Airlines, are they worth it?

 Let's face it, it has gotten very expensive to fly.  American Airlines increased rates by $20 after increasing them by $10 not two weeks ago.  All of the BIG airlines followed suit, only AirTran, Frontier, JetBlue and Southwest are holding out.  Bag fees, fees for soda and snacks, taxes, airport fees, etc...make transportation the most expensive part of any family vacation. All of this because of the highly volitile fuel prices caused by tightening of the world's oil supply. This will impact leisure travel greatly. Flights, cruises, trains and bus transportation costs will soar. Though we may not like it, fees due to a rise in fuel costs is understandable. BUT what about all the other fees? When did it become ok to charge us of the sodas that were once part of the experience. Why is there a huge charge when we need to change our itinerary? If we are not canceling and still spending the money with them why is there a charge? Yet, when they change our itinerary to something that is inconvenient for us we do not get a credit. We can not complain, because they know they have us hooked. Why do we pay more and get less leg room?

Now Continental Airlines customers can choose FareLock when booking reservations at continental.com and opt for a 72-hour ($5) or a seven-day hold($9). 72 Hour holds were free in the past, and still free with some airlines. Again another fee disguised as something that has been instituted for our own good, but isn't.

Fees are big business for the airlines. The Department of Transportation revealed that Delta Air Lines collected the most fees of any of the U.S. carriers at $1.26 billion so far this year. United/Continental was second with $922 million followed by $784 million collected by American. Even though Southwest does not charge for the first two checked bags, it still collected $22.5 million in fees for third bags and overweight bags.

I guess I am just tired of feeling like we have no choices with airlines. We live in Massachusetts and have chosen to drive to Florida the last three times we have gone. As a family of 5, we actually still save money driving down even with the high price of gas. We don't have to wait in an airport for two hours in each direction. We do not have to be treated like cattle herded into lines and then frisked like criminals. I have no problem with the new rules as I prefer to be safe. I just hate how people get treated. No need for it. I do not have to have a kid kicking the back of my seat, and the front seat in my face because the airline tried to squeeze two extra rows into the plane. I do not have to pay $2 for a .50 cent can of diet coke. My luggage will not go to Peru on vacation for a week and never get compensated. I will not have to rent a mini-van because I have my own.

I am not saying I will never fly, because I know I will, but I do not believe that airlines are the best option at times. Our last three drives to Florida have given us plenty of family time. We have stopped at places we would have never seen and enjoyed the actual trip. Sounds corny but we have some fun family times in those trips up and down the coast. Coming home is not as much fun, but neither is the flight home.

So, what is it you can't stand about flying anymore? What irritates you? What have you had enough of??  Let us know!

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Family fun in Jamaica...

Whether you are at one of Jamaica's beautiful all-inclusive resorts like Beaches, or just cruised in for the day on a Carnival or Royal Caribbean Cruise ship, there is so much to do and see on this island. My family has visited the island twice. The first time we did Dunn's River Falls, which we loved. Make sure you wear some type of water shoes (you can rent them there too), and be careful with cameras as it is slippery in places. You start your climb at the bottom and work your way up, but you may get off the falls and use the walkway at anytime. Your guide will take pictures of your family in places if you ask. We forgot, but your best bet is bringing a cheap waterproof camera. Don't bring valuables you do not want getting wet, or you can rent a locker before getting to the falls. The guides were not rude at all about tips, but it is expected for you to tip them. We gave him $10 for the 5 of us. Everyone should do that at least once. We were there the day the Jamaican track and field runner won the gold in the 100 yard dash and the island stood still as he ran, then burst into an instant party when he crossed the finish line first. The entire island cheered in unison and Jamaican flags waved everywhere you turned.

Situated in the resort town of Ocho Rios in Jamaica’s “Garden Parish” of St. Ann, and only 5 minutes from the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier in one direction and a short 5 minute drive to Dunn’s River Falls drive to the west is hottest new destination in Jamaica. The Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain, it boasts over 100 acres of land stretching from the coast road entrance near Dunn’s River Falls to over 700 feet above sea level at the peak of Mystic Mountain. We took the Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas tour here, and it was literally a blink of an eye from the cruise ship.

This ride features custom-designed bobsleds celebrating the Jamaican bobsled teams of Olympics past. Just like the guys in the movie. We sped on winding stainless steel rails 3,280-feet (1,000 meters) on gravity-driven ride through lush forest, on our black and yellow bobsleds. The rides takes about 6 minutes including the ride back up the mountain. The staff told us the bobsled track was laid around the natural landscape to minimize the environmental impact. We could control our own speed, allowing for either a leisurely tour through the forest or something a little more interesting. We got more daring each time we went down, since we could buy more rides at a cheaper rate while there. At the end of the ride, the bobsled slides to a graceful stop and is slowly pulled back by cable to the top of the mountain, completing the entire circuit in approximately six minutes. We were told the bobsleds go about 25 mph at top speed. Believe me it feels a lot faster than that. For younger children who may not want to ride alone, two bobsleds can be connected so the parent sits in the front and controls the speed.

