to keep them warm.  
• Bring along a warm stocking cap for the little one because they might be snuggly warm under the blankets, their heads are susceptible to the cold air.
• Wear the kids out in the sun and water and they will sleep great, even in a tent. 
• A pail and shovel will keep them entertained for hours, even when they are 3 & 5
• Bug-repellent clothes & hats are much easier than applying repellent
• Bring a good first aid kit with all you need for your little one 
• Bring some toys you don't mind losing or getting dirty
• Do not expect your little one to stay clean!!!

Happy Group Camping

'Your Dinner Night' on Group Trips - Some Tips

Every trip group trip we make we usually assign one night to each couple/person to make dinner for the whole group, this is reason we added meal planning into Travel Group Planner.  The 'Your Dinner Night' works great because everyone gets to show off their best meal, you can slack off when it's not your night, and there isn't one person who gets overwhelmed with cooking all the food. 

Some tips for planning when it is your night

1. Do not make something for the first time for a whole bunch of people.  If you mess up, the teasing will never end.
2. Figure out things that people can help with.  Should they shred the lettuce, cut the chicken, man the grill, etc.
3. Music makes everything more fun
4. If you are working from a recipe decide if you are going to double, triple, quadruple the servings then make sure to let all your helpers know.  
5. Give yourself a little more time to cook -eating at 1pm stinks
6. Make sure to marinate the chefs!  It is vacation after all.
7. And lastly - if you cooked, don't clean up.

Happy Cooking and Group Tripping.

This Photograph is from Brandi B Photography - check her out on myspace.

Staycation - new cheap travel trend

Have you heard of the new term, Staycation?  It is referring to taking a vacatin but not going anywhere.  We have done this a couple of times because of money and because it is kind of relaxing. 

With the high gas prices and the recession this is becoming a popular term this year.  Enjoy your time at home!

Here is some more info on Staycations - Plan the Ultimate Staycation

Playground in the Tampa Airport Terminal - Why didn't anyone else think of it?

Airlines recommend you get to the airport 2 hours before your flight so you can check in and get through security.  All that stuff has very rarely taken me two hours.  Despite that, when I travel with my kids we give ourselves the full two hours. 

The main problem with this occurs when it takes a half hour to get to the gate. Now what?  We have so much stuff it is hard to chase the kids around but you want them to wear off some energy so they can site on the plane for the next couple of hours.  Tampa International airport has a great solution, a playground in the terminal. 

We went flew in and out of Tampa last week.  We got to the gate with about an hour until boarding but not to worry, the kids played the whole time in a great little playground.  They ran, climbed, jumped, laughed, and they were ready to go sit for a the 3 hour flight.  Thanks Tampa, we are flying into this airport when we go to Florida!

Traveling w/o Kids - It's easier but I miss them

So I'm on a trip where I went all by myself, no kids.  Everyone was talking about how long and tough the trip would be. I keep saying not really because I don't have to entertain kids or lug around a lot of extra stuff.  I was actually looking forward to just sitting and reading, maybe watching a movie, and listening to music. 

It was an easy trip but every time I saw a family go by I wanted to trade places.  I wanted the extra stuff, the crying kids, the mess, etc.  I will get my wish because my family reunion is the week I get back from my trip and we are taking the kids on a 4 hour plane ride followed by 3 hours in the car, bring on the stress and mess!