Traveling WITHOUT Kids

As a parent with three young children, I'm pretty good at traveling WITH children. Packing some games, DVDs, books, new toys, etc. I've gotten a pretty good handle on that over the past few years.


What doesn't happen nearly often enough is traveling WITHOUT the kids! There have been a night or two here or there, but honestly it's been a long time since my wife and I have been able to go on a "real" trip without the kids.


Fortunately, the opportunity presented itself to go on a 4-night cruise in late February. Since the departure date is just a week after our anniversary it was a no-brainer to book it.


As we've started preparing for our getaway - lined up the grandparents to stay with the kids, etc., one item we found buried deep in a drawer was a "Parental Consent" form from the hospital where our kids were born.


The fear of every mother who has to leave their kids for a few days is....'What if something happens to my babies while I'm gone?'


This form eases some of those worries. It won't eliminate an illness or a broken bone, but whoever is caring for your children in your absence will have the documentation needed by medical professionals to offer proper treatment without delay.


Follow this link to an online consent form provided by Indiana's Community Health Network. Then book your next couple's getaway with a clearer conscience.


http://www.ecommunity.com/medcheck/uploads/files/parental_consent.pdf

Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

So glad we saved this museum for our final day in Chicago, because unlike some of our other stops where a half day sufficed, we needed every minute of the day to experience the Museum of Science and Industry.

The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. We arrived just before 10 and stayed until closing.

Located on the south side of Chicago, we opted to visit this museum last because it was on our way back home. Had we visited in the middle of our stay in Chicago, we would have taken public transportation from downtown, but instead we drove down Lakeshore Avenue and paid $20 to park in the museum’s garage.

A general admission ticket was enough to keep us busy for the entire day, however, if you have specific interests not covered by the ticket, there are a few exhibits that require an additional fee.

We started our visit with two of the special daily programs. The first was an interactive game show in the theater on the lower level, and the second was a brrr-thday party featuring liquid nitrogen on the third floor.

From there we explored the Science Storms area, with hands-on activities about lightning, tsunamis, avalanches, tornados and more. (I’ll try not to say “hands-on” anymore because all of the exhibits are very interactive and offer hands-on activities.)

We toured a full-sized Boeing 727 before heading to the café for lunch.

In the afternoon, we saw the trains before going to the Toymaker 3000 area. For $5, each of the boys purchased a “Gravitron” that was created along an assembly line in front of their eyes. The souvenirs were engraved with the date and their names.

We also visited “YOU! The Experience,” an area that explores the human body. The boys strapped on a headset to participate in a game that monitored their brain waves. They also hopped on a “hamster wheel” to see how fast they could go.

With time running out in our day, we went to the basement to view the U-505, a German submarine that was captured near the end of World War II. A very detailed exhibit includes video about the war and the sub’s capture, as well as first-person accounts from the crew that commandeered the vessel.

An extra ticket is required to board the sub, however, the other exhibits and the chance to walk along the outside of the sub are included with the general admission ticket.

Our full day at the museum allowed us to see probably two-thirds of the exhibits. If you’re going to Chicago, allow at least one full day to experience this treasure.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Is there anything better than a free zoo?

Located on the north side of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo opens at 10 a.m. daily and offers free admission. The zoo is part of a larger park and has multiple entrances.

We entered by the seals, and after watching them swim for a few minutes, encountered a very active male lion prowling around his enclosure. We proceeded to see monkeys, gorillas, zebras, camels, flamingos, bears and more.

The only money we spent during our visit was for a carousel ride ($2.75 even for parents who have to stand to accompany small children) and lunch at one of the cafes.

We needed about three hours for our visit but didn’t quite see everything. Another hour would have been well spent.

Willis Tower

What’s it like to stand 1,353 feet over the sidewalk with just four inches of glass between you and a fall to the ground? If you’re brave enough to find out, step out on one of four glass ledges at SkyDeck Chicago and take a look.

Willis Tower is the tallest building in the United States and offers stunning views of four states from the 103^rd floor. A nine-minute film and some interesting exhibits preclude boarding the elevator, which makes the climb in about one minute.

On a clear day, which unfortunately it wasn’t for our visit, you can see four states: Illinois (obviously), Indiana, Wisconsin and all the way across Lake Michigan into Michigan.

The highlight for many though is the four glass enclosures that extend outside the building and perch you over the ground below.

Museum Campus - Chicago

Just south of the downtown area are three world class attractions located at the Museum Campus – which is also adjacent to Soldier Field and the convention center.

Several bus lines run express routes with minimal stops between downtown and the museums, and the subway’s red line stops at Roosevelt, which is a ½-mile walk to the museums.

Worth seeing are the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and The Field Museum. During our visit, we only had time and budget for two of the three. We chose the Planetarium and the Field Museum. Both took about half a day.

