Family Travel Planet

2008-12-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

NINE TIPS FOR GREENING YOUR TRAVEL IN 2009

Part of FamilyTravelPlanet.com is taking your children to see the world and experience it through your child's eyes. Family Travel involves more than seeing the world; it is an opportunity to teach your children how to take care of our planet, so that one day, they can see the same natural wonders with their own families.

When we travel, we often make sure to "give back" to where we visit. Some hotels now offer "Voluntourism" vacations. We took the kids to the Southwest Conservancy in Naples, Florida to teach them how to keep the beach clean. Then, we got our garbage bags and hit the Naples Beach with a program that the Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers to clean up the beach. Making a treasure-hunt out of our findings was fun, but watching my children see how our ecology works was the true gift of our vacation.

Here are some other tips for Green Travel this holiday season - and any:

1. FLY GREEN International tourism supports many communities worldwide by creating jobs and raising the standard of living. The only downfall is the carbon footprint from your air travel. While it isn't perfect, you can offset your flight by purchasing carbon credits. There are many sites for calculating your footprint and making this donation to a worthy cause such as www.terrapass.com and www.climatecare.org to name a few.

2. TOUR GREEN Intrepid Travel (http://www.intrepidtravel.com/) is a long-standing leader in sustainable tourism and environmentally sensitive travel. They recently took their commitment further with a new category of "Carbon Offset" trips. In 2009, 38 of their 400+ adventures will be eco-friendly and specifically designed to have a lower impact on the environment.

3. MEET GREEN Australians are keen outdoor enthusiasts with a reputation for living the green lifestyle and having strong environmental programs. In early 2009, the city of Melbourne, Australia will unveil a new Melbourne Convention Center with a 6 Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.

4. VOLUNTEER GREEN Luxury hotel chain RockResorts (http://www.rockresorts.com/) offers "Give and Getaway" vacations, where guests can participate in volunteer projects, such as trail restoration with the National Forest Foundation, and receive discounted lodging rates to boot!

5. DRIVE GREEN Carpool to the airport if possible, but if you have to rent a car choose a hybrid option, such as Budget-Rent-A-Hybrid-Car. Some hotels even throw in a hybrid as part of your stay. The Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Washington DC both offer posh Lexus Hybrid Living Suites complete with your own luxury green wheels. And at the Resort at Paws Up (www.pawsup.com) in Montana, guests enjoy free use of a Miles Electric vehicle when renting a Wilderness Estate.

6. EAT GREEN Sample the destination's local cuisine by choosing sustainable, organic, locally grown foods. Choosing these fresher, healthier meals will support the communities you visit. Keystone, Colorado (www.keystoneresort.com) has instated the "Appetite for Life" program, an initiative that serves only sustainable cuisine in all of the destination's food and beverage operations.

7. DRESS GREEN Purchase eco-friendly clothing that packs well and comes from a company with earth friendly practices. Clothier Patagonia offers garments that pack well and are geared towards the great outdoors. The company's Common Threads Recycling Program utilizes a fiber-to-fiber recycling system to make new products from old; for example, polar fleece pullovers are made from recycled plastic bottles.

8. SLEEP GREEN Choose a hotel with strong environmental policies. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (www.fairmont.com/environment) have resort wide mandates for recycling, water and energy conservation, and reducing disposable waste. They also empower guests to do their part with in-room recycling bins and the option to pass on daily towel and bedding changes. One more tip: taking your soap and shampoos home ensure they are used instead of becoming waste.

9. DREAM GREEN In mid-2009, the world's first green island will open in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. Named Star Island (http://www.starislandbahamascom/) for Sustainable Terrain and Resources, this carbon neutral island will offer a boutique luxury resort operating on 100 percent clean energy derived from wind, solar and biofules. The island's restaurants, pools, spa, and boat marina will also be powered with clean energy and built to the highest standard of green-luxury design. When you return home, you can give back to a destination by donating to organizations like Travelers' Philanthropy (http://www.travelersphilanthropy.org/).

