By Marcella S. Meeks

     Summertime can’t get here fast enough for me. I’m ready to pack up my car, my little dog, and two of my grandkids and hit Interstate 20 heading West. Tristin and Kendray have their hearts set on Florida but not sure as yet how that will work out for us. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. I’m certainly gonna try to get us there but if not, we’ll go to Galveston instead. At least make the beach in Texas if nothing else. And then there’s our Out West trip! That’s my most important trip of all.

     We’re leaving here July 3^rd and driving to Roswell, New Mexico. I want to take the boys to the alien museum in Roswell. While we’re there, we’re only eighty miles or so from Carlsbad Caverns. I figure we can drive to the Carlsbad and we can go down in the caves before returning to Roswell. The next day, we’re off to Albuquerque. We’re staying there three nights. The kids are going to the zoo, and aquarium, Cliff’s Amusement Park, Rattlesnake Museum and skate at a couple of the skate parks.

     When we leave there, we’re headed to Farmington, NM and we’re spending one night there. We’re visiting Jack’s brother and going to the Aztec Indian ruins while we’re there. The next day, we’re driving up to Cortez, Colorado and we’re going through the
Mesa Verde tour before heading back down to Durango where we’re staying the next three nights at Motel Durango.

     The kids can utilize the free skate park during our three day stay. We can drive over to Silverton and then on to Ouray and spend the day before returning to Durango.

     After that, we’re South Fork bound. We’ll hang around South Fork for several days. There’s a waterfall that we love to visit between South fork and Creede. We’ll probably drive over and spend the day in Lake City, one of our favorite small towns about seventy five miles away. Yeah, a little gas, but well worth the drive nevertheless. The scenic mountain views are worth every minute you put into the drive.

     After that, we’ll head over to Monte Vista – not much there but there is a skate park (free access) across the street from our motel. Tristin and Kendray loves the skate park here and in the evening we’ll take in a movie at the drive in. You don’t see many of those around anymore. It has become a family tradition for us!

     We’ll take in the Great Sand Dunes and the Colorado Gators while we’re here. Our favorite things to do!

     Last but not least, we’ll head over to Canon City for a couple off days. Free skate park here as well, and we’ll do the Royal Gorge Bridge. We might drive over to Colorado Springs on our way out and visit the Manitou cliff Dwellings and Garden of the Gods.

     This is a well-trod vacation for our family. I know the boys get a little tired of the same old same old but not really in a way because we only do it once a year. Each time we go, we find a small gem that we missed the year before.  That’s always a plus in our vacation plans. It doesn’t matter to me – I love New Mexico and Colorado in the summer months. I’ve been doing this vacation since the early nineties with my own children, and now I’m doing it with grandchildren. There’s some great grands already and when they get old enough, they’re welcome to tag along with me!

     Well, after three long weeks it’s about time to start home. No, I’m not ready but it is that time. Money will be getting tight and our home at home will be calling for us! See you this summer!

By Marcella S. Meeks

     We are ready to break down some walls. My grandsons and I are ready for a long vacation! This whole Covid-19 pandemic and now the rioting has been depressing. We have toughed it out long enough. So we’re not going to worry about either one and just try and have a good time.

     Next week, we’re heading out West. I have always been drawn to the West, to the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico.

     We’re going to stop off and stay at Simple Lodge & Hostel in Salida Colorado for a couple of nights. We’ve never stayed in a hostel before so we’re looking forward to sampling one for the first time.

     Once we get there, I’ll write about my experience and let you know how we liked it! And I’ll share some pictures with you guys!

      We’re going to go over to the Royal Gorge Bridge and spend the day. We’ll also be going over to Leadville and ride the Leadville train.

     If all goes well, we’ll drive over to Colorado Springs before leaving Salida and go through the Manitou Cliff Dwellings – we have reservations but they may be closed due to Covid-19. We’ll call ahead to be sure.

     After we leave Salida, we’re heading over to Mosca to the Great Sand Dunes Lodge! The grandkids enjoyed the sand dunes last year so we’ll do that again this year. It’s pretty hot out there but an adventure they apparently enjoy.

     After several days there, we’ll head off to Albuquerque for several days before heading off to the Hoover dam in Nevada and then to Laughlin, Arizona. This is going to be an adventure because we have never been to Nevada or Arizona.

     When we start home, we’ll stop by Carlsbad Caverns if they’re open and possibly run over to Roswell.

      I will post stories about each adventure as it unfolds as well as photos.

Can’t wait till we leave for our trip!

It’s Time for a Trip – Let’s Re-Open and Make a Go for It

By Marcella S. Meeks

     Our nation has faced so many challenges the last few months due to the COVID-

-19 pandemic – the restrictions and shutdowns, etc. has affected all of us in some way.  It is time to come back now, re-open our businesses and try to regain our strength the best way we can.

    It has touched each of us in some way – whether we had the virus or not. We may not have physically had it or was hospitalized but our businesses felt the impact of it in every way.

     Summer is here. Travelers are ready to break down some walls and get out and enjoy life, masks or not. I know. I’m one of them. I want to be out there with you guys, along with my family and friends.

     America, it is time to re-open, take a trip and let the sun shine in! Let’s re-open, re-build and get on with it. See you on the open road!

