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Flight Resources

Skyscanner is the website I use for all of my flights. Other travelers also like Momondo.

Money-saving tip: Don’t input any dates to scan the best available times to go OR simply input ‘Netherlands’ instead of a specific airport – you may get a much cheaper flight!

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Accommodation Resources

When I travel, I prefer to use VRBO. I book an entire apartment, giving me my privacy and the comfort of home amenities, such as a kitchen and washing machine. Since my dog(s) travel with me, it also allows me to filter based on pet-friendliness without the stress of disturbing hotel guests. Also, by getting your own apartment (or shared apartment), you’ll have use of the kitchen, allowing you to cook your own meals and save some cash by avoiding expensive dinners.

If you’re traveling long-term, VRBO usually offers discounts for stays of a month or more – the discounts are not as significant as in Europe, but it’s still worth a shot!

For run-of-the-mill hotel stays, Hotels.com usually offers the best deals. Also be sure to check out the Budget hotel chains, such as Motel 6, La Quinta, Super 8, and America’s Best Value Inn. Hostels can be overpriced in the United States and the hostel culture prevalent in Europe is virtually nonexistent.

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Safety Tips

The United States falls somewhere in the middle in terms of safety. It’s such a large country with so many different areas, that it entirely depends on where you are going. That being said, all major cities have some aspect of danger to them, particularly in the ‘seedier’ areas. You’ll find areas you feel safe and areas you don’t feel safe in most all cities you visit. Trust your judgment and remove yourself from situations in which you feel unsafe.

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Money Saving Tips

The United States is a fairly expensive country to visit, particularly when coming from most of the rest of the world. That being said, some regions of the country are definitely more expensive than others. Areas near larger cities and more populated states (New England, New York, D.C., California, Chicago) are going to be your most expensive places to visit.

If you want to visit the States but are looking for places that don’t cost quite as much, the Southern States (the Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana), the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon), and areas that are further from major cities will likely be cheaper.

Go to a local grocery store and cook your own breakfasts and dinners. Eat out for lunch – most restaurants have lunch menus that have smaller portions and lower prices. Find BYOB restaurants to save money on alcohol.

If you don’t already have one, create a Pinterest account! Pinterest is an invaluable resource for travelers. Simply input ‘Free things to do in….’ and see all the great options that come up. There are plenty of free things to do in the major cities.

Speaking of cities, get yourself a city pass if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing – museums, tours, public transport, etc. are usually highly discounted with the purchase of a city pass.

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FAQs About Traveling to the United States

1. Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

   • Visa requirements for visiting the United States vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of some countries can enter the U.S. for short stays (up to 90 days) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Others may need to apply for a tourist visa. Check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

2. What’s the best time to visit the United States?

   • The United States is a vast country with diverse climates. The best time to visit depends on your destination. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally pleasant for travel across the country. Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach destinations, while winter (December to February) is perfect for winter sports in places like Colorado or Vermont.

3. What’s the currency in the United States, and can I use credit cards?

   • The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD), and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards.

4. What languages are spoken in the United States?

   • English is the primary language spoken in the United States. However, due to its diverse population, you’ll also find people who speak Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.

5. Is tap water safe to drink in the United States?

   • Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout the United States. In rare cases, it’s recommended to use bottled water, which is readily available.

6. How do I get around the United States?

   • The United States has a well-developed transportation system, including domestic flights, trains, buses, and an extensive road network. Rental cars are a common choice for exploring, but many cities also have public transportation systems like subways, buses, and trams.

7. What are some must-visit places in the United States?

   • The United States offers a wide range of attractions, including New York City, Los Angeles, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the beaches of Florida. Explore historic cities, natural wonders, and cultural sites.

8. What is American cuisine like, and are there vegetarian/vegan options?

   • American cuisine is diverse, with dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, and regional specialties. Vegetarian and vegan options are available in most restaurants, particularly in larger cities.

9. Is it customary to tip in the United States?

   • Tipping is customary in the United States. A 15-20% tip for good service in restaurants is standard. In cafes and bars, rounding up the bill or leaving a dollar per drink is common.

10. Is it safe to travel in the United States?

    • The United States is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Use common-sense precautions, such as safeguarding your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas.

11. What should I pack for my trip to the United States?

    • Pack clothing suitable for the season and activities you have planned. Comfortable walking shoes, layers, and any specific items you need for your destination, such as swimwear or hiking gear.

12. What is the legal drinking age in the United States?

    • The legal drinking age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages is 21 years old in the United States. Please adhere to these age restrictions when ordering alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants.

The post United States Resources appeared first on Mommy Travels.

]]> https://www.mommytravels.net/destinations/ https://www.mommytravels.net/destinations/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2020 07:26:15 +0000 http://www.fabfunsisters.com/demo/?page_id=920 So far we’ve been to at least 29 countries. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to figure out how many. This list is not up to date. To see a full list of places I have written about using the category drop-down tool or you can use the search box.     Australia Brisbane Gold Coast...

