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?

1. Choose a hotel location
2. Pick your dates
3. 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!

Want to save money on Spring Break?  You might want to look into getting an Entertainment Book for your destination.  Entertainment is now offering them at 50% off AND free shipping!

Popular destinations I saw on the list include:

• Orlando $17.50
• Hawaii $17.50
• Tampa $17.50
• Washington DC $17.50
• Orange County CA $20

And if you’re staying home, you can still save with a local edition.  Most editions are $17.50 — shipped free.

The Entertainment Book has saved our family money when we’ve visited Aquariums, Zoos, Museums, ate dinner, and even rented hotel rooms.

Please note, that Entertainment doesn’t not ship quickly.  They are most likely going to mail this media mail which can take 10-15 days.  They do offer faster shipping for a fee.

Related post on the Entertainment Book. And more about vacations.

Going on a trip this Spring?  If so, you might want to save a few dollars while you’re there.  Did you know that you can buy an Entertainment book for the area you’ll be visiting?  And right now Entertainment is having a SALE!  50% off plus FREE SHIPPING! Most of the books are under $20 shipped.  Every time we travel, I check out a local book.  It can save us tons of money while having fun.

Traveling to see the Mouse in Orlando or LA? There’s a book for that. Family in Texas? There’s 7 books. There’s even books for Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Get Discounts (many 2 for 1 or 50% off) at:

• Fancy Restaurants
• Bagel and Donut Shops
• Fast Food
• Hotels
• Attractions

Traveling this week?  Or awaiting the arrival of a loved one?  With last week’s snowstorm in the NE and an impending storm over the Rockies and Plains, it’s a good idea to have some websites and phone numbers handy.  This can help reduce the stress of not knowing what’s going on with travel plans.  Although I can’t promise that the lines will be shorter, or that airlines won’t loose your luggage, at least you’ll have information.  And information is power.

Last month I shared some websites with you.  For a quick refresher, check it out here.  I’m going to give another plug to the FAA’s Flight Delay Information.  I love the overall view of the country.  Already this morning ORD (O’Hare in Chicago) is experiencing over 2 hour arrival delays.  That’s only going to cause more problems as people miss their connecting flights.  ORD is one of the busiest airports in the country.

Traveling by car?

Rand McNally’s Road Construction Search Engine – search by state and/or Interstate number

Safe Travel USA has links to all the State’s road conditions websites.  All the links I checked worked.

State By State Road Conditions (that appear to be fully functioning)

• Arkansas weather road conditions or road construction info
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas complete with cameras along I-70
• Kentucky
• Minnesota – high bandwidth has cool popups for accidents, construction, and other delays
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Ohio
• Oklahoma – very basic information
• South Dakota
• Tennessee – laid over Google Maps