More Travel Bug Bites.



Emerald Spring



My wife and I never really got to travel much as kids so when it comes to our son we want to make sure that he is a well-rounded traveler. We want to show him the entire world, and also some beautiful parts of this country (the United States for my readers abroad). This will be difficult for me because I just don’t see myself packing down the Grand Canyon on the back of a burro, or ice climbing in Alaska. There are still plenty of things to do when it comes to taking my son out to show him nature. A future trip that my wife and I will be taking him on will be a visit to Yellowstone National Park. This is an absolutely enormous parcel of land that was designated a wildlife sanctuary by President Theodore Roosevelt back in the day. It was his idea that we should all have a stake in America and that it be something we could visit (if we so chose).

I have always been fascinated by Yellowstone. Yes there is the tourist areas like Old Faithful geyser, the lodges and the thousands of unspoiled acres of trees, grasslands, and animals roaming free. Surprisingly, a lot of the park is wheelchair accessible. There are boardwalks, and hard packed level trails, campsites roads perfect for taking a handcycle out for a spin on. The accommodations in and around the area are like anywhere else (there are accessible rooms but they are limited so book early), and there are campsites (which is cool for those who like to sleep close to nature). The park offers Ranger guided events during different parts of the year and Park Service website is extremely helpful when it comes to finding out the accessible spots in various parts of the park. This kind of trip is what childhood memories are made of, roasting marshmallows over the fire, ghost stories and getting to see a bear or Bison in the wild (and take a picture of it). It is also a MUCH more basic type of vacation than those I have talked about before, which we all need from time to time, 

 Don’t you think?   

Happy Thanksgiving Wherever Your Travels Take You

I am very thankful that I live in a world that I can afford to save for vacations. I am thankful that I have a job that allows me time off to recharge my batteries and see sights while I travel. I am thankful that I have a spouse and child that love to travel as much as I do. I am thankful that I have a dog that enjoys her time at the thoroughly researched kennel (where she frequently doesn’t want to come home). I am thankful that I live in a world that is trying to make things more accessible to a person in a wheelchair that also happens to have a toddler that doesn’t always see the need to hurry. I am thankful that I can help those who need help either monetarily, emotionally, or physically. I am thankful for those out there that help those that I do not have the means to help. I hope that all of your travels take you where you want to go. I hope that all your travels take you to where you need to be. I hope you get to spend as much time with those that you love as possible. I hope that you can be thankful for your life, as it is short and delicate. To borrow a quote “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” (Ferris Buehler's Day Off).  Happy Thanksgiving!!       

                                                                                                                           

5 Fave Friday - The Thanksgiving Edition

I took last week off in observance of Veteran's Day. Now I am back in with a list I kind of dread. In the United States and Canada people make a trek back home to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving and (Christmas Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Ramadan...I think I have gotten them all). This is a joyous time for many, as families who do not see each other often. This also leads to a massive crowding on highways, airports, and other forms of traveling. It got me thinking about various ways that I, and people I know have made the trip home. I have done some of these myself (and not necessarily liked them) or I know people who have done them (and really liked it, consider it a personal preference).

5. The Bus - I work at a university so there is no shortage of people who have to get home and are low on funds. I, personally, have not been on an interstate bus since I was 8 years old, but I have the strong memory that it was not pleasant. I have been told that it has improved in the almost thirty years since I "left the driving to" a certain bus company I won't mention for fear of legal reprisals.If you are low on cash this is a good way to get where you need to go. Pluses you don't have to pay attention to driving, and can nap, read, or watch a movie on your computer (some buses have Wifi), and you get to use the carpool lane. Drawbacks, you might get sat next to the bathroom, slow method of getting anywhere.

4. Rental Car-If you have a large group that is traveling but a small car you can rent a larger vehicle. This gives you an option of bringing those necessities in life that you and your group can't live without (snow boards, ski equipment, video game consoles, fruit cake). Pluses, You can take the family pet with you, swap drivers when one gets tired, test drive a vehicle that you may be interested in purchasing without the annoying car salesman sitting three feet away, and most rental companies have unlimited miles. Drawbacks, You have to pay for the rental (and insurance), the gas, and the stain little Jimmy leaves when he drops his grape juice in the back seat, and the potential speeding ticket because you get a late start to your trip.

3. Regional Air Carriers- Most mid size cities have a regional airport and smaller airlines that may be less hectic than the larger airports and carriers (travel out of Orange County on Alaska Air or Jet Blue instead of LAX on Delta or United Airlines). Flying is still the busier way to go and you have to deal with a TSA agent who may not be having a "Merry Little Christmas" and inadvertently takes it out on you or someone in your line. Pluses, quickest way to get from point A to point B. Drawbacks, security, no meals served, plane filled to capacity, lost luggage.

2. The Train- Because of the perceived intrusiveness of of security at airports people are going back to taking the train to places again. This has always been popular on the east coast where rail transportation is cost efficient, and quick, but is now picking up with other parts of the country as well. Pluses, you get to see the country, you do not get frisked by a government employee (unless you misbehave), sleeper cars offer you a chance to sleep relative comfort. Drawbacks, this is a slower method of travel (having to stop at each station), ticket prices can be pretty high (I believe that once trains are used more the ticket prices will lower).

1. Skype- This is a total cheat but with all the people going places at the same time using different methods of transportation to get there holiday travel is really stressful. I say use the technology to video chat with loved ones (send gifts via FedEx, UPS, or USPS) and keep the blood pressure low. Then during another time of the year make the physical trek to visit them when there are less people traveling. It is cheaper, you are less likely to get bumped from your flight, and you can go someplace warm (If you really want to you could probably get a tree for a great price if you don't mind the Christmas tree farmer staring at you funny for wanting one in May).

