GPS’ can be a wonderful tool to help you get from here to there. But, they can also guide you off the path. We’ve recently named our GPS Dorie as in Dorie from Finding Nemo. The fish forgets things — just like our GPS. On a recent trip to NYC we were attempting to use Dorie to get to our hotel just over the river in New Jersey. We’d crossed the George Washington Bridge into Jersey when Dorie lost our confidence. She had us get off the road just to go around the block and get back on the same road. Then she tried to tell us to go back over to NYC on the GWB. So, as we’ve learned — be smart — keep a paper map handy and don’t be afraid to question your GPS.
It took us over 45 minutes to find the hotel that was 10 minutes away. We got there by turning her off and following our noses. The good news is that I don’t think Dorie holds a grudge. The next morning we turned her back on and she was her same perky quirky self.
It’s hot and muggy in many parts of the country including right here in SW Ohio. A great way to get away from that is to visit Mammoth Cave National Park.
Mammoth Cave is located about 4 hours south of Cincinnati off I-65. The area is full of beautiful rocks and caverns created log ago by nature. This is an area that should be visited by everyone at least once.
During busy times (summer, Spring Break, etc) advance Reservations are recommended. I wish I would have known about this before I went. Be sure to read the descriptions of the tours online and decide what works for your family. There’s many cave tours to choose from and one or two that’s probably perfect for your family.
Discovery Tour is a Self Guided tour. It was a great introduction to the cave. Park Rangers are available throughout the cave to offer information and answer questions. This area is also seen on the guided Mammoth Passage Tour. We enjoyed the self-paced nature of exploring the cave.
Since the caves stay a constant temperature year round, I’d recommend jeans, tshirt and sweatshirt or jacket.
Traveling before the middle of August? If so, you can save on parking by parking in the Long Term lot at CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl Airport). Just print out this coupon and exit the lot by 8/15/10 for your savings.
When flying out of Cincinnati I usually park in the long term lot. I’ve had friendly and efficient shuttle bus drivers every time.
I just got a note about the latest deal on Entertainment books. You know I love them. They are a great way to save up to 50% off on hotels, restaurants, sporting events and more. You can buy one for your hometown, or for a vacation city. Traveling later this year? You should look into an Entertainment book for your destination city.
This sale is only good through July 14th.
Note: Most coupons in the book expire in November. If you’re traveling for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or Christmas, you’ll probably want to buy next year’s book.
Ever heard of Groupon? I hadn’t until a few months ago. This website offers users a way to buy discounted products and services from local companies. The catch? There must be a big enough group for the deal to proceed. And the deals are only on sale for 1 day (most coupons are valid for 1 year). Today’s Cincinnati deal is from the Tropical Smoothie Cafe near the Voice Of Ameria park in West Chester. Our family plans to visit the VOA park and museum this summer and so we’ll stop by and get smoothies — at half off — thanks to Groupon. Want to join me?
Don’t live in Cincinnati? No fear, Groupon is available in many other cities across the country. I’m currently looking for deals in cities we’ll be traveling to this summer. How about you? Have you used Groupon? Do you like it?
Planning a vacation that includes a hotel stay? Don’t forget to check out all of your room choices. A good example is Best Western. This chain is a basic no-frills hotel chain that we’ve stayed at before.
Choose a hotel location- Pick your dates
- Make sure you’re looking at ALL rate options. At Best Western I saw:
- Best Available Rate
- AAA (if you have a AAA membership, typically 10% savings)
- Internet Only Rate (if you book online 10% savings)
- AARP/Senior (if you’re a member, or over 55 save about 10%)
So, without much work, I can book online and save just as much as the AAA and AARP discounts. Sounds like a win for me. This little habit saved our family $6.50/night for a “we just want a clean room and a place to lay our head” hotel.
Watch for more travel discounts as I use them.
Happy Savings!
photo credit: Cincinnati Zoo
Remember me telling you about buying a membership to the Cincinnati Zoo? Did you miss last year’s deal? Have no fear. Through March 31st, the zoo is now offering 20% off all memberships. Check out the membership levels. You could get
- free parking
- free train and carousel rides
- free guest passes
- discounted guest passes
If you’re staying around town for Spring Break, I think this is a good deal and can provide some fun activities throughout the year for your family. Come, join me at the Cincinnati Zoo!