Jack Hanna at Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay

2008-11-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

Jack Hanna shares his wild adventures at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Nov.14, 15 and 16, during a weekend full of educational animal shows, autograph signings and a new, limited-engagement breakfast.

I interviewed Hanna for Travel Channel Radio and can tell you firsthand that you will LOVE this experience! My kids have watched his shows through the years and become mesmerized by his way with animals. This is a must-see.

The new Jack Hanna Weekend features the renowned naturalist discussing his world travels and educating animal lovers of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Breakfast with Jack Hanna is new, and available Sat., Nov. 15, and Sun., Nov. 16, at the Crown Colony Restaurant. Guests can meet Jungle Jack beginning at 8:30 a.m., and the buffet-style breakfast starts at 9 a.m. Guests attending the breakfast will receive reserved seating for Jack’s 11:30 a.m. show. Breakfast with Jack Hanna costs $15.95 for adults and $9.95 for children, ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Children under 3 are free, but require a reservation.

Friday’s show times are 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday shows begin at 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Jack Hanna will be available for photos and autographs before every show, which are a the Stanleyville Theater near SheiKra.

All Stanleyville shows and autograph signings are included with a day’s paid admission or any annual Passport. Visit BuschGardens.com or call 1-888-800-5447 for breakfast reservations. Breakfast discounts are available for Passport members.

Jack Hanna is best known as the star of the Emmy Award-winning television series “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild,” in which he invites audiences to join him on his expeditions around the globe. During his travels, Hanna shares with millions of viewers his up-close, fascinating encounters with exotic and endangered animals from nearly every continent. Jack Hanna also recently authored three books: Romp, Stomp, Waddle Home!, Passport into the Wild and Jungle Jack: My Wild Life.

Space Shuttle Launch: Family Vacation

2008-06-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

I highly suggest that you plan a trip to Florida's Space Coast. We just returned from our once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor's Complex, where we sat in the Rocket Garden, surrounded by families like ours, to watch the Space Shuttle Discovery blast off into outer space.

Mind-boggling, spectacular, amazing. I can't think of any other way to describe our day. It was perfect. The lift-off went off without a hitch. We met astronauts. Our kids had the priviledge of getting to ask questions like, "What do you eat in space?" and "How do you sleep in zero gravity?"

We stayed at the Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort in Cocoa Beach, just about 20 minutes from the Space Center. The resort is so family-friendly. My two boys got to shoot hoops on the roof of the parking garage - what a novel idea! Every hotel should turn its parking garage rooftop into a full sports court! They enjoyed the pool, water slides and mini-golf.

The vacation was made more enjoyable because we had a 2-bedroom condo (timeshare rental) and my parents were able to join us. It was so special seeing the Shuttle launch with my parents, who can recall firsthand when President Kennedy promised to put a man on the moon.

Take the family to the Space Coast. You can read more about our trip and will soon be able to watch a video of our day on VisitFlorida.com, where I am the Family Travel Expert.

And, don't forget to get your kids ID bracelets when you visit Orlando's theme parks and attractions such as this. It helps to have peace of mind when you are traveling with kids and immersed in crowds. The IDONME waterproof bracelets for travel with kids are available for only $12 on my website: FamilyTravelPlanet.com. Get yours today! They have been our biggest seller.

Win a Family Trip to Washington D.C.

2008-06-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Win a Trip to Washington, D.C. for Your Family!

goSmithsonian.com and Travelocity Team Up to Give One Family Four Days of Free Summer Fun in the Nation’s Capital

I love a good contest to win a family vacation! goSmithsonian.com, a Web site devoted exclusively to helping travelers enrich their visits to our nation’s capital, has teamed up with Travelocity to offer the Capital Fun Sweepstakes. Families of four will be given the chance to experience the excitement and culture of Washington, D.C.

Contestants that enter between May 29 and July 4 are placed into a random drawing to win a four day, three night trip with a jam-packed, family-friendly itinerary. Travelers have access to the city’s historic monuments, museums, and other attractions.