The last few weeks have been the hardest for us especially being trapped at home and not being able to travel. Social distancing has not been the problem. The fear of getting trapped someplace and trying to figure what to do is the hard part so we ended up staying home. I love to travel… and when I can’t go where I want to go when I want to go, it is nerve-wrecking. It is definitely time for a trip. The next few days I will be working on plans and updating The Family Traveler USA – new trip ideas, new ads, new stories… Watch for it.

Let’s make the rest of 2020 the best it can be. Come travel with us!

Colorado here we come – no Coronavirus gonna stop us! We’re headed to the Great Sand Dunes Lodge in Colorado on April 6th! https://familytravelhostusa.com/ Corona move aside because we’re not changing our plans! We’ve got plenty of sanitary items and meds to keep us clean and safe and toilet paper if need be! So Great Sand Dunes Lodge we’ll be heading your way in a few weeks… We’re ready to travel… Come join us at the lodge at http://www.gsdlodge.com/

New Mexico and Colorado, Here We Come
By Marcella Simmons – Meeks

I love traveling with my grandkids as much as I use to love traveling with my own children – if not more! Over the years I have traveled with different grand kids – most of them have all grown up now except there are still three that are over seven and under fifteen that still love to travel with me.

We just returned from Galveston, Texas – we took a little mini four day spring break trip – we went out to Seawolf Park while we were there and had a picnic – the kids checked out the ship and submarine – they enjoyed it more than I thought they would. Having grown up in Galveston back in the seventies, the Seawolf Park was a regular fun place for us kids back then. We could actually get out and enjoy and being with family and having picnics. My sisters and I loved the beach in Galveston and everything there was to do back then in Galveston. The Galveston ferry was also an all-time favorite. We’d park and ride back and forth a couple times a day! It was and still is free. Climbing to the top of the boat was fun!

In June, we are heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the first five nights. We are going to Hinkle Family Fun Center a couple of times before we leave. This is our favorite fun spot in the city. Phone: 505.299.3100, 12931 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Hinkle’s is Albuquerque’s Premier Family Entertainment Destination. Hinkle Family Fun Center features all new Immersive Virtual Reality, an 1/8 mile twisting Go Kart Track, a 4500 square foot black light themed Lazer Tag arena two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, the Fun Center & Lazer Tag Game Rooms and Prize Centers, Bumper Boats, a 13,000 square foot outdoor Paintball field, Bumper Cars, Battletech, Rock Climbing, Bungee Jump Trampoline, Lazer Frenzy, Light Space, Birthday Parties, Group Events, and Cody’s Cafe Too! Rain or shine or anytime! Come join us!

Another fun place that we frequent every year is the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science located at http://www.nmnaturalhistory.org/ 1801 Mountain Rd NW, near Old Town in Albuquerque. Phone: (505) 841-2800. Visitors explore the origins and geological history of the American Southwest through vivid displays including dinosaur models, ice-age cave replicas, a naturalist center and a walk-through volcano.

The kids love Cliff’s Amusement Park located at 4800 Osuna Rd NE, in Albuquerque.
Phone: 505-881-9373. Cliff’s is the only amusement park and outdoor waterpark in the city. They offer unlimited rides and all day passes for customers of all ages – our kids love it and is reasonably priced. Day passes are usually under $30 bucks each. They have an online special where you can get discounts by getting tickets online.

One of my favorite places to go is Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque. It stretches 17 miles along Albuquerque West Mesa, a volcanic basalt escarpment that dominates the city’s western horizon. It is managed by the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque. Address: Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Phone: (505) 899-0205.

We’re not done yet in Albuquerque! We’ll squeeze in another couple of places before we leave!

We always visit the ABQ BioPark Zoo (Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Gardens) located next to the Rio Grande. The 64-acre Zoo has been offering guests close encounters with exotic and native animals since 1927. It’s located at 903 10th St. SW, 87102. Be sure to ride the train and visit the Aquarium and the Botanical Gardens while you’re at the zoo. You may wish to make this a two or three day adventure – depending on how much time you have to spend. You can buy combo tickets on their website way cheaper than you can get them at the gate.

Another of our adventures is to take a day and walk around Albuquerque Old Town. Old Town’s narrow streets and century-old adobe houses are home to New Mexican eateries serving enchiladas and sopaipilla pastries, and tiny artisan shops selling jewelry, rugs and pottery. Visit the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church.

While you’re in the Old Town section, be sure to stop by The American International Rattlesnake Museum located at 202 San Felipe St NW. The museum is devoted to snakes, particularly rattlesnakes, and is dedicated to rattlesnake education. For more details about the museum, visit their website at http://www.rattlesnakes.com/.

There’s no time left to do anything else in Albuquerque so now it’s time to head over to Colorado!

Leaving Albuquerque, we’ll drive for six hours over to Naturita, Colorado – we’ve never been before so this will be an experience in a lifetime. We’ll be staying at High Country RV Park located at 218 W Main Street in Naturita, Colorado. (970) 865-2101. Lloyd – can’t wait to see you guys! We’ll be in Naturita for five nights and are going to comb the area for every gem – every adventure available to us and we’ll post it on our website! Stay tuned for updates! Visit High Country RV Park at
https://www.facebook.com/HighCountryRVPark/. Tell Lloyd Marcy at Family Traveler Host USA sent ya!

When we leave there, we’re driving the 186 miles to Lake City, Colorado to one of our favorite resorts – this will be our 6th year staying at A TEXAN RESORT. Arlen, we’re coming home for a few nights in June! Lake City is so beautiful this time of year, and having a cabin is a blessing. You guys are certainly the best and we wouldn’t stay anywhere else! You can reserve a cabin by calling 970-944-2246 or visit their website at www.texanresort.com/. There are cabin to fit all of your needs.