The Planetarium is one of the oldest in the country and offers two floors of exhibits as well as several theaters, including a 3D theater.

Detailed information is offered about each of the planets as well as a history of space exploration. The “Planet Explorers” area is a kids area with a lot of hands-on activities and a chance to climb, run around and get out some energy.

An interesting history of telescopes is located on the lower level.

The Field Museum of Natural History is home to Sue, an intact T-Rex skeleton that stands in the lobby. In addition to the dinosaur exhibits, our kids were fascinated by the Ancient Egypt exhibit, exploring a pyramid and its mummies and artifacts..

There’s much more to see here, including animals, DNA, plants, underground adventure and more.

Navy Pier - Chicago

Navy Pier was just a few blocks from our hotel. We walked over mid-afternoon and stayed 3-4 hours. The highlight for us was the giant Ferris Wheel that offers a seven-minute ride to heights offering a beautiful view of the Chicago Skyline.

A carousel and a few additional rides are also available. The cost is $6 per person, although a discount is available if you purchase tickets to more than one ride.

Numerous cruise tours depart the pier, offering cruises out onto Lake Michigan or through downtown Chicago via the Chicago River. Segways and bicycles are also for rent.

An inside mall features a food court and all sorts of souvenir shops. An IMAX Theatre, Children’s Theatre and the Chicago Children’s Museum are also located at Navy Pier.

A number of restaurants and a beer garden provide opportunities for food and drink. We opted to eat at Harry Caray’s, the legendary Cubs announcer. The portions were large, and the food was good. Inside the restaurant, is a collection of autographed pictures, bats, baseballs and items from other sports.

Embassy Suites Chicago Lakefront

When deciding to visit Chicago for our summer vacation, one of the first daunting questions was where to stay?

 

Downtown hotels are closer to the sights, but the nightly rate can be more expensive as well as adding a hefty parking charge.

 

Staying in the suburbs could mean paying less for a hotel, but then you’re faced with either commuting in and out every day via car – and paying hefty parking fees once you arrive – or traveling in via a regional train. Either way you’ll probably spend at least 30-40 minutes in transit on both ends of your day.

 

As I mulled these over, I opted to stay downtown and bite the bullet on the slightly higher prices in the name of being closer to the sights.

 

Embassy Suites was one of the first hotels on my list as I started looking for a place to stay. I’m a sucker for their made-to-order omelets, and every room is a two-room suite. The main bedroom features two double beds while the living room has a fold-out couch. With a family of five, we were able to have two kids sleep on the couch in the living room. They had access to their own TV. My wife and I slept in the bedroom with our youngest child.

 

The lakeshore location is about five blocks from Navy Pier, so after settling in, we were able to walk over there for a few hours before coming back and enjoying some time in the pool, hot tub and sauna.

 

Walking four blocks in the other direction, we were easily able to make it over to Michigan Avenue and board the busses or the subway.

 

A final bonus – the manager’s reception from 5:30-7:30 with free drinks and snacks.

Menno-Hof Shipshewana

The Menno-Hof Museum in Shipshewana is an interesting place to learn the history of three related Christian denominations - the Mennonites, Amish and Hutterites.

A 15-minute introductory film precludes 23 additional exhibits that tell the history of the early church through the present.

The beginning of the Anabaptist movement is highlighted in one exhibit followed by a dungeon room that showcases 16th century persecution. A "rack," tongue screw, and other torture devices accompany the video.

A model of ship's quarters demonstrate how many Mennonites traveled to North America in the late 1800s, and the next room includes a registry of ships and passengers from the 1850s through the 1870s. I found my great-great grandparents on a ship from Europe to the US in 1877.

Further exhibits demonstrate the industriousness and prosperity of the three groups.

Menno-Hof is an interesting place to visit. We spent almost two hours learning about the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites.

St. Louis, baseball and public transportation

St. Louis has a lot to offer. I’ve experienced some of those attractions in the past, and I’ll have to experience others in the future. On a recent trip to the “gateway to the west,” there was only one purpose – baseball.


I’ve been fortunate over the past few years to get to major league games in Baltimore, Cleveland and Cincinnati, but it had been a few years since seeing the Cardinals.

St. Louis is a baseball town, they’ve got a relatively new ballpark, and it’s only a four-hour drive from Indianapolis.

Well, it was slightly more than four hours. If you’re driving that direction this summer, prepare to come to a stop in a long construction zone just east of Terre Haute. (There’s also some construction between Terre Haute and Effingham).

St. Louis has a great downtown – but again, that’s another trip.

This time, in the interest of saving some money, I opted to stay in Collinsville, Illinois. In addition to paying less for a hotel, it gave me the opportunity to try out the St. Louis Metro.

Many Indianapolis residents would love to see a light rail system in our city, but who knows if politics and the cost to build will ever allow that to happen.