“The sweepstakes is a great way for the entire family to get excited about what our nation’s capital has to offer,” said Kerry Bianchi, Group Publisher, Smithsonian Media. “By combining the charm of our capital’s landmarks with activities like Bike and Roll’s bike tour around the city and a Nina’s Dandy dinner cruise along the Potomac River, there is sure to be fun for the whole family.”

To enter, visit goSmithsonian.com, follow the links and complete the online entry form. Contestants are limited to one entry per day.

About Smithsonian Media
Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian, Smithsonian Publishing Digital Network, Smithsonian Books and advertising for Smithsonian Channel—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media’s flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world’s most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution.

For more information, visit www.smithsonian.com, www.airspacemag.com, and www.gosmithsonian.com.

How to Avoid the Extra Baggage Charge

2008-05-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Family travel is costly enough. Now, with airlines charging a fee for checked baggage, things just got harder for parents trying to juggle kids, luggage and their expenses. But, hotels like the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resorts, a Loews Hotel, (above) are fighting back and are creating an added incentive for families traveling with children.

On the heels of American Airlines’ announcement this week that it will begin charging a $15 fee for travelers’ first checked bag and the likelihood that other airlines will follow suit, Loews Hotels introduces a new “Baggage Buy Back” incentive that will reimburse guests for their $15 checked baggage fee.

Arriving guests need only present any airline bag fee receipt at the front desk to receive the rebate, which will be issued in the form of a credit to their bill at check-out. The Baggage Buy Back rebate is available at Loews’ 18 properties in the U.S. and Canada, beginning June 15 through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Loews Hotels will offer credit for up to two bags for a maximum of $30 per occupied room per stay.

“In just the last few months, airlines have added myriad new fees to cover rising fuel prices,” said Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels. “At Loews Hotels, we want to demonstrate to our guests how much we appreciate their business and one way we can do this is by helping them rein in some of the hidden costs of travel that are becoming increasingly common.”

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels owns and/or operates 18 hotels and resorts in the U.S. and Canada. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with a supremely comfortable, uniquely local and vibrant travel experience.

Loews boasts some of the industry's most innovative and successful travel programs, including Loews Loves Kids for families and Loews Loves Pets for discerning animals on the road. For reservations or more information on Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or check www.loewshotels.com.

Hard Rock ROCKS!

2008-05-05T17:56:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a weekend in Orlando, where we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, a Loews Universal Orlando Resort. What an amazing place! The kids, ages 7 and 9, loved checking out all of the nostalgic memorabilia that they really only recognized from "Guitar Hero." That is, of course the holy grail to them.

"Hey, it's Slash's hat!" one of them screamed. "Look mom, it's Eric Clapton's guitar!" They were enamored by it all.

The "cool" vibe and speakers under water in the pool were making them think they had really hip parents. Plus, they were treated to some extra-special amenities like vintage lunchboxes filled with candy, cookies and caramel corn! (Good thing I taught them to share!)

Friday night, a boy band even played in the lobby. What more could kids ask for?

Well....They didn't ask for these things, but the Hard Rock delivered them: pool tables, outdoor ping pong, hoola hoop and water balloon contests, Dive-In Movies, kid-friendly food and great rock-and-roll souvenirs.

I'll be doing more blogging on the property next week, so check out VISITFLORIDA.com for more info. about our stay!

We spent the day at Aquatica, SeaWorld's new waterpark. My VisitFlorida.com blog this week features all of the rides we went on. The kids loved zipping down the 350-foot slides. The steeper the drop, the better.

Dolphin Plunge - a favorite - takes you under the water in a tube surrounded by Commerson's Dolphins in a marine habitat. These live animals add a thrilling adventure to the already exciting park.

By 2 p.m., we had already packed in a FULL day at the park. I have some tips for anyone visiting there that you should check out on VISITFLORIDA.com. They will save you some time when you go!

Safe and Happy Travels

Saving parents time - and money - and hassles is why I got into the family travel business to begin with. I spent today discussing business ideas with the family-owned and operated business CARES, Kids Fly Safe Child Aviation Restraints, which can be purchased from FamilyTravelPlanet.com.