I have shared my methods of travel. Share yours with me by leaving a comment.

Travel Bug Bites (future destinations for family (or not) vacations)

Everybody does a bit better when they have a trip in their future. I know I always deal with a grumpy person just a bit better when I am going somewhere warm. Since discovering Vacation Rentals By Owner (or VBRO as it is known) trip taking has opened up a bit more for me and my family. We have literally rented a 3 bedroom wheelchair accessible home for less (per night) than we would have paid for a single hotel room or suite. With this in mind my wife loves to scour the internet for cool places and see if they might have an accessible rental (or enough for our needs). She has come across some real cool places that we add to our list of spots to visit in the future.

One such find was Sanibel Island, Florida. Located off the west coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico this area is rated high on our want to visit meter. There are plenty of wheelchair accessible houses and condos that can be rented for a reasonable rate. There are plenty of beaches perfect for frolicking, snoozing, swimming, or what they are known for sea shell hunting, and other activities. From what information we have gathered it is a very family friendly island that according to several sites "you won't need your car" on. Along with the beaches the island offers miles of bike paths perfect for a certain hand-cycler and his family. There are shops, and restaurants, and plenty for you to go tourist on. From what we have been able to see this is not Daytona Beach or Panama City. Not much of a Jell-O shot kind of a place. But that kind of speaks to me and I cannot wait to go.

5 Fave Friday - The Roadtrip Song Edition

It is time once again for everybody to be subjected to my thoughts. This week is my 5 favorite road trip songs. These are songs that keep you going even though you may be on a 15 hour interstate trip with family through desolate countryside.

5. Come Dancin by the Kinks. This is an upbeat song about a town dance hall that was the Saturday night hang out being torn down ( a metaphor how everything changes as you get older). It has a great beat and is something that everyone in the car can sing at the top of their lungs. Best of all no bad language or things you have to explain to your children (for us parental units).

4. Fulsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash. Some who know me might say this is a weird choice but Johnny Cash was hard core. While surrounded by huge semi trucks it makes you feel part of their convoy (also an acceptable song)

3. Going Back to Cali by LL Cool J.  It has a killer beat, easy lyrics and it is LL singing about going to California. What else do you need!?

2. Panama by Van Halen (the real Van Halen). I am a fan of 80s rock and this was one of those songs that was great on field trips, or family drives (where is my Casio portable tape player).

1. Life is a Highway by Tom Cochran. Yes it was redone by Rascal Flatts (redone well too) but I like the original song. It just feels like a childhood trip to the Grand Canyon.

Honorable mention for those who have kids but are opposed to Kids Bop Cd's

Recess Monkey is a kids band who do original songs for kids that are not lame. If you like 80s music you will like them.

Happy Halloween!!

Just thought I would send out a quick greetings for my North American readers. 10/31 is Halloween a time when people dress in costumes and act kind of crazy, and send our kids out to beg candy from strangers. come to think of it, it is kind of crazy.

If you like to travel for this holiday there are two destinations that I can recommend. One family friendly, one decidedly not.

The family friendly spots that I recommend are easy. If you are on the east coast Orlando (Disney, Universal, Seaworld, or the other travel destinations) if you are on the west coast SoCal (Disney, Universal, Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags). Each has various things that you can do to ring in All Hallows Eve in style and it will give your little ones a chance to say I went and it was scary fun.

Now for those of you getting away from kids I recommend New Orleans. A city so steeped in history that its founding predates the United States (NOLA was founded officially in 1718 but the native inhabitants around 100BCE, yeah I researched it) this place has it all. This city has clubs and bars, is within driving distance to casinos, and everywhere you look are graveyards, battle grounds, sacred sites (both secular and  religious), music, food, and French and Gothic architecture. Get a Hurricane and let loose.

Be safe.

5 Fave Friday - 5 Things I Don't Travel Without.

Some on my list are necessities, some are superstitions but all will be on a trip with me.

5. Something to read. Yes I do not travel without a book, magazine, or something for me to keep myself from going totally starkers. I have no ability to walk around an airplane, and if we are driving through an area that all pretty much looks the same, my nose is in a book.

4. My camera. I also am a huge proponent of vacation pictures. I love the fact that at one point in my life I took a road trip with my aunt and we stopped at every "Welcome to" sign we came across. Creating memories is what traveling is all about. They might not all be good ones (i.e. like when I was below deck on rough seas and was hit by a huge feeling of sea sickness) but afterwards you can all laugh at it (like when you went to a luau and your dress strap broke while unloading a wheelchair and your husband begged a sewing kit from house keeping)

3. Medications. It is always something to be aware of. You can buy clothes and toiletries, but pills, creams, and the other things doctors write you a prescription for are priceless on a trip

2. Grandma was right. Bring along a clean pair of undies. Yes you can wash them out in the sink overnight but what are you going to wear while waiting for them to dry. Nana's every can't be wrong.

1 A two dollar bill (US currency). This was started by my Nana who always sent me on trips with on "just in case". There may be a time when you need just a little cash and if everyone in your party has a two dollar bill it adds up. My reasoning behind it is different however. EVERY trip that I have not had one in my pocket has ended in something bad happening (a bus left us on the side of the road, a wheelchair tire goes flat, you get the picture). Maybe it is a self fulfilling prophecy but I don't chance it. And now you know....