Somehow, St. Louis did make that happen. And remarkably (to me at least), the system includes a line that extends into Illinois.

We took advantage of the free parking at the Fairview Heights station, and my sons and I took the metro to the Stadium station for a total of $8.80 roundtrip.

It was a comfortable 25-minute ride that took us across the Mississippi River without the need to fight traffic or search for game night parking.

The metro station is across the street from the third base gate into the stadium. The “new” Busch Stadium opened in 2006 and is an absolute gem. Filled with 44,000 Cardinals fans on a weeknight in early June, you can’t ask for a better atmosphere to watch a baseball game.

There doesn’t appear to be a bad seat in the house. Our seats were in section 160 just past the third base bag.

Fans in St. Louis are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate – and friendly! We were wearing the opposing team’s gear, but heard nothing but warm greetings all night long.

There are a myriad of concession choices at the ballpark – Asian, beef brisket being two options that I recall. Call me boring, but we opted for hot dogs and fries. Very good grilled hot dogs!

The night was perfect and memorable for me and my sons.

If you want a fun baseball experience, take a trip to St. Louis.

Cruise into the New Year

As 2012 comes to an end and we usher in a new year, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your 2013 vacation plans.

Harmony Travel has an exclusive sale with Holland America beginning today and running through January 13.

During this period, you can book just about any upcoming Holland America sailing and not only get the lowest fares, but you'll also pay a reduced deposit (as low as $100 per person), and you'll receive a special on-board value booklet with more than $350 in savings.

Whether you'd like to visit Alaska, cruise the Caribbean or tour the Mediterranean, now is a great time to make those plans for the new year.

Sandals Royal Plantation

This was my first visit to a Sandals property, long regarded as a leader in luxury, all-inclusive vacations.

The Royal Plantation, located in Ocho Rios, was originally built in the 1950s but maintains an aura of excellence and modern sophistication.

It's an all-butler resort. Upon check-in, every guest receives a cell phone with which to call their butler at any time during the stay. If you're uncomfortable having him or her unpack your underwear, you could just ring when you accidentally forget your sunscreen in your room.

The Royal Plantation is located on a bluff overlooking beautiful blue waters. There are 74 oceanfront suites and a private three-bedroom villa that sleeps six. All Sandals properties are adults only and feature only king beds.

The Royal Plantation has two bars and three restaurants, however, it is located next to the Sandals Grande, and guest enjoy full exchange privilegees, which adds another 15 dining options.

All meals at the Royal Plantation are served a la carte, and high tea is served every day at 4:00.

Another difference that sets Sandals apart from other all-inclusives is the quantity and quality of what's included. Sandals stocks premium liquors, and where other all-inclusives include "non-motorized" watersports, Sandals also includes scuba diving and a glass bottom boat. The Royal Plantation also includes greens fees and transfers to a nearby par-71 course.

Couples Tower Isle

The Couples Tower Isle near Ocho Rios was one of the first all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean when it was built in 1948.

Needless to say this high-end, luxury resort has undergone many renovations and is very modern and comfortable.

As the name implies, Couples resorts are for adults only. The 226 rooms feature only king-size beds.

Couples is an ideal location for weddings or honeymoons. The resort includes a complimentary wedding for guest who stay six or more nights. Honeymooners enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne as well as a half-hour couples massage.

Complimentary amenities include a shopping tour, golf (transfer and greens fees) and watersports (including scuba diving and water skiing).

One other item that set this resort apart - the resort doesn't offer guests bottled water. Instead each room has two refillable bottles. Guests can use those bottles throughout their stay by refilling them with filtered water from fountains located on each floor.

Mystic Ridge Resort

Mystic Ridge is located on a hill overlooking the resort town and bay of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

With only 38 one- and two-bedroom suites, it's a quiet escape in paradise. The room rates include breakfast, and lunch and dinner can be added for $25 per person.

The resort is 5-10 minutes from a variety of attractions, including the beach, shopping and Mystic Mountain. A free shuttle departs for the beach at 10 and noon, and returns at 4.

The resort has the same ownership as Mystic Mountain, an adventure park featuring a zipline, bobsled experience, rainforest, butterfly garden and hummingbird garden.

A three-night stay at Mystic Ridge includes entry to Mystic Mountain, and a seven-night stay includes the bobsled experience.

The rooms are comfortable, ranging from 400 sq. feet for the standard rooms to 1,800 sq. feet for the two-story, two-bedroom suites. The one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites include fully equipped kitchens.

Mystic Ridge is also wheelchair accessible. Three suites feature ramps and accessible bathrooms.

Hermosa Cove Villas

This stop wasn't on the itinerary during my brief five-day tour of resorts in Jamaica, but it's a hidden gem that I'm thankful our host chose to show us.