You do not need to bring your kids' car seats on the plane anymore! These convenient, packable straps are a revolution for parents traveling with kids! They are the best invention I have seen for parents who cannot drag those cumbersome giant car seats on the plane!

The FAA has approved the CARES child restraints and they are endorsed by major carriers. I have checked them out myself and my cousin has used it many times for her flights to Florida with her 2-year-old. They are simply the single best item that family travel has to offer parents these days. I just wish they were around when my boys were toddlers!

Until next time...

Jennifer

Family Vacation Ideas

2008-04-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

I started this blog to give parents family travel ideas. Here are a few to get you started thinking about where to go on your summer vacation:

1. Orlando: I just posted a blog for VISITFLORIDA.com on how to get great travel deals using your tax rebate (which hopefully you got!) Why not spend the money on a summer trip with the kids. Orlando is offering some great deals. Check it out.

2. The site also just posted my video on our stay at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn. This will keep your kids cool....and you'll be the coolest parents around for taking them! Watch my video and see the Michaels family get SLIMED!

3. Amelia Island Plantation: We just returned from a wonderful trip to the Plantation. I am working on a story for VISITFLORIDA.com so I don't want to give too much away. Suffice it to say that the island is filled with many opportunities for families to have the vacation of their dreams! We kayaked, horseback rode, hunted for shark's teeth. I even had an incredible massage at The Spa at Amelia Island Plantation. I will let you know when the story is posted.

3. Beaver Creek, Colorado: Read about our travels last summer to this kid-friendly town. My kids went trampoline bungee-jumping, played mini-golf and hiked up Vail mountain. They even got to throw a snowball at the top of the mountain -- in the middle of June. My website, FamilyTravelPlanet.com, has a feature on our trip, including how to pack for such a family adventure. We even went river rafting with Grandma and Grandpa!

4. Chicago, Illinois: This is where we are headed for our summer vacation. In addition to visiting family, we are planning to hit NikeTown, Wrigley Field and the shops on Michigan Avenue. We will also visit the Shedd Aquarium and the dinosaur Sue at the Field Museum. We love taking the kids to Chicago. You can also read more about where to take the kids on FamilyTravelPlanet.com.

5. New York: Start spreading the news! This summer is going to be an incredible time to visit the Big Apple. For starters, the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park, is promoting the viewing of an art exhibit, Waterfalls, which will take the city by storm. This will most definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime sight to behold. My kids love NYC. Just grabbing a hot dog from a street vendor is a big deal to someone three-feet tall! Can you imagine what the buildings look like to kids? I suggest staying at the Ritz-Carlton so you will be sure to get a view of the Statue of Liberty. They also deliver hand-made chocolate statues. My kids were in heaven!

That's my Top 5 Summer Vacation Idea List!

Don't forget when you are traveling with kids, make sure to put identification on your children. You can purchase IDONME bracelets on my website, FamilyTravelPlanet.com. The most important thing you can do when traveling to crowded theme parks, big-city airports or big cities is make sure that your children are properly identified. This way, they can call your cell phone if you get separated. Safe family travel begins with a plan. ID YOUR KIDS!

Family Travel

2008-04-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

We've been quite busy traveling lately to some amazing family-friendly destinations. First, during Spring Break, we visited the Amelia Island Plantation, where we got to watch the sun rise and set from a beautiful beachfront 2-bedroom condo.

My husband and I had some "couple time" when we went horseback riding on the beach with Kelly's Seahorse Ranch at Amelia Island State Park.

The boys spent hours searching for "Beach Bounty," which means shark's teeth, with a certified naturalist. They each found a tooth and spent the rest of the trip hunting for another one.

We also went kayaking with Kayak Amelia. You can check out my blog on VisitFlorida.com.

Family Travel Blogging

2008-03-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

Blog, Blog, Blog...Maybe I am not blogging enough. I am going to start writing a bit more. My friend's 11-year-old son was visiting from Chicago and had a blog with 10,000 visitors! I am hot in competition with him now. I think I can do this!