While we’re there the kids will be out and about at the park in town! We’re gonna have a picnic and then in the evening, go to the Mountaineer Theatre. This is one of our favorites in Lake City!

When we finally leave Lake City, we’re driving over to South Fork for a couple of days. We’re staying at the Wolf Creek Ski Lodge, we’re driving the 68 miles to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve where we’ll spend the coolest part of our morning.

While we’re in the area, we’ll drive to the nearby Colorado Gators Reptile Park & Alligator and Reptile Rescue, Fish Farm. The kids love coming here and this will be a good place too cool down after the morning in the sun at the Sand Dunes.

We’re only staying in South Fork for three days – so there’s not a lot of time to visit the adventures – we need a day or two to rest up. When we leave South Fork, we’ll be heading to Canon City, Colorado and going out to the famous Royal Gorge Bridge while we’re there. Check out their site for additional details.

We’ll also drive over to Leadville, Colorado before leaving Canon City in a few days and ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. The LC&S takes passengers along the old Denver, South Park & Pacific and Colorado & Southern lines to the Continental Divide.

The end of our journey will be Manitou Springs where we’ll visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Just west of Colorado Springs, The Manitou Cliff Dwellings are a group of relocated Anasazi ruins cliff dwellings and museums are an all-time favorite – we’ve been visiting the Anasazi ruins every year for several years and still love it as much as we did on day one.

The next day we’ll drive to Woodland Park a few miles from the cliff dwellings to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. RMDRC is located in Woodland Park at 201 S Fairview St. This is a fossil museum primarily exhibiting fossil organisms of North America’s Late Cretaceous including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, marine reptiles, and fish. This is also a favorite and we love coming here every year.

We’re starting home in a couple of days – we’re going to miss New Mexico and Colorado – but we’ll be back. Twenty-two days on vacation is just not enough time to do all the things we want but there is always next year! See you then!

I will be posting about our trip on a daily basis starting in June so watch for it!

Attention fellow bloggers…

Family Travel Host USA would like to hear from you. We’ve included several questions below to help you get started. We’d like to publish your responses on our website at https://familytravelhostusa.com/.

Send your answers to Family Travel Host USA editor at marcies1960@aol.com.

1) What’s your favorite city in the world or your favorite vacation spot? What makes this place different from any other place?

2) What would travelers do when they get there and why?

3) What is there for families with children to do when they get there?

4) What is the best places to eat and drink?

5) If our readers decided to travel to this place, what would be your number one recommendation for them to see or do while they are there?

TRIVIA QUESTION CHALLENGE: Win 2 adult tickets and 2 children tickets to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Colorado Springs, Co

Here’s your chance to win 2 adult tickets and 2 children tickets to the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center in Colorado Springs, Co.

Email your answer about the following trivia question to Family Traveler at marcies1960@aol.com. We will draw the entry winner on Monday! Be sure to include email address, complete name and mailing address with your entry.

Contest Ends Monday May 21st at Noon!

Trivia question

What year was the oldest military post established in Colorado; what city, and by whom was it established?

By Marcella Simmons

This past summer, we drove up to Lake City, Colorado where we spent five days at the Texan Resort. We had a two-story three bedroom cabin large enough we could all spread out and stretch without bumping into each other at every turn. With all the comforts of home at our fingertips, we rested and enjoyed ourselves.

While we were in Lake City, we had a picnic downtown at the park while the little ones played with the other kids.

In the evenings, back at the cabin we grilled hamburgers while the kids played horseshoes with some of the other guests at the resort. The kids were fortunate enough to meet up with some children who lived there year round who showed our clan some fun and adventure while we were there.

The mornings were rather cool but sitting on the front porch wrapped in a cozy blanket and sipping hot coffee while the family slept soothed my nerves. At the end of our journey, it was me who cried because we had to leave. Staying at The Texan Resort was an experience of a lifetime. This was one time I wanted to stay the entire summer.

The Texan Resort has cabins to fit every group size and budget. They wash their linen and towels everyday and hang them out in the sun to dry. It reminds me of when I was a kid and my mother did the laundry. Fresh air-dried towels and linen are the best.

While we were in Lake City, we eased up the mountain to the Hard Tack Mine Tours & Museum. The tour into the mine shaft was cool and educational, but the gift shop caught their eye immediately. Fortunately for them, I had rolls of quarters on hand for them to spend at the gift shop! If you go up to the mine, wear shoes and take a light jacket. It is cold inside the tunnel.

Later in the week on Friday, we went to the Mountaineer Theatre downtown and saw Finding Dora. The theater is a one-of-a-kind gem nestled out at the corner of town, and the family running it are down-home good people.

Lake City is a relaxed, laid back little town. There are a few horseback outfitters in the area and backpacking, and rafting if you’re into that kind of thing.

For me, just relaxing and enjoying my week at the cabin is all I needed. We will be at the Texan Resort for many years to come.

Lake City, Colorado, a laid back quiet oasis in the Rocky Mountains is a perfect place to vacation with or without the kids. The Texan Resort is highly recommended by our family, kid-tested and kid approved. The Rocky Mountains is full of wonderful places to visit but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, Lake City has it all.