The post Destinations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

]]>

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Berlin
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Munich

• Athens
• Halkidiki
• Mykonos
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Thessaloniki

Guyana

Honduras

• Copan
• Comayagua
• Roatan

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Berlin
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Munich

• Athens
• Halkidiki
• Mykonos
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Thessaloniki

Guyana

Honduras

• Copan
• Comayagua
• Roatan

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

Cambodia

Caribbean

• Castaway Cay
• Nevis
• Puerto Rico

Denmark

• Copenhagen

Dominican Republic

• Punta Cana

England

• London

Fiji

• Menton
• Paris

• Berlin
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Munich

• Athens
• Halkidiki
• Mykonos
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Thessaloniki

Guyana

Honduras

• Copan
• Comayagua
• Roatan

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

So far we’ve been to at least 29 countries. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to figure out how many. This list is not up to date. To see a full list of places I have written about using the category drop-down tool or you can use the search box.

 

 

Australia

• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Melbourne
• Newcastle
• Perth
• Sunshine Coast
• Sydney
• Whitsundays

Bahamas

Belize

Canada   

• British Columbia   
• Lake Shuswap
• Niagara Falls
• Whistler

Quebec

• Laval
• Lanaudière

Costa Rica

            

Alabama

• Gulf Shores

Arizona

• Phoenix
• Sedona

California

• Disneyland
• California Adventure
• Hollywood
• Los Angeles
• Napa Valley
• Palm Springs
• San Diego
• Santa Cruz

Colorado

• Denver
• Vail

Florida

• Destin
• Disney World
• Gulf County
• Key West
• Orlando
• Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
• Mexico Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Rosemary Beach
• Sarasota
• Scenic 30A
• St. Augustine
• Tampa

Georgia

• Atlanta

Hawaii       

• Kauai
• Maui    
• Oahu 

Kauai

• Princeville

Oahu

• Disney’s Aulani resort
• Kailua
• Honolulu
• Waikiki

Idaho

• Boise
• Magic Mountain Ski Resort
• Pomerelle
• Soldier Mountain

Illinois

• Chicago

Kentucky

• Bowling Green

Louisiana

• New Orleans

Massachusetts

• Boston
• Martha’s Vineyard

Missouri

• Branson
• Kansas City

Montana

• Big Sky
• Billings
• Red Lodge
• Western Montana
• Yellowstone

Nevada

• Las Vegas

New Mexico

• Albuquerque 
• Santa Fe

New York                                                           

• Auburn
• Buffalo
• Brooklyn
• Cortland
• Finger Lakes
• New York City
• Niagara Falls
• Seneca Falls

North Carolina

• Asheville
• Atlantic Beach
• The Outer Banks

Ohio

• Cincinnati

Oklahoma

• Tulsa

Oregon                                                                    

• Bend
• Cannon Beach
• Eugene
• Government Camp
• Hood River
• Lincoln City
• Newport
• Portland
• Salem
• Sunriver
• Suttle Lake
• Southern Oregon         
• Willamette Valley                                                   

Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia

Puerto Rico

South Carolina

 

South Dakota

• Rapid City

Rhode Island

• Newport

Tennesee

• Franklin
• Gatlinburg
• Memphis

Texas       

• Addison
• Amarillo
• Austin
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Gruene
• Houston
• Lantana
• Marfa
• Midland
• Odessa
• San Angelo
• San Antonio
• Waco

Utah

• Logan
• Utah Valley

Virginia

• Washington, D.C.

Washington

• Bellevue
• Bothell
• Seattle 
• Spokane

Wisconsin

• Lake Geneva

Wyoming

• Yellowstone

 

Belize

Cambodia

Caribbean

• Castaway Cay
• Nevis
• Puerto Rico

Denmark

• Copenhagen

Dominican Republic

• Punta Cana

England

• London

Fiji

• Menton
• Paris

• Berlin
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• Munich

• Athens
• Halkidiki
• Mykonos
• Rhodes
• Santorini
• Thessaloniki

Guyana

Honduras

• Copan
• Comayagua
• Roatan

India

• Dublin

• Florence
• Milan
• Rome
• Sicily
• Venice

Jamaica

Japan

• Tokyo

Kuwait

Malaysia

• Langkawi Island

• Cancun
• Costa Mujeres
• Cozumel
• La Paz
• Los Cabos
• Puerto Peñasco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Riviera Maya
• Tulum

Nevis

New Zealand

Panama

 

 

Prague

 

 

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Elgin
• Isle of Skye

Singapore

South Africa

• Cape Town

• Barcelona
• Madrid

Sri Lanka

Thailand

• Phuket
• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai

Turks and Caicos

Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

The post Destinations appeared first on Mommy Travels.