Last weekend was our 11th wedding anniversary and we were supposed to go away to the Renaissance Vinoy resort on St. Petersburg Beach. As the Family Travel Expert for VisitFlorida.com, I am always on the lookout for great family travel deals. Their Romance Package looked wonderful. But, our youngest son came down with a terrible cough and pneumonia, so we stayed home. I will write more about this on my blog for VisitFlorida.

Kids come first. We are now just looking ahead to our next family vacation: The Plantation in Amelia Island. My oldest son, Jack, is hoping to bring a friend. I get asked about bringing kids' friends on family vacations a lot. I am wondering if it's a good idea myself. There is no other way to find out, except for trying it! So, we've invited another 9-year-old to travel with us as we check out Old Style Florida vacations on Amelia Island. We are really looking forward to this getaway. The property sounds wonderful and very family-friendly. They are even going to provide us with our own golf cart, so I am sure the boys will be in heaven!

What's new on FamilyTravelPlanet.com? Well, we are starting to get sales from all over the world for our ID BRACELETS FOR KIDS. A parent's worst fear is a missing child. I am trying to impart the importance of these safety identification bracelets. Kids usually do not remember their parent's cell phone numbers when lost in a crowded airport or theme park. It's a great idea to have these IDONME bracelets on the kids when you travel.

I also hosted a party for Eagle Creek Pack-It Systems. I am a huge fan of their products and wanted to share this information with friends and neighbors. The color-coordinated packing system can be purchased through FamilyTravelPlanet.com under the section "What to Bring." I have a journey store with the most innovative packing products around. In fact,

I just ordered a giant duffel bag for my son to pack him up for 4 weeks of overnight camp in the backwoods of Wisconsin. This Florida boy is in for some fun!
Since we travel so much with the kids, I think we've instilled a great sense of independence in them. My boys have no fears. They look at each trip as an adventure. With a sense of wonder, my 9-year-old will head out for four weeks without even a thought about missing home.

I'll write again soon. Please check out the FamilyTravelPlanet.com site from time-to-time, as I keep adding new Destination Hot Picks.

I just wrote a story on New York's Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park. This wonderful New York property is gearing up for one of New York's biggest exhibits. I have a sneak peak on FamilyTravelPlanet.com. The Battery Park Ritz-Carlton is the only place to stay. With views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the experience is like no other. Just ask my boys. They are still talking about the chocolate Statue of Liberty that was delivered to our room.

Happy and Safe Travels!

Jennifer Michaels, Family Travel Expert

No More Car Seats On The Plane! FAA-approved NEW restraints are here!

2008-02-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

Family Travel can be tough and tiring. I know because I've been in your shoes for years. But, help is on the way with the invention of a restraint that will make carrying big car seats a thing of the past.

I am surprised that more parents haven't heard about this new revolutionary travel product. My mother actually saw a blurb on it in a magazine about a new FAA-approved child aviation restraint and I couldn't wait to share this amazing news with all parents.

For years when I traveled with my kids, I would carry their heavy, awkward car-seat with me through the airport. This was in addition to our over-stuffed carry-on bags of toys to keep them occupied throught the entire flight. If that is not bad enough, try boarding a plane holding your child, this enormous car-seat and the bags of toys that now have grown even heavier with all the snacks we bought in the airport. If I had a dime for every head and elbow I banged while squeezing down the aisle of the plane to our seat, I would be able to charter a private jet to our destinations.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), if there’s turbulence, even the most loving arms can’t hold your child. The safest place for a child on an airplane is not on a parent's lap but rather in an approved child safety device.
Family Travel Planet has found the perfect, safe and convenient solution - CARES (child aviation restraint system). CARES is the first and only FAA approved harness type child safety device for children weighing 22-44 pounds that attaches directly to the back of the airplane seat and enhances the regular seat belt.

TO PURCHASE THIS REVOLUTIONARY TRAVEL ITEM, GO TO MY SITE:

FAMILYTRAVELPLANET.com. CLICK HERE!

Slime Time! Orlando's Nick Hotel Delivers Family Fun

2008-02-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

There we are...ready for our close-up! The boys and I are anticipating the big SLIME at the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn, where we spent two days filming a VISITFLORIDA video that will air within a few months.