Hermosa Cove features nine quiet villas in Ocho Rios. There are three 3-bedroom villas and six 1-bedroom villas.

Each villas features a private pool and a kitchen, and they are just 100 steps from the beach. The bedrooms are upstairs and feature large baths. The three-bedroom villas have two baths upstairs and one downstairs.

A lighthouse at the water's edge features a restaurant and bar on the main level, and a spa upstairs.

Construction on Hermosa Cove was started in 2004, and the villas opened in 2012.

Jewel Dunn's River

Located close to Ocho Rios and just minutes from Dunn's River Falls, the Jewel Dunn's River is a beautiful, adults-only resort.

The 250 rooms are divided into seven categories that go up to butler service and concierge level. All rooms have refrigerators stocked with water, juice and soda. Higher category rooms include beer and wine in the rooms.

There are six restaurants on site with only the Japanese restaurant requiring reservations. One tip: Every Friday guests can dine under the stars on the pier. No reservations are required for the five-course meal.

The food is outstanding. My tour included samples of stuffed mushrooms in the Italian restaurant and sushi in the Japanese restaurant before a wonderful lunch.

There are several tennis courts, a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course, and a fitness center (which interestingly is in a covered outdoor area, so it's not affected by inclement weather, but there's no A/C).

A large spa features two couples rooms.

Secrets Wild Orchid & St. James

For couples getting married, going on a honeymoon or just looking to get away, the two Secrets resorts in Montego Bay are the perfect choice.

Brand new properties that were built in 2010, the adjoining resorts each feature 250 oceanview junior suites. And it's adults only, so there won't be any kids around.

Secrets takes all-inclusive to a level beyond the mass market, introductory level resorts. There are no wristbands to wear; the restaurants are all al a carte; and there's premium brand liquor.

The Wild Orchid, which is closer to the restaurants, and the St. James, which is closer to the spa, feature eight restaurants and nine bars. Guests receive a champagne welcome while checking in.

Guests can also upgrade to a "preferred" room which includes a private lounge, free Wifi and more.

My top choice - the swim-up rooms at the Wild Orchid.

Milbrooks Resort

Stunning. That was the first word that came to mind when I saw the Milbrooks Resort.

Driving up in the hills near Montego Bay, we stopped outside what looked to be a mansion. It turned out to be the luxurious and inviting Milbrooks Resort.

With 10 rooms, this private villa can accommodate 28 people - perfect for a destination wedding or a family trip. Your stay includes the services of a butler, chef and maid and will truly be worry-free. The attentive staff will take care of all of your needs, including nearby activities such as the beach, golf or horseback riding.

Jewel Runaway Bay

There are two Jewel resorts near Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Runaway Bay is west of Ocho Rios, about 1:20 from the airport in Montego Bay.

The Runaway Bay resort is a family-friendly resort with 266 rooms, including some one-bedroom suites that include butler service and a plunge pool. (Check out suite 1039 on the corner of the top floor, offering a plunge pool on the corner of the balcony with unbelievable views of the ocean).

The resort two tennis courts, a basketball court and a badminton court. What sets it apart from most others is complimentary glass bottom boat tours and complimentary greens fees at the private 18-hole, PGA-quality Runaway Bay Golf Club ($20 caddie fee is extra).

The Kids Jungle features a tree house and a mini zip line.

Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay

Kids will love the waterpark at Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. The park features two 35-foot high, 250-feet long waterslides as well as a pirate ship and a lazy river.

Alas, I didn't get to try them out in my short visit to the resort, but if I return I'd be tempted to stay in a Waterpark room for close access. The bunk beds would surely be a hit with my kids.

Located just west of Montego Bay, the Sunset Beach is clean, comfortable and a good value for families. The 430 rooms range from eight spacious Junior Suites to Oceanfront to Garden View.

Three a la carte restaurants supplement the buffet offerings.

Check out the video to see it firsthand.

Half Moon Resort

Looking for a five-star resort with privacy and pampering? The Half Moon in Rose Hall, Jamaica is the place for you.

Spread over 400 acres (200 on the beach side and 200 on the golf course side), Half Moon features 197 guest rooms and 32 five-, six- and seven-bedroom villas.

The accommodations are truly impressive. Even the lead-in category, which is a Deluxe Suite, features a separate living room and bedroom.

I was fortunate enough to tour some suites in the Royal Court as well as a villa. The suites feature large sitting areas with two couches and a chair, large bathrooms and a balcony. The suites also have kitchenettes.

Villa rentals come with three dedicated staff (butler, maid, chef) and two golf carts.

You'll need a golf cart to get around the expansive property. You can rent one for the duration of your stay, or the bellmen are happy to cart you around.

The Half Moon is located on two miles of beach. Activities available include horseback riding, a fitness center, 13 tennis courts, a teen center, Olympic-size pool, spa and much more.