 
Marcella is the publisher of several travel websites for families such as The Family Travel Host USA at https://familytravelhostusa.com/

By Marcella Simmons

I love to travel with my family as much as I love to eat! But sometimes finances (and lack there of) puts a damper on travel plans to some extent. Every year, we take off somewhere during the summer months and stay gone three or four weeks at a time. Yet we have a shoe string budget (no spending money at all except for money for essentials like food, gas and lodging.) We have been traveling as a family for many years. We seldom travel solo as some people do. There are always two or three car loads of kids, grand kids and friends and family and their kids who come along for a little fun! But we have a good time no matter where we end up. Let me tell you our little secret for a traveling good time on a budget.

While you’re traveling too and fro, find the cheapest gas available. Sometimes driving away from the Interstate you may be able to find gas as much as 12 or 15 cents cheaper, give or take. It pays to shop around.

#1: Book your rooms several months early or in advance to save money. Remember too that room rates are usually cheaper during the first part of the week and the prices go up on weekends. Every few dollars saved can be used for other things. Depending on what time of year it is, consider this: a motel with an inside or heated pool during the winter months is a good idea because the kids can swim. Even in the summer, an inside pool is ideal in case it rains. Have a little fun yourself. Grab your swim toys and hop in!

#2: If you plan on taking the family someplace fun and exciting, it’s best to plan ahead. Know where you are going. Let the Internet be your next best friend. Get familiar with your destination. Contact the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau and request brochures, travel guides and maps. Don’t be shy – ask questions. Find out all about the free festivities going on in town for the week of your planned stay. Remember your budget. If you are taking kids and other family members on the trip, the more you have to do the better. Sometimes the freebies is more fun than you think.

Next, decide on one or two paid activities (remember to stay within your budget) such as the zoo or an amusement park and book online. Some zoos/aquariums offers a combo package which can save about $10 or 12 a person – usually you can find some great deals online but be careful when buying tickets online – be sure to read the fine print.

If you have a question about what you are buying, call the number given and ask before you buy. If it’s unclear what you are purchasing online then it’s unclear what you’re getting.

A free adventure tip: If you are running out of things to do, and the kids are bored, take them to visit a local pet shop. It’s free to look. A domestic mini zoo! Sometimes pet shops have activities going on, sometimes not.

#3: Months before the trip, set aside at least two rolls of quarters per person for spending allowance. Tell each person how much money they have for the duration of the trip and stick to it. It’s hard giving in when the little ones spend all their allowance and whine for more. When you’re a budget sometimes you have to sacrifice a few little things to stay within your means.

Quarters spend as easily as dollars. They may seem a little bulkier but this a great way to keep your hands off the credit cards and out of your wallet every where you stop.

#4: Set aside several rolls of quarters to wash clothes every evening. It makes sense to start saving early. Shop at local dollar stores for laundry detergent. Buy a container that will last the duration of the trip. Whatever’s left over you can always take home.

Bring the kids a beach towel and swim suit. When they’re done at the pool hang the wet items over the shower stall for the next time they want to swim.

When we first started vacationing with the grand kids, I brought the towels and swim wear but they would go swimming several times a day and not wear the wet swim suit again because they were wet and cold. I’d have at least 4 washers full of wet clothes every day. Not happening now. It may be a little inconvenient for them and a bit cold but they’re going swimming and are going to be soaked in a matter of minutes.

Washing clothes is expensive if you’re budgeting your funds. Save the money for something else.

#5: Stay away from coffee shops. Starbucks is expensive. Why pay $4 or 5 for one cup of coffee when you bring along your own coffee pot and can of coffee. Bring the sugar and creamer too. Like tea? Bring your own. You can drink as little or as much as you want and you’re not spending a fortune on one single cup.

Bring a thermos on the trip. During the drive in and drove home, you can fill a large thermos for less than what a medium cup of coffee costs, usually around $1.59 per thermos. And it holds several cups.

#6: Carry the coolers. Stock them with plenty of water and your favorite drinks for the road trip ahead.

#7: If you are planning your trip months in advance, this is good. Remember though that you will have to eat. We eat out everyday, once a day usually at a fast food restaurant because of the Value Menus. But one way we do it and not have to take away from our trip budget is simple really. Restaurant gift cards. Every week, several months before our trip, I fudge $10 – $15 out of my grocery money and buy a gift card for Burger King, Wendy’s, Sonic, Dairy Queen, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Applebee’s, Denny’s or I-Hop. Cracker Barrel has cards available, too. There may be others but these are some of our favorites. You can find these gift cards at dollar stores or Walmart and they are redeemable any time.

Buying a card once a week isn’t as bad as it seems. You’ll probably never miss the $10 or $15 dollars you spend out of your grocery money any way.

I do this every week and when it’s time for the trip, I usually have enough gift cards for our family and we eat out in the evenings every day of the trip. It doesn’t come out of our living expense budget set aside for our trip.

I usually book motels that offer a deluxe breakfast (waffles, eggs, the works… ) so we don’t worry much about that. Besides, some assorted fruit, breakfast bars, a few boxes of cereal and milk kept in the room takes care of that and in between snacks during the day. Lunch is usually sandwiches and chips or a bowl of soup from a can.

It might seem like a little more work to be prepared but if you limited with spending money for eating out, this is the only way to go. I know. If you have a bunch of hungry kids and no money set aside to feed them a burger once in awhile, you will end up wishing you’d stay home. If they are ungrateful and think you’re cheap, so what? They will forget it and remember only the good times they had with you when it’s all over. Been there, done that!