It took hundreds of whines, pleas and commercial-watching to get me to the Nick Hotel. The boys, like most American children, have always wanted to get "slimed." So, we took the camera crew along for the wild ride. I figured I could not call myself a family travel expert without visiting the most family-friendly resorts. And, the Nick Hotel ranks at the top of that list!

The property is an intense paradise of kid-friendly amenities. From the minute I realized that they pump sweet smelling candy-like odors into the colorful lobby, I knew the kids would be in heaven.

Then, came the room. It was totally outfitted with bunkbeds and PlayStation 3. Ahhhh. Happy Kids Make Happy Parents! That's my motto! We were definitely HAPPY! The Arcade was my kids' favorite spot.

The cool thing about the arcade was that you used a special card to keep track of points for prizes, so there were no tickets floating around the bottom of pockets or purses. And, the prizes were giant, so they served as my kids' souvenirs from the hotel. Brandon got a giant blow-up SpongeBob Squarepants bat!

Everything from the waterslides to the pie-in-the-face will be documented on the VisitFlorida.com site as soon as the piece is edited. I can't wait to see us POST-slime. (The picture above is pre-slime, of course)

.....Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes coverage of my travels with VisitFlorida.com. And, don't forget to go to http://www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com for more help with family travel. I will fill you in on what to bring and give you inside tips to make travel with kids easier!

Up Next: Orlando with kids

2008-01-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

We are going to be headed to Orlando to the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn next week. We are filming there and I'll be sure to have the boys wear their IDONME bracelets, which you can purchase here on this site or on my Family Travel website, www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com. I forgot to mention another safety measure: Always carry a picture of your kids with you in case you do get separated, you can show people who you are looking for. Safety with kids is never an easy subject, but it is so important to think ahead. Be prepared for the unexpected when traveling with kids.

I am becoming quite the "authority" on family travel. I am receiving so many letters to my VISITFLORIDA.com inbox asking me where to go and what to do with their children. Today, I even got a queries from Norway and Australia. I'm the international mom of mystery! It's nuts. Not only am I planning my travels for my own family, but I'm like a travel agent to the world with my new job as the Family Travel expert.

As I teach them, I am learning myself and looking forward to so many more experiences. My kids don't even realize how lucky they are. I hope someday they appreciate it.

I will report back on our trip to Orlando. We'll stay at the Nick Hotel and catch a dinner, comedy and magic show at Wonderworks. I love checking out some off-the-beaten path locations and attractions. We'll also hit Walt Disney World.

Happy Travels!

Jennifer Michaels, Family Travel Expert

Family Travel Safety Tips: ID your Kids!

2007-12-22T19:19:00.001-08:00

Don't leave home without making sure your children have the proper identification and emergency medical information when you travel to crowded airports and themeparks.

I found the greatest ID bracelets and products called ID ON ME that my boys think are "so cool." They come in nine different bright colors and are WATERPROOF, which is always great if your kids hit the flume ride or waterparks, pools, etc.

If your kids are younger and might pull off an ID bracelet, the ID ON ME products can be taken off the bracelet and attached to a shoelace!

Peace of mind is so important when traveling with kids. Why not get your kids these bracelets, write the contact info. and put it inside the sealed compartment and know that they'll have your cell number if they need you.

You cannot count on kids to remember mommy or daddy's cell phone numbers if they are lost!

I got these ID ON ME bracelets for my sons and I am so glad I did. No more worrying about what to do if they get lost.

My neighbor's daughter is such a wanderer that she used to use a black permanent marker and write her number on her daughter's leg. This is a much better option.

You can purchase them to the right....or at my website, http://www.familytravelplanet.com/.

Travel With Kids

2007-12-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

If you are traveling with kids this holiday season, I hope you can check out my website at http://www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com. You will find lots of great gift ideas to keep the kids busy while on the road. Toys, games, journals, packing help. I provide quick links to save time and money. I am trying to create a SUPERMARKET for FAMILY TRAVEL items. I want parents to have a one-stop shop to go so they can save time before a trip. Every day, while I blog for VisitFlorida.com about my travels, I come across great helpful travel tips. If you are headed out of town for the holidays, FamilyTravelPlanet.com should be your first stop.