Positioned at the park’s entrance, is the Rainforest SkyExplorer a state-of-the-art chairlift that sends guests above the treetops up 700 feet to the top of Mystic Mountain. The descent carries them through the heart of the canopy, giving them firsthand glimpses of the wonders of the tropical seaside rain-forest. Staff told us that the towers for the lift ride were brought in by helicopters to not disturb the ecosystem. You must ride this to ride go to any of the rides here, and to eat at the restaurant. You can also swim in their infinity pool which even has a water slide, while at the top.  My kids really liked it even if it was a simple pool. Do be careful, when we went, the slide was made of metal and was quite hot.  The 30-minute round trip excursion in an open-air chairlift take you through 1.3 miles of the rain-forest canopy. From the top of Mystic Mountain you can see Ochos Rios and the cruise terminal clearly.

We did not ride the Zipline this trip. It seemed very nicely done as we saw people zip through the forest, above our heads, as we rode the bobsleds. The secure Zip Line attraction whisks travelers through the rain-forest canopy, gliding from one platform to another.  The Zip Line tour consists of seven platforms and 6 Zip lines averaging 100 meters in length, with one 10-meter vertical rappel descent and one 25-meter suspension walking bridge.

There is a three in one package which offers: the Rainforest SkyExplorer, Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, and the popular Zip Line. The SkyExplorer carries guests above the trees to the peak, then both the Bobsled and Zip line sends them speeding through the heart of the forest. If you want to experience all of them this would be the way to go.

My kids really did like Dunn's River Falls, but they loved Mystic Mountain. They played in the pool for over an hour, we ate lunch up there, rode the bobsleds, shopped and looked around for about 4.5 hours. I think that kids ages 6-89 would love this excursion. This 46 year old loved it. We took a shuttle back which were constantly returning to the cruise ship's terminal. We will surely be back to Jamaica. Hopefully next time to an all-inclusive.

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Why a Christmas Cruise is a Great Idea for Families

Many families look for unique ways to spend the holidays and cruises offer a no-effort option for holiday festivities. Cruisers need to just bring along a few gifts and the rest of the planning will be handled by the staff on the ship. There are no trees to put up and no huge amounts of wrapping. Some cruise ships let you buy a small tree with decorations for your room. No cooking and cleaning, and all the comforts of home, what else could you ask for? Most cruise lines decorate beautifully for the holiday season. Some even bring snow machines on board so that guests can enjoy a white Christmas while at sea, and Santa makes an appearance on many ships. Special seasonal meals are also provided, so you do not miss the Christmas dinner. There is even Church services on many of the ships. Then there are the celebrations that you might find at the islands or ports you are visiting. It is always best to check if anything is going on.

If you live in a cold area of the country, there is nothing better than sipping a nice cool colada as you sail on a catamaran, or lounge by the beach with your loved ones, while it is cold and maybe snowing in your neck of the woods. For a stress-free, leave-the-work-to-someone-else Christmas, a cruise is a perfect option.

 I am not sure I could ever do a Holiday Christmas cruise. My husband would never go for it since he wouldn't have his entire family there. I think it would be fun if everyone would go....What do you guys think? Have you done it? How did it go? Are you considering it?

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A mid-Winter escape with the kids not 20 minutes from Boston?

On Ferncroft Rd just off Rte 1 in Danvers, Massachusetts and only 19 miles north of Boston awaits 65,000 square feet of indoor wet and wild fun at the Crowne Plaza Boston North Shore. Here, twisting and turning waterslides of bodies and rafts, a basketball pool. Zero-depth entry wave pool, dumping bucket, adventure river, climbing structure, whirlpools, lap pool and activity pools with lily pads for the kids to hop across. Movies are shown in the Dip-in Theater (really cute), and near the water action is the Key Quest Arcade with arcade and video games. You can even rent private cabanas here, as well, with refrigerator, TV and lounge chairs. 

Dip In Theater

The water park is open to registered hotel guests that purchase water resort packages and to day guests. Advance daily admission passes are available on CoCo Key's Website.http://www.cocokeywaterresort.com/locations/danvers/index.aspx

Dining inside the park, including fast food from Pizza Hut and A&W Root Beer, is nothing to get too excited about. More adventurous diners may want to check out the nicely appointed restaurant at the Crowne Plaza. My family and I enjoyed the water park, and the cost with the hotel room for the night was not to bad for the amount of time we spent in there. There was a nice hot tub to sit in, and we had no problems finding a place to eat or chairs to sit on. My twin daughters gave the place two thumbs up! A great place to bring the kids to chase off those winter blues.

