April Road Trippin’2016

� Road TRippin’ april �1, �016

Family vacations provide wonderful opportunities for families to bond and make lasting memories. But such opportunities do not come without a price, and that price is oftentimes very steep.

According to the 2015 TripBarometer study from popular travel website TripAdvisor, travelers across the globe are open to spending more on travel in 2016 than they have in the past. The study, conducted on behalf of TripAdvisor by the independent research firm Ipsos, analyzed more than 44,000 responses from travelers and hoteliers across the globe. Thirty-three percent of respondents plan to spend more on travel in 2016 than they did in 2015, while 31 percent admitted that they plan to spend more on travel because it’s important for their health and well-being.

Those figures are good news for the travel industry, but travelers, especially parents who plan to vacation with their children, should expect to encounter rising room rates when planning their trips. That’s because nearly half of all hoteliers surveyed indicated their intentions to increase room rates in 2016. While that might scare off some budget-conscious travelers, parents should know there are ways to cut the costs of family vacations.

Consider alternative accommodations

Families accustomed to staying in hotels while on vacation may be able to save by exploring some budget-friendly alternatives to hotels. Vacation rental properties, which may include private homes or condominiums, may charge less per day than four- or five-star hotels in the same city. Before booking accommodations, parents should explore all lodging options, including online bed and breakfast websites that may showcase private homes that boast lower nightly rates than large hotel chains.

Book through a travel agencyMany travelers now book their own vacations

through popular do-it-yourself travel websites such as Orbitz, but going it alone may not be the most cost-effective approach for families. Many travel agency representatives are accustomed to working with travelers who are on a budget and building vacations that include all the sights their clients want to see for

the amount they’re willing to spend. Travel agency representatives typically have considerable connections in the countries they specialize in, and those connections can produce memorable experiences at lower costs than travelers would likely pay booking the trips on their own. In addition, many travel agencies include the cost of admissions to various sights in their packages, making it easier for travelers to budget for their trips.

Scour discount websites for dealsE-commerce marketplaces such as Groupon aren’t just

for date nights at home. Such websites and services also provide domestic and international travel deals. Families can book entire trips through such websites, many times at considerable discounts, or scour the sites for deals on sightseeing opportunities in the cities where they will be vacationing.

Plan to cookMeals can quickly consume travelers’ budgets. The

Consumer Expenditure Survey released in 2015 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that food and alcohol can take up about 16 percent of the budget for international travelers, and 27 percent for domestic travelers. Such estimates seem low and might reflect the difficulty surveyors had distinguishing between travelers who visited friends and family, and subsequently spent little on food, and travelers who had to purchase all of their vacation meals. Families can cut meal costs by planning to do some of their own cooking. Rental properties and extended stay hotels are typically equipped with full kitchens, which can help parents save money without sacrificing the quality of their vacations.

Budget-friendly family vacation tips MetroCreative

April 21, 2016 RoAd TRippin’ �

Traveling with animals in tow is not as simple as beckoning the family pet to the car when it’s time to hit the open road. To help ease that stress and ensure all members of the family, including those covered in fur, have a

great a time on vacation, the ASPCA offers the following tips to pet owners taking their animals on road trips.

• Check and update your pet’s collar. Even if pets are microchipped, it’s important to make sure they wear collars imprinted with their owners’ names, phone numbers, email addresses and any additional relevant contact information. Make sure the phone numbers listed on pets’ collars are the numbers where you can be reached while on vacation and not just landline home phone numbers.

• Prepare your pet. In the weeks before the trip, pet owners should start to prepare their pets for the trip by taking them on short drives. Lengthen each of these mini trips so you can build up a travel tolerance in your pet and acquaint the animal with car travel before vacation begins.