Here is why: Take, for instance, my blog about the power of one family-friendly item and how it can save the day/trip. Or, read about how some family-friendly resorts are becoming eco-friendly. Florida even has a Green Lodging program, where they list eco-friendly resorts.

As I take my kids on my travels for my job, I am beginning to discover that I have a responsibility to other parents to help them. I even find myself having more of a social conscience since I am blogging to a global community. If Oprah says that one person can make a huge difference by not choosing paper or plastic at the grocery store, imagine what a difference we could ALL make if we chose to recycle towels in the hotel room for a few nights. We'd save so much water! I am surprised by the large numbers of properties who are conscious that they play such a huge role in conservation.

As I search for new topics, travel with kids takes on a whole new meaning. We are also going to try a Voluntourism vacation to give back to the community while on a vacation. The Michaels Family will be cleaning up a beach somewhere in Florida...Stay tuned!

Check in on what we are doing and where we are going on http://www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com and VisitFlorida.com.

Our journey is just beginning!

2007-12-01T18:06:00.000-08:00

THE HOTTEST NEW TRAVEL TREND TO HIT THE MARKET

    When I first saw the ad for the Kindle, I decided that it is the perfect answer for many travelers. Electronic reading is going to do away with lugging all those books and magazines! When I travel with my kids, I like to bring my reading material since my sons are finally old enough to occupy themselves on the plane. But, I have to admit, I don't always want to carry my bag of books!

     This new device from Amazon is an incredible answer. It doesn't weigh as much as books; life becomes paperless. The cost of downloading the books (about $9.99) is cheaper than buying most hardbacks. And, let's face it. Whenever I finish a book on the beach on vacation, I really don't want to lug it home.

     With the kindle, you will always have your reading material at your fingertips. It's lightweight, easy to pack and carry and easy to read.

     It also makes a great gift for parents and grandparents who like to travel or are constantly recycling books.

     And, when my in-laws travel to Florida to visit us, they always want their New York Times. We don't subscribe and the local convenient store doesn't stock it. If they have the Kindle, they wouldn't have to go paper-hunting!

     For all these reasons, I think the KINDLE is a great idea!

Click here to purchase . . .

Family Travel

2007-11-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

I realized today why parents need a Family Travel Expert. As the CEO of my own family travels, I am the one who does all the trip-planning. If I am the travel expert, where do I go for advice?

I found myself doing some expert research of my own trying to figure out where to go in January. It is really overwhelming to plan family travel. My business needs to help parents weed through all of the sites to find the best information in a one-stop shop! I hope http://www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com gives parents the direction they are looking for.

Surfing the internet takes me to so many places I forget where I began. I want people to feel they've found the right place for travel advice. I will give parents tips on What to Bring, Where to Go and what links I have found helpful along the way. I want to be a supermarket for family travelers.

This is the season to find a relaxing escape from everyday life. I'll get back to you on where we decide to take the kids this holiday vacation.

My Thanksgiving Blues

2007-11-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

With so much VisitFlorida.com blogging to do in the coming months, I headed over to Universal Studios, Orlando for some research/entertainment for the kids while they are out of school. Our friends were staying at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort on property. We decided to join them. First of all, you get an Express Pass to skip the lines. On a holiday weekend, this is a MUST-have travel item for the parks. The hotel is our favorite. There is a water taxi that goes straight into the park and the boys just love the HULK ride. Brandon has been waiting for what seems like his whole life to make the height requirement for some of the "big boy" rides. He finally did it! He rode the MUMMY and loved it. They even conned me into riding it by telling me it was on a boat like "Small World" at Walt Disney World. What they forgot to tell me was that it's a rollercoaster!

We had tickets to Blue Man Group and the ICE! exhibit at the Gaylord Palms resort. Between the Blue Man Group, Blue parkas at the ICE show and our Blue LIPS from the 9 degree weather inside, we were truly having the Thanksgiving blues! It was awesome!

