Space Shuttle Launch: Family Vacation

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.

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.