#8: Take a few minutes for yourself while you are gone. Let someone watch the little ones while you take a dip in the pool, or a relaxing hour in the hot tub by yourself. Or stroll along the beach with your significant other and just enjoy some alone time with your favorite person or alone, whichever you prefer. It’s free, and good for the soul and it’s good for what ails you. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t man you can’t enjoy your trip. I’ve been doing this for over twenty years and each trip we take just gets better and better.

Enjoy a movie in the room while everyone else is down at the pool. Take a hot bubble bath and sip a glass of wine. Relaxation is free and revives the spirit!

That’s my tips for today, Guys! Traveling is fun and exciting and expensive but you can enjoy it on a budget. You just have to learn what works best for you.

Marcella is the publisher of several travel websites for families such as The Family Travel Host USA at https://familytravelhostusa.com/

By Marcella Simmons
It was hot the afternoon we got into town. We had been driving all day – we were hot and tired and the A/C had quit in the front of the van. To make matters worse, somewhere between Blanding, Utah and Albuquerque, I had lost several hundred dollars out of my purse. It was a nightmare because we hadn’t eat anything since lunch and the kids were hungry. I didn’t want to put anything else on a credit card until we got to our motel. Money was already getting tight, especially since we had just spent three weeks in Colorado and Utah.

The first three nights we were supposed to stay at Hotel Cascada in Albuquerque but when we arrived, the lobby was dark and they had evacuated everyone, including the employees because of a transformer explosion that not only affected the electricity – it also blew out a water main or valve. To make matters worse, they had no computers up and running and couldn’t refund our money until a later date. By this time I was crying. There was no extra money to rent another motel for the next three nights so in a moment of nervousness and tears I asked to speak to a manager in charge. Some new arrivals were upset because they had driven for hours with their families, but things happen. There was one woman that came in and threw a fit and started cursing the handful of staff left handling the evacuation. A security officer was summoned and escorted her off the property.

It’s bad enough that the motel was in darkness – it was the weekend and both the power and water had been shut off, not to mention that it was already getting late in the evening.

The kids had their mind set on staying at the Hotel Cascada and had water park tickets for each day of our stay. But things happen and sometimes, you just have to make the best of any situation. That’s what we did.

The manager from the Hotel Cascada immediately made arrangements for us at Home2 Suites on University Blvd.

We spent the next three nights at Home2 Suites and let me tell you, they had the best beds I have ever slept on. The breakfast was super. The staff made sure we were comfortable. There was even a dishwasher and kitchenette with dishes in each room. The only complaint I had was that the pool was rather small. Other than that all was good and our stay was excellent. The rooms were large and spacious and bright. I wanted to stay longer but we already had four nights left at the Hyatt Place Albuquerque/Uptown on Arvada Ave paid for in advance so we moved on day four.

The pool Hyatt Place was awesome. The staff went out of their way to see to it we had a wonderful stay. Breakfast was not only good but everything was served fresh.

Hinkle Family Fun Center located at the northwest corner of Tramway and Indian School is one of our favorite places for fun. The good thing is, you can’t spend just one day there. We try to go as much as we can afford to.

We ride the bumper boats, the go-karts, and spend endless hours inside playing the arcade games. This place is awesome and it’s not just for kids. They have a spin wheel that is my favorite! Taking home the prizes afterwards is a lot of fun.

While we were in Albuquerque, we ventured out to the Albuquerque Zoo and Botanical Gardens one day; Cliff’s Amusement Park the next; we visited the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science on Mountain Road.

We walked around Old Town and ventured in the local shops. We ate at the Hacienda del Rio Restaurant & Cantina in Old Town section of Albuquerque.

Our trip home was long but not boring. The kids were already making plans for the next year and believe me, this ma-maw is ready to go! As I say, have grand children, will travel!!! We’ll see you there…

Albuquerque, New Mexico is a wonderful place to bring your family for a vacation of a lifetime. There are so many things to see and do – the kids will want to come back year after year.

By Marcella Simmons

Traveling is expensive, and when you’re on a budget, you have to find ways to stay within your spending means. It’s not always easy because there are always fun and exciting things in front of you that is enticing and flattering for you as well as your family. It’s especially hard when you have kids along for the ride.

I know. I travel with kids a lot. It’s almost impossible saying no but sometimes, you just have to.

Sometimes we get into a town and find an unexpected theme park or carnival. The kids have a fit and whine and beg. Saying no is the hardest part. But when you have a budget and going over is taboo – especially if there just isn’t enough funds for the expected, you have to say no and stick with it.

When you have traveled as much as I have, you learn to stay away from toy stores, museum gift shops and expensive candy shops and things such as this. When we travel with the kids and they want to buy souvenirs for friends and family members, we go to Dollar Tree when we reach our destination. They can buy several items for five or six dollars and are able to take souvenirs back with them.

Planning is the key. Research your destination. The Internet gives way to thorough research. Find the free and less expensive places to go first and itemize each one so you’ll know how much you have to spend when you get there. If you have enough left over, go to the places that are a little more expensive. Keep in mind that sometimes the freebies are just as fun as the expensive places. Just have to know before you go.

Stop at a visitor center or chamber of commerce – ask for available discounts and coupons on activities going on while you’re in town. You might get surprised with a handful of free tickets from time to time, or better yet, discount coupons for a variety of fun stuff.