• Purchase appropriate travel gear. Some pet owners cannot imagine making long road trips with their pets in crates. But crating pets during road trips is entirely possible without making pets uncomfortable. The ASPCA

advises purchasing crates that are large enough to allow pets to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. It’s also important to secure the crate so it does not slide around in case of sudden stops or when driving on curvy roads. Pet owners who don’t want to put their pets in crates should keep pets harnessed in the back seat at all times, never letting the animal hang its head out the window while the car is in motion.

• Pack some travel items. Human beings tend to bring snacks and beverages along on road trips, and such items are necessary for pets, too. Pack water, food and some snacks for pets, but never feed them in a moving car. Take some time to feed pets at rest stops. The ASPCA advises feeding pets a light meal three to four hours before beginning the trip and serving pets only bottled water to reduce the risk of stomach problems. In addition to food and water, pack some toys to keep pets occupied during the trip. Such toys can also calm animals’ anxiety by providing them with something familiar.

• Do not leave pets alone in the car. Leaving pets alone in a car is unsafe no matter what the temperature is outside. Pets are susceptible to heatstroke when left in hot cars and can freeze to death when left in cars during winter. When planning your road trip, confirm that any hotels you plan to stay in accept pets.

Managing road trips with pets in tow MetroCreative

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� Road TRippin’ april 21, 2016

Warm weather has arrived, and the welcoming temperatures are once again

beckoning people to the great outdoors. Fishing is a popular warm weather pastime, and it’s important to take an environmentally responsible approach when fishing.

According to Oceana: Our Endangered Oceans and What We Can Do to Save Them, by Ted Danson, in just 55 years, humans have been able to eradicate about 90 percent of the ocean’s top predators. These include animals like sharks, marlin, king mackerel, and bluefin tuna. Smaller species also are being wiped out at alarming rates because fishing nets capture far more than is intended, and today’s fishing vessels can zero in on large schools of fish relatively easily. Thanks to global positioning technology and sonar capabilities, there’s no longer too much surprise in the chase.

Commercial fishing may do the brunt of the damage, but amateurs also can contribute to the contamination of waterways and decimation of fish species. For example, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game says more than 500,000 bass die each year due to improper handling in Massachusetts alone. People of different cultures have fished sustainably for decades, and most anyone can follow their guidelines and some others to help keep ocean life healthy.

Disturb wildlife as little as possibleWhen traveling into delicate ecosystems, such as

those that primarily surround the water’s edge, do so with care. Operating a boat in shallow regions can chop up underwater vegetation or harm fish that live in the shallows. Don’t remove crustaceans or take plants or

other wildlife out of the area.

Keep track of gear

Discarded or lost fishing gear can prove harmful to wildlife. It’s easy for fish or other marine animals to get tangled in fishing line and hooks that were left behind by fishermen. Sinkers and other weights may be mistaken for food and injure unsuspecting animals. Even animals like ducks and other birds can swallow fishing tackle, which can lead to illness or starvation. Don’t just abandon gear.

Fish specific species at different times Fishing specific species helps maintain different stocks of fish at various times of the year. Plus, you’ll help guarantee that one species will not be over-fished, potentially leading to underpopulation or extinction.

Avoid the use of cast nets or dragnets

Cast nets or dragnets can capture too many fish, including ones that you did not intend to take in.

Responsible fishing can help maintain water ecosystems and protect the surrounding environment.

Learn to fish responsibly MetroCreative

April 21, 2016 RoAd TRippin’ �

Feeling stressed? Adding water to your summer plans may be one of the best remedies. More than four in five Americans say being around water relaxes them, and 72 percent feel healthier after spending time on

the water, according to a 2015 Discover Boating survey by Wakefield Research.

With Americans working longer hours, the need to take vacation time is greater than ever. Four in 10 Americans are not using all their paid time off (PTO) and 81 percent of Americans feel reducing stress levels is a top priority when taking PTO, according to Project: Time Off’s 2015 research by GFK Public Affairs.