]]> https://www.mommytravels.net/destinations/feed/ 0 https://www.mommytravels.net/portlandmom/ https://www.mommytravels.net/portlandmom/#respond Tue, 04 Mar 2014 06:00:04 +0000 http://www.fabfunsisters.com/demo/?page_id=900 Hey y’all! Welcome to Mommy Travels® a travel and lifestyle blog covering destinations around the world. Here you will find travel tips, reviews of hotels and restaurants, activity suggestions, itineraries, and more. Whether you are on a tight budget and need to stay close to home, or able to have a luxury European vacation, Mommy...

The post About appeared first on Mommy Travels.

]]> Hey y’all! Welcome to Mommy Travels® a travel and lifestyle blog covering destinations around the world. Here you will find travel tips, reviews of hotels and restaurants, activity suggestions, itineraries, and more.

Whether you are on a tight budget and need to stay close to home, or able to have a luxury European vacation, Mommy Travels® will help you plan the ultimate family vacation.

Meet Meagan

I am a busy single mom to Noah 22, Eden 20, and Jonah 16.

On any given day you can find me living the mom life of packing lunches and running a carpool back and forth to football near Dallas, Texas.

On a more exciting day, you might find us swimming with elephants in Thailand, eating exotic foods in Sri Lanka, or riding insane roller coasters in Orlando.

I’ve been to at least 35 countries, but why keep count? I don’t travel for the bragging rights, I travel for the experience. I believe that quality time (my love language) gained through travel is one of the most important things in life and that’s why I encourage others to create memories with their own families one trip at a time. Why? Because you get one life. You better enjoy it. 

My email is Meagan@MommyTravels.net.

You can find me on Twitter @MeaganWristen and on Facebook.

I am originally from West Texas, obsessed with Tex-Mex food, and a proud Texas Tech Red Raider.

I’m a boot-wearing, God-loving Texan, with an intense desire for adventure. I love laughing and spending time with those I love.

I’ve never met a vehicle I can’t off-road or something I cannot do, even if it takes me an unreasonable amount of time to accomplish it.

I’m a slow runner, except when running from llamas. I’m not a fan of heights and a fairly pathetic swimmer, but I give it my all anyway.

I love to read and enjoy a glass of wine while I sit in the hammock the kids and I weaved in Honduras.

But most of all, I enjoy hanging out with my family and my girlfriends. I’m that “ride or die” friend that will back you up no matter what, even if I maybe shouldn’t. And if you’ve had a bad month, I’ll get on a plane to fly overnight to see you. Hell, I’ll fly to Australia just to check on you. Just ask Erin, she still can’t believe I showed up in Melbourne.

How My Travel Started

It has been my experience as an Air Force military wife being dragged moving all over the country: Texas, Mississippi, Oregon 3x, Idaho, Florida, Nevada, Alabama, Georgia, and Honduras that has given me a hatred for moving love for travel. Each time we moved I wanted to enjoy and explore the areas around us.

Depending on where we were stationed it was a trip in itself just to go see my mom. Turns out I’ll travel thousands of miles to see my mama. I hope my kids feel that way too someday!

1st Family Road Trip

Some of my first trips were Noah and I traveling from Columbus AFB in Mississippi back to Texas and New York to see my family. I still remember my first big road trip with Noah. It was a few weeks after September 11th and the base we were living on was in constant lockdown. It was extremely difficult to get on and off the base, so I decided to take Noah to my mom’s house until things calmed down. I packed up my little two-door 1995 Dodge Neon and we road tripped 913 miles to my mom’s. I had to stop often to nurse and change diapers. It took a couple of days, but we made it!

Little did I realize back then that this was to be the 1st of hundreds of road trips we would take. At this point, the kids and I have road-tripped at least 100,000 miles in just within the United States. And Noah, my little baby is in college. He and I road-tripped across seven states a few months ago so he could be home for the summer break.

How I Became an RVer

As my family grew, travel had to become more kid-friendly. Each time you add another kid into the mix, it becomes more challenging to travel, but not impossible.

When Eden was a baby she would cry all night at a hotel. The solution was a 32-foot class C RV and a lot of small camping trips around Idaho where we happened to be stationed at the time.

Nowadays Eden travels like a pro.

My RV horror story: I was driving our RV from Las Vegas to Idaho and Noah was sleeping on the bed over my head. (Yes, I know, he shouldn’t have been up there.) He leaned over and told me he didn’t feel good. Before I could ask him what was wrong he threw up all over me. The takeaway, do not let your child lay down on the overhead bed while driving. Also, can you guess why I sold my RV?

Single Mom Travel

As more time went on and by the grace of God I became a single mom, but that hasn’t stopped us from traveling the world. We just took our first trip to Asia! That’s how this family travel blog came to be. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you plan your own family trip.

Where Else You Can Find Me

I can also be found writing regularly as the Portland area expert at www.10best.com.

Plus, I’m on the radio as part of the Our Auto Expert team. Did I mention I’m a car girl?

USA Today

• Portland for luxury lovers
• 8 Tropical Spots to Escape the Winter

Travelocity

10Best

Epoch Times

MSN

Sherman’s Travel

Yahoo

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