Climbing structure part of the water park

Let us know what you thought of COCO Key if you have gone. Where do you go when you can't hop on a plane and head south to get away from the winter blues?

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Raises suggested gratuity recommendations.....

Most people who work the labor intensive jobs on a cruise ship get paid very low wages. Most of them that I have met are sending most of their money back to where they live to family, and they make more in tips than in their paychecks. I must admit that it is quite a raise, but most of these people more than earn what they are even suggesting now...The increase is across the board 19%.

How do you feel about it? I think it is fair. We may not like it, but for the most part, cruise ship personnel really earn those tips. The new recommended daily gratuity for dining and housekeeping staff is $11.65 per passenger and $13.90 per suite passenger, for sailings that commence on and after July 1. The current recommended gratuity is $12 for passengers in suites and $9.75 for everyone else. 

http://www.travelweekly.com/cruise/article3_ektid225618.aspx

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Boston with kids.....

So here is one city I do know. One city, I have explored with my own children and can tell you it is easy to navigate and has a multitude of things to do. Here you can find Mother Goose's resting place right next to the resting place of our founding fathers. You can see where famous battles took place, visit a green monster, ride swan boats, and visit Paul Revere's house and the church where he hung the lanterns. There are witch trials, sailing ships, Brewery's and baseball...oh my! Any season of the year there is so much to see and do. Below are some ideas for everyone in your family.

Links to many tours and places families should not miss.

http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/index.html

http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64

http://www.bostonducktours.com/

http://www.gonomad.com/features/0805/boston-chinatown-food.html

http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

http://www.paulreverehouse.org/

http://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/boston.htm

http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/

http://www.jfklibrary.org/

For the sports enthusiasts-
Larry Bird's Bronze Sneakers-size 13 ½ sneakers cast in bronze
Location: Faneuil Hall, Boston
Public Transportation: Government Center (Green or Blue Line)
Cost and Hours: Free, open 24 hours/day

Arnold "Red" Auerbach Statue- former Celtics coach
Location: Faneuil Hall, Boston
Public Transportation: Government Center (Green or Blue Line)
Cost and Hours: Free, open 24 hours/day  

Boston Marathon Finish Line-
Location: Boylston Street, Back Bay, Boston
Public Transportation: Copley (Green Line)
Cost and Hours: Free, open 24 hours/day


Fenway Park Tour-
Location: Yawkey Way, Boston

Public Transportation- Commuter rail and Green line
Cost and Hours: charge, open 9-4 M-Sat and 12-5 Sun

Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Huntington Ave, Boston  
Public Transportation: Green Line
Cost and Hours:

Mon and Tues.	10 am–4:45 pm
Wednesday – Friday	10 am–9:45 pm
Saturday and Sunday	10 am–4:45 pm

Adults	$20
Seniors and Students 18 and older	$18
Youths 6 and under	FREE
Youths 7-17, weekdays before 3 pm	$7.50*

*Youths 7-17 admitted free on weekdays after 3 pm, weekends, and public school holidays

Boston's Children Museum
Location: Children’s Wharf at 308 Congress Street, Boston
Public transportation: South Station (MBTA Commuter Rail, Red Line, Amtrak and Private Bus Carriers) and Courthouse Station (Silver Line Waterfront).
cost and hours: Adults: $12.00 Seniors(65+): $12.00 Children (1-15): $12.00
(0-12 Months): Free! Open every day 10am - 5pm Fridays 10am - 9pm

Museum of Science
Location: 1 Science Park, Boston
Public Transportation: Green Line

Cost and hours:

Adult (12+)	Senior (60+)	Child (3 - 11)
Exhibit Halls	$21.00	$19.00	$18.00
Omni	$9.00	$8.00	$7.00
Planetarium	$9.00	$8.00	$7.00

Regular Hours (through July 4)
Saturday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Summer Hours (July 5 - Labor Day)
Saturday - Thursday, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

New England Aquarium

Location : 1 Central Warf, Boston

Public Transportation: Blue Line

Cost and Hours:

Adult Aquarium admission	$21.95
Child (3-11) Aquarium admission	$13.95
Senior (60+) Aquarium admission	$19.95
Child under age 3	Free
Aquarium Members	Free

Winter Hours- September 7 - June 30 Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm Saturday, Sunday and most holidays,* 9 am - 6 pm

Whale watch-
Location: at New England Aquarium
Cost and hours - April -late Nov
So check here for times and dates http://www.neaq.org/visit_planning/whale_watch/whale_watch_schedule.php








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