One easy solution? Get out on the water and go boating. It not only benefits overall well-being, it’s also more accessible than many think. In fact, millions of Americans go boating each year on more than 15 million boats in the U.S., according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

“Today’s technology can make it difficult to fully disconnect and relax, which is why boating offers a unique solution,” says Carl Blackwell, president of Discover Boating. “Surrounded by water, fresh air and your favorite people makes a boat one of the rare places where you can focus on each other, forget about daily distractions and enjoy the outdoors.”

Whether on vacation or staycation, there are fun, stress-free ways to get on the water. Discover Boating’s insider tips can help anyone get started in fishing, wakesurfing, sailing, personal watercraft and cruising this summer.

Take a class. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone those powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. Find boating classes, training courses and even youth boating programs close to home on DiscoverBoating.com’s education + training section.

Join a club. Find a

boat club near you for a hassle-free and cost-sharing way to access a versatile fleet of boats. Simply pay a monthly fee and book your time online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, and maintenance, with members responsible for fuel. Plus, most offer extensive boater education courses as part of the membership.

Share the fun. Share the fun and the budget. Fractional ownership programs are similar to boat clubs offering shared access to boats paired with maintenance and education, with a few subtle differences - an annual fee versus monthly dues and assignment of members to a particular boat, similar to a property timeshare instead of a fleet of boats. Another popular “sharing” trend is to go in on a boat with family or friends to share the costs. Try Discover Boating’s boat selector tool to research what boat best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Rent a boat. Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly or daily access to a variety of boat types. Rental outfitters provide tutorials on operating a boat, share safety instructions and offer suggestions on destinations. Another rental option new to market are peer-to-peer rentals, allowing you to rent someone else’s boat, which usually includes insurance and captains for hire to help you set sail.

Charter a trip. Explore new waters and experience the boating lifestyle by chartering a boat trip with family or friends. Chartering offers options - bareboat (with no captain) or crewed (with captain and crew) for a few days or weeks long. Pick your preferences and chart your course.

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� Road TRippin’ april 21, 201�

Admiring the Statue of Liberty up close, hanging 10 in the Pacific Ocean or exploring Europe’s most charming cities are just some of the experiences that may rank high on your travel bucket list. Creating that list is

just the beginning - the real fun begins when you start making your travel dreams a reality.

Inspiring people to make those getaways happen is the goal of a new effort by Hilton Garden Inn, which is helping plant the seed for travelers to embark on their next great adventure.

“Through the Garden Getaway Tour, we are reminding people of all the exciting possibilities available for their next trip,” said Judy Christa-Cathey, vice president of global brand marketing, Hilton Garden Inn & Hampton by Hilton. “Trekking your way through a list of all your favorite places is a great way to feel peaceful and alive, whether you spend your time discovering new places or reconnecting with loved ones.”

Get on your way to creating the travel experience of your dreams with these tips:

Chart your course. If you haven’t already, make a list of all the destinations you hope to see, and post it someplace prominent so you are reminded of your travel goals frequently. You may choose to prioritize your most desirable locations, or simply keep your ideas random so you can seize opportunities when they arise.

Be sensitive to the seasons. Be aware that many destinations have peak seasons when the attractions they boast are in top demand. Crowds are heavier and prices are steeper, but on the flip side, there are more options for things to see and do. If avoiding the hustle is your ultimate goal, visiting out of season may be more your ticket.

Don’t ignore your own backyard. Though the temptation may be strong to journey far and wide, when your time away is short, you don’t want to waste precious hours on travel. A bucket list excursion doesn’t have to take you far from home. In fact, you may be surprised by what you find when you seek out the hidden gems near home.

Check for special dates. Timing your travel to coincide with unique local events is a way to make your visit extra special. The jovial vibe of a fair or festival in your dream destination only adds to the excitement. Check the local calendars for events that are sure to deliver fun eats and lots of quirky, good times.

Book accommodations wisely. Look for a hotel that you can count on to deliver amenities and services that make your experience enjoyable - but know that doing so can be affordable. Options such as full service restaurants, free wireless internet access, fully-loaded fitness centers and more.