When you’re shopping for rooms, be sure to make sure they have a refrigerator, microwave and a coffee pot – unless you carry your own. You can make coffee, tea and hot chocolate for everyone with the coffee pot. Popcorn, microwavable foods and snacks come in handy between meals – I always stock the ‘frig’ with sandwich meat, hot pockets and pizza rolls. Sausage biscuits and pancakes on a stick are the grandkids favorite snack. The freezer isle at the grocery stores usually carry a variety of microwavable food. Eating out gets expensive so why not eat like you would at home?  Remember your budget and stick with it.

A reminder: there are hotel coupon books at truck stops and convenient stores in most places – be sure to browse and if you can, save a few dollars using the coupon available. We usually save about $20 or sometimes more, a night while we are traveling to our destination. If you are a senior, sign up for AARP before you leave home and take

advantage of that 10% off rooms. Tip: dollar stores will give you 10% off some items if you have AARP – ask for assistance in this area. Restaurants honor a 10% discount if you have AARP.

When we are traveling, we like to make sure that the motel where we stay for the night has FREE breakfast. When you have two or three kids along, this will save you about $10 or $15 that morning. Take advantage of the breakfast – it might be a bit early but you are traveling just like everybody else. Getting a free meal for the road not only saves you money but time as well.

When we stop for gas, we DO NOT buy soft drinks, candy or chips at convenient stores. I make sure we have plenty of snacks, especially animal crackers and apples, on hand and the cooler is always stocked while we are on the road. Learn to say no before you stop. Tell the family ‘bathroom break only.’

Setting aside a spending budget is not hard – staying within the budget is. If it’s possible, never carry large amounts of cash. Carry in what you are going to spend and don’t go over that.

These suggestions have been tried and tested many times and they work. I usually take three grandchildren with me on road trips and believe me, spending on odds and ends along the way can get expensive. Through trial and error I found a way to curb the spending and so can you. My money is too hard to make to spend on junk food and expensive souvenirs. I ant to spend my money on things that matter most and still have a wonderful time.

One last tip: if you are a coffee drinker like me, carry a thermos. You can refill it for the price of a refill on a cup of coffee and have several cups to share.

Have a safe trip…

Summertime is just right around the corner! It’s time for summer vacation!

Upcoming Trip To Santa Fe New Mexico in April

By Marcella Simmons

In April, we are heading to Santa Fe, me, hubby-dearest and the three grandsons. This will be our second year doing the Santa Fe week getaway in the Spring in the spring and kind of know what to expect. But this year it will be a little different. Maybe.

I was diagnosed with stage 4 mouth cancer back in August 2017 and had surgery in October. The doctors removed the tumor and 98 lymph nodes which all came back negative at that time and said I was cancer free. I started taking radiation treatments on January 3rd 2018, and am finishing up next Tuesday. Our trip is just a month and a few days away.

My worries at this point is if I am going to be able to make such a long trip this soon. We’ll soon see. I just hope that I don’t get so tired or sick and ruin it all for everybody that’s going especially the grand kids. They have waited such a long time for a road trip.

We have a really nice motel already booked that is clean and comfortable and the beds are really good. To top that they have a deluxe breakfast (waffles!) We enjoy the breakfast bar a lot and that helps when you’re on a tight budget anyway.

We’ll be at the inn at Santa Fe… I’d like to say, The Inn at Santa Fe is our favorite place in all the world. The staff is friendly and supportive and go out of their way to make our stay one to remember.

The first day we arrive, you can bet I am going to rest. Hubby-dearest can take the grandsons down to the heated pool and let them splish and splash for the afternoon. Then we can go out to eat somewhere inexpensive and call it a day.

Day two, we can head over to Albuquerque and the kids can play at Hinkle Family Fun Center for the entire afternoon. Hubby and I enjoy being here as well and play as much as the kids do. At the end of the day, we share our tickets with the kids and they carry home several bags of loot!

Day three, we’re heading back to Albuquerque and we’re going go to the zoo and aquarium and spend the day. We’ll picnic somewhere in the zoo. At 3 o’clock we’ll take the little train back fro the aquarium to the zoo and head back to Santa Fe. We’ll probably eat pizza for supper!

Day four, we’re going to stick around Santa Fe and visit the old churches downtown as well as some of the other museums and shops in town. We’ll find a nice little Mexican restaurant and have a family dinner.

Day five, we’ll head over to Albuquerque, visit several second hand shops, and several free museums and later that afternoon go over to the dinosaur museum and watch a   movie at the dino-theatre and another one at the planetarium.

Day six, we’ll head back to Texas and stop for the night in Amarillo before starting home.
That’s our plans in a nutshell. I can’t hardly wait till time to go! Santa Fe, here we come!

I love to travel with my family and this summer, my plans are to go to new and exciting destinations… no, not leaving the country any time soon Guys! But my concentration right now is on the West Coast – Washington, Oregon and California. I’m not excluding the Gulf Coastal states or the Eastern Coastal United States either. This year, I will be concentrating heavily on the West Coast for the summer months with the Eastern half for early Spring and the Fall months.

Having said that I do want to plug in a few websites that are new. I’d like for everyone to take a peak and let us know what you think. They are new and lacking in content right now but as the weeks pass, my plans are to change all that. I’ve started my contact database for the west coast area. Before long these sites will be saturated with delicious stories and pictures from all three states and beyond! Here are the blog sites: Oregon Family Travel Host (New), https://oregonfamiltravelhost.wordpress.com; West Coast Family Traveler (New), https://westcoastfamilytraveler.wordpress.com; California Family Travel Host, http://californiafamilytravelhost.wordpress.com; and Washington Family Travel Host (New), washigntonfamilytravelhost.wordpress.com.