You can read all about it on my www.VisitFlorida.com blog when they launch, which should be any day now. I am crossing my fingers for Monday!

Jennifer Michaels debuts her Packing Video for VisitFlorida.com

2007-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the video that I shot for VisitFlorida.com. We had just come back from swimming in the coral reef at the Aquarium, so excuse my messy house! This packing video gives great tips on How to Pack for Your Entire Family in One Hour in One Bag! Seriously. It can -- and will -- be demonstrated! Enjoy! (You can purchase all of these packing items through my website at http://www.familytravelplanet.com/.) I will link you to where to find everything. Trust me, this video was not staged, folks. We shot it on the fly. I can now pack with my eyes clothes. My friends with girls say boys are easier to pack for, but the Pack-It system by Eagle Creek really makes it easy. There are cosmetic organizers. Plus, the cubes are ideal for hair bows and come in pretty colors! I may not have to pack for girls, but believe me, I have to pack plenty of specialty items. We never leave home without baseball gloves and hundreds of baseball cards, which fit nicely into the cubes too!

Me and My Crew

2007-11-06T06:09:00.000-08:00

Here's me and my crew! What better way to spend your working hours than with your kids. These are my two and my sister's three. The 5 cousins have become a team of traveling kiddie researchers. They tell me what they like -- and don't like. I learn from them daily. They are all strong in opinions and will try just about anything (except for broccoli!) They will ride any coaster and explore any shore. Here they were swimming in a coral reef at the Florida Aquarium. Coming face-to-face with a moray eel will humble just about any 6-year-old!

Our First Blog

2007-11-05T18:51:00.000-08:00

www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com is officially in business! We are really making progress. Our goal is to simplify family travel and take the hassles out of traveling with kids. As every parent knows, family trips are made much easier with a little planning. But, that isn't always so easy when there are barely enough hours in each day.

Throughout my travels with my two boys, ages 6 and 9, I have found plenty of secrets to staying organized and keeping the kids happy. Travel days are actually our best days. I am so excited to share them with a global audience of moms and dads. Welcome to our world! I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you and yours.

My new Affiliate Relations Manager, Deb K., has been burning the midnight oil setting up some great links and programs that will make it really easy for you to navigate our site.

My kids know that since mommy has to document the family trips, they do too. They have become wonderful writers because I have taught them how to keep kids' travel journals. I am working with a wonderful Children's Travel Store, which you can easily access from www.FamilyTravelPlanet.com. Under the "What to Bring" section, you can find all of my recommendations to what to pack in your bag of tricks, including the journal, which I like to save as a souvenir keepsake. It's fun for the kids to go back later and read what they wrote about the trip. They will surprise you, as they scribble down the things that stuck out to them.

The reason I chose to work with this particular travel toy store is that we share a philosophy about what kids should do to fill their down-time. They shouldn't be tuned out with high-tech toys. Their motto: "It's not the Destination, It's the Journey!" really hit home with me. It's about writing stories and making crafts and finding useful ways to spend the hours spent on planes, trains, cars and cruise ships.

"My Favorite Things" section will give you useful travel links and really helpful things to get you organized for packing. I will show you how to get the maximum amount of clothes in the minimum amount of space. I am literally "hands-free" at the airport. You will be too after you see my article titled, "The Art of Packing Light." I hope it inspires you!

My friend visited me from Los Angeles with her family packed in the neatest packing system I have ever seen! It sparked my interest in challenging myself to be as organized as she was. Plus, friends are very competitive. Let's face it, I wasn't going to let my kids see that I wasn't as neat as another mom! (Just kidding!) I didn't think there was any way that I could be as organized. And, now I am an expert family packer....Who knew????

So, come along on this crazy adventure. The Michaels Family will be traveling the globe and sharing our travel tips. I will keep adding content the more places we go.

I am planning a trip to Orlando's Universal Studios for this month. My extended family is spending Thanksgiving out of town, so we figured we would hit the road ourselves and try to navigate Orlando during the holiday rush. I am sure I'll have lots of tips upon my return!

Like I've said in the past, our journey is just beginning....