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most hotels can also be a resource when looking to do as the locals do. Once you arrive at your destination, stop by local visitor centers and ask what is unique to the region; there are some spectacular things to see that you can’t find in guide books.

Set a leisurely schedule. Save the frantic pace for the office, and leave your itinerary loose for your time away. If you must, plan one or two must-do activities each day, but give yourself permission to go with the flow. Wander and explore and take advantage of the freedom to pass the day at your own pace. Take in incredible new sights, sounds and flavors, and don’t allow your mind to be distracted by anything but having a good time.

Leave the beaten path. In each new location you visit, challenge yourself to try something new. Whether you gather the courage to parasail for the first time or sample the unfamiliar flavors of a favorite local dish, test the limits of your comfort zone and create truly unique experiences as you make your way across the country, or

even around the globe.

Document the adventure. Take time to collect photos and mementos representing all the places you visit. If scrapbooking isn’t your thing, consider a wall collage in your home office, or devise another way to capture all the memories you create along the way.

Great Getaway DestinationsStart planning your getaway to one of these top

destination picks from the travel experts:

• The Colorado River at Yuma, Arizona: Spend a few days exploring the lake, spectacular scenery and canyons.

• Everglades National Park, Florida: Explore one of the most unique ecosystems in the nation, and look for your chance to spot a manatee in the wild.

• Krakow, Poland: Explore cultural attractions, such as the Cloth Hall, the world’s first shopping mall, or the Rynek Market and Kazimierz historical district.

� Road TRippin’ april 21, 2016

Looking to satisfy your wanderlust? There are no better travel partners than your girlfriends. From Mayo Clinic to Harvard University, research shows friendships improve health, happiness and longevity, so it is time to seize the day, or in this

case, the weekend. Whether you want to reconnect or simply experience something new, planning a girlfriends’ getaway will not only make you happier and healthier, but is a snap if you keep a few expert tips in mind.

Bren Herrera is no stranger to travel, and girlfriend getaways are her forte. As a private chef, Herrera’s passion for food is only trumped by her desire to spend each weekend exploring the culture and cuisine from coast to coast. Her top tips to guide girlfriends to the best travel experiences include:

1. Wander for the weekend Careers, family and other responsibilities make life

busy. With so little time, a weekend getaway is an easier commitment than a weeklong adventure. In fact, more people are taking advantage of the weekends to pursue experiences tied to their passions, with travel topping the list, according to a recent Hampton by Hilton survey. These individuals are known as “Seekenders.” No matter where you live, there is some place incredible to explore just a couple of hours away.

2. Create a “non-agenda” agenda With a packed schedule, your typical day goes

from one item on the to-do list to the next. Agree with your girlfriends to adopt the idea of having a “non-agenda” agenda for your getaway. That means you can relax, go with the flow and enjoy

the simplicity of random exploration. You can explore a few must-see spots, but avoid over planning the trip. Spontaneous adventures make for the best memories. Don’t forget free-spirited photo sessions to forever capture those magical moments!

3. Select the ideal hotel Choose a hotel that offers friendly service and a variety of

locations so the ladies have a place to primp and pamper.

4. Forget the diet, savor the local cuisine There’s no room for a diet on a girlfriends’ getaway. Forget

rules and enjoy the authentic cuisine your destination has to offer. That could mean visiting a small, independent cafe for lunch and splurging on that 5-star restaurant you have been reading about for dinner and drinks.

5. Hit the city hotspots You won’t be able to explore every inch of a city in one

weekend, so brainstorm with the gals and hit your must-see hotspots. You’ll be surprised how much you can get done in a half day. In just four hours, Herrera and her best friend explored San Francisco, finding time to drive through the Golden Gate Bridge State Park to Lombard Street and Union Square, eat brunch at Bulga, ride a streetcar and, of course, snap a hilltop photo of Alcatraz.

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