Come on everybody – lets plan some road trips! We’d lobe to hear about yours. Email pictures and stories to The Family Traveler at marcies1960@aol.com.

Where Kids Really Want To Go On Vacation

by Marcella Simmons

It is interesting to hear kids talk about vacation time and the places they want to go, and why. What is more fun is taking the information they give you and building a road trip around it, if you can. Open your ears and really listen while they are talking about destinations. They will sometimes reveal a certain place or thing they want to see or do.

This week, I interviewed my three young grandsons, Kendray, age six, Tristin, age ten and Nicolas age thirteen about where they really wanted to go on vacation this year. The three boys are frequent travelers and have traveled to several states, camped and hiked in the highest mountains of Colorado, rafted some of the roughest rapids for amateur rafters, and enjoyed being on long road trips with grandparents for not two, not three, but four weeks at a time!

The answers varied because of the age difference but if you’ll take two minutes to read on, I will reveal to you some of the places they want to go to this year, and why.

The youngest of the three, Kendray answered in a shy little voice, “I want to go to New York this year. They have the tallest buildings in the world and I want to go up an elevator to the tip top.”

Now you have it, Folks! New York; a six-year-old child’s dream vacation for it’s tall buildings. I would have expected something like Florida so he could go to Disney World, but instead he chose New York.

In a separate interview, Tristin said he wants to go on a cruise to Mexico. “I just want to play in the water park on a cruise,” Tristin commented. “That would be so cool!”

Nicolas, on the other hand, wants to fly to Beijing, China. “I read in a book about Beijing and how beautiful it is and just want to go there on vacation one year.”

Kids have different ideals and notions about why they want to vacation at certain places. I am not sure when we’ll get to New York or take the cruise to Mexico or fly to China but hopefully someday these boys will get the vacation of their dreams. But sometimes just knowing what kids wants and why is a good reason to plan a trip according to their wishes. They know what they want and where they want to go, and why!

via Road Trip April 2018: Destination Santa Fe, NM

I Am Starting A New Tradition for 2018

By Marcella Simmons

Everywhere I look someone is starting a new tradition or making new year’s resolutions… Well, as a writer who just happens to love to love to travel, I want to start a new tradition myself. This year, my new tradition will be to travel to places where I have never been and enjoy life to the fullest a little more than in years past.

Life is too short – I had a near enough death experience in 2017 when I found out I had stage four mouth cancer. The surgeons are confident they got it all and with 6 weeks of radiation coming up, starting tomorrow, five days a week, we hope to have it sealed and gone for good. Having said that, when I got sick it dawned on me that life is shorter than we think, and if we don’t do things while we have the chance that we might not get that chance later on.

So, I am starting a new tradition for myself which includes traveling to a new destination at least once or twice a year, and I am resolving to post (or write) on one or several of my blogs at least once or twice a week.

There’s no time like the present to do what you wish to do with the rest of your life. When I ended up flat of my back after a fourteen hour surgery that left me slightly handicapped for several months and not fully able to speak clearly, scared and bewildered and at the point of sheer despair, and on the point of giving up, I pulled some of my inner strength to the surface and fought with all my might to get well. There is still work to be done, places to be traveled and explored and many travel tales to be written by me.

So here I am, the day after the first day of the new year, vowing to the world that I am starting a new tradition for myself, and bringing my new year’s resolution (to write and blog more) nearer to fruition starting on this day. I have got several trips planned for the upcoming months so you will definitely be reading about some new places that will be unfolding right here before your very eyes!

Whatever your goals, traditions or ideals for the new year are, get started and bring them to fruition with the time you have left! Life is too short to wait because no one is promised a tomorrow or ever after. I was given a new chance and I vow to make every second count for the rest of my life…

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In the coming weeks I would like to write some travel stories so I am sending out a message to my readers: “what do you want me to write about?” or better yet, “where (what place) do you you want me to write about?. :Post your comments below or email me at marcies1960@gmail.com.

Traveling – Good Times On A Budget

By Marcella Simmons

I love to travel with my family as much as I love to eat! But sometimes finances (and lack there of) puts a damper on travel plans to some extent. Every year, we take off somewhere during the summer months and stay gone three or four weeks at a time. Yet we have a shoe string budget (no spending money at all except for money for essentials like food, gas and lodging.) We have been traveling as a family for many years. We seldom travel solo as some people do. There are always two or three car loads of kids, grand kids and friends and family and their kids who come along for a little fun! But we have a good time no matter where we end up. Let me tell you our little secret for a traveling good time on a budget.

While you’re traveling too and fro, find the cheapest gas available. Sometimes driving away from the Interstate you may be able to find gas as much as 12 or 15 cents cheaper, give or take. It pays to shop around.

# 1: Book your rooms several months early or in advance to save money. Remember too that room rates are usually cheaper during the first part of the week and the prices go up on weekends. Every few dollars saved can be used for other things. Depending on what time of year it is, consider this: a motel with an inside or heated pool during the winter months is a good idea because the kids can swim. Even in the summer, an inside pool is ideal in case it rains. Have a little fun yourself. Grab your swim toys and hop in!

# 2: If you plan on taking the family someplace fun and exciting, it’s best to plan ahead. Know where you are going. Let the Internet be your next best friend. Get familiar with your destination. Contact the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau and request brochures, travel guides and maps. Don’t be shy – ask questions. Find out all about the free festivities going on in town for the week of your planned stay. Remember your budget. If you are taking kids and other family members on the trip, the more you have to do the better. Sometimes the freebies is more fun than you think.

Next, decide on one or two paid activities (remember to stay within your budget) such as the zoo or an amusement park and book online. Some zoos/aquariums offers a combo package which can save about $10 or 12 a person – usually you can find some great deals online but be careful when buying tickets online – be sure to read the fine print.

If you have a question about what you are buying, call the number given and ask before you buy. If it’s unclear what you are purchasing online then it’s unclear what you’re getting.

A free adventure tip: If you are running out of things to do, and the kids are bored, take them to visit a local pet shop. It’s free to look. A domestic mini zoo! Sometimes pet shops have activities going on, sometimes not.

#3: Months before the trip, set aside at least two rolls of quarters per person for spending allowance. Tell each person how much money they have for the duration of the trip and stick to it. It’s hard giving in when the little ones spend all their allowance and whine for more. When you’re a budget sometimes you have to sacrifice a few little things to stay within your means.

Quarters spend as easily as dollars. They may seem a little bulkier but this a great way to keep your hands off the credit cards and out of your wallet every where you stop.

# 4: Set aside several rolls of quarters to wash clothes every evening. It makes sense to start saving early. Shop at local dollar stores for laundry detergent. Buy a container that will last the duration of the trip. Whatever’s left over you can always take home.

Bring the kids a beach towel and swim suit. When they’re done at the pool hang the wet items over the shower stall for the next time they ant to swim.

When we first started vacationing with the grand kids, I brought the towels and swim wear but they would go swimming several times a day and not wear the wet swim suit again because they were wet and cold. I’d have at least 4 washers full of wet clothes every day. Not happening now. It may be a little inconvenient for them and a bit cold but they’re going swimming and are going to be soaked in a matter of minutes.

Washing clothes is expensive if you’re budgeting your funds. Save the money for something else.

#5: Stay away from coffee shops. Starbucks is expensive. Why pay $4 or 5 for one cup of coffee when you bring along your own coffee pot and can of coffee. Bring the sugar and creamer too. Like tea? Bring your own. You can drink as little or as much as you want and you’re not spending a fortune on one single cup.

Bring a thermos on the trip. During the drive in and drove home, you can fill a large thermos for les

than what a medium cup of coffee costs, usually around $1.59 per thermos. And it holds several cups.

#6: Carry the coolers. Stock them with plenty of water and your favorite drinks for the road trip ahead.

#7: If you are planning your trip months in advance, this is good. Remember though that you will have to eat. We eat out everyday, once a day usually at a fast food restaurant because of the Value Menus. But one way we do it and not have to take away from our trip budget is simple really. Restaurant gift cards. Every week, several months before our trip, I fudge $10 – $15 out of my grocery money and buy a gift card for Burger King, Wendy’s, Sonic, Dairy Queen, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Applebee’s, Denny’s or I-Hop. Cracker Barrel has cards available, too. There may be others but these are some of our favorites. You can find these gift cards at dollar stores or Walmart and they are redeemable any time.

Buying a card once a week isn’t as bad as it seems. You’ll probably never miss the $10 or $15 dollars you spend out of your grocery money any way.

I do this every week and when it’s time for the trip, I usually have enough gift cards for our family and we eat out in the evenings every day of the trip. It doesn’t come out of our living expense budget set aside for our trip.

I usually book motels that offer a deluxe breakfast (waffles, eggs, the works…) so we don’t worry much about that. Besides, some assorted fruit, breakfast bars, a few boxes of cereal and milk kept in the room takes care of that and in between snacks during the day. Lunch is usually sandwiches and chips or a bowl of soup from a can.

It might seem like a little more work to be prepared but if you limited with spending money for eating out, this is the only way to go. I know. If you have a bunch of hungry kids and no money set aside to feed them a burger once in awhile, you will end up wishing you’d stay home. If they are ungrateful and think you’re cheap, so what? They will forget it and remember only the good times they had with you when it’s all over. Been there, done that!

#8: Take a few minutes for yourself while you are gone. Let someone watch the little ones while you take a dip in the pool, or a relaxing hour in the hot tub by yourself. Or stroll along the beach with your significant other and just enjoy some alone time with your favorite person or alone, whichever you prefer. It’s free, and good for the soul and it’s good for what ails you. Just because you are on a budget doesn’t man you can’t enjoy your trip. I’ve been doing this for over twenty years and each trip we take just gets better and better.

Enjoy a movie in the room while everyone else is down at the pool. Take a hot bubble bath and sip a glass of wine. Relaxation is free and revives the spirit!

That’s my tips for today, Guys! Traveling is fun and exciting and expensive but you can enjoy it on a budget. You just have to learn what works best for you.

Mountains

and streams have a

special place in my heart.

Beautiful Colorado,

awesome.

Rugged,

cliffs, scenery

takes your breath away. I

go there every year. Can’t get

enough.

Rafting

the rapids is

thrilling, exciting, fun.

Nothing can compare to raging

water.

Extreme

blissful heights, views.

Mountains go on and on.

Snow capped peaks touch the clouds, winding

upwards.

Source: Touring The California Coast