What I can do with my family with small kids in Orlando over New Years other than going to the parks?|153514

We do not want to go to the parks because they are too crowded for the one year old and three year old.

Visit
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and read the top 207 things to do in orlando

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I personally can_t make an recommendations, because I have only ever gone to Orlando to go to Disney World.

You could always leave the kids with a sitter. They have great sitting services for children staying in hotels in orlando. Kids Nite Out is bonded, insured and pretty reasonable priced. Its 14 dollars an hour for one child and 2.50 each additional child. My husband and I are going in December and plan on using their services. That way we can have some adult time away from the kids and ride some of the scarier rides. Here is their web address:

http://www.kidsniteout.com




Have fun!

You could go to the Science Center in Orlando. My five year old stepson likes that a lot. There_s a children_s museum in Lakeland/Winter Haven area that isn_t too far away. In Tampa there_s a nice aquarium. That is over an hour_s drive though.

Hope that helps.

Dana

Hire a babysitter. One and three year olds don_t know about New Year_s and they get bored easily. Spare them the suffering.

Check out the museums and zoo. They also have an boat ride their you can take.

For families the Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn is exciting. Everything is right there on site; there are a number of dining options, pools, games and entertainment for kids, plus a new spa for parents, and more. They also offer discounts and special packages for families.

And, the hotel is just down the road from Downtown Disney where the kids can play with legos at a huge Lego store, enjoy family entertainment, and more fun Disney stuff without going to the parks.

We_ve written about several of Orlando_s hotels and attractions in USA Travel Magazine. I_ll include those links in case you want to read more on each.

Hope this is helpful and you enjoy your trip!

They have a really fun _Medieval Times_ down there...

There are also tours of the everglades... And a _Gator World_ that I enjoyed.

I_m not sure if you live in Orlando or you will be vacationing there over New Years, but if you live there a nice day at home watching the ball drop would be nice. Maybe start some traditions...I_ll be 22 soon and I still go home for New Years every year just because of the traditions that we have...We make special food and stay up and laugh and play games and talk until the ball drops and then we go outside and bang pots and pans together...yeah, it sounds cheesy, maybe a little strange, but it brings the whole family together and that_s the best part...If you are going to be vacationing there, I would ask the kids if there is anything special that they would like to do...sure they may say silly things, but you could incorporate their ideas into whatever you decide to do and make them feel special

How do I keep myself and child safe if we cant become residents of New Jersey for 6 months?|137175

Right now I have lived with my mom for 2mths and I need to make sure that the father of my child doesnt come here to take her away from me. The courts here are saying there is nothing to do except to put it off for 6mths but I need help now... What state is going to help me be safe with her????

Don_t think the travel section is the best place to find an answer to that. If the courts are involved, you_d want to discuss this with your lawyer. If he has a history of violence against you and your child, you may be able to get an order of protection.

How is public transportation in Philadelphia near Temple University?|176046

Hello! I will be attending Temple University this fall and live on campus. I dont have a car ( Im hoping to buy one before I leave for school, but may not have the money), and wanted to know if commuting around Philly buy subway and metro is convienent or not. Ive never been to Philly, but hope to be able to get around the city and then some on public transit.

So, If you know or have used Philly transit, how is it???

There_s plenty and you can get around easily, if you_re willing to hop from bus to subway to trolley _ train. A monthly pass is reasonable and gives you unlimited rides within a certain zone, so your travels in and around Temple will be cheap enough. However, it_s not the safest transit system so keep your ears open and stay alert, no drowsing off by the window seat with your iPod playing!

I am a Freshman now at Temple. I live in 1940 and I have taken the subway and train around - which are both very convenient. I have never taken a bus - although I know there is the Temple Owl Loop (that brings you around campus) as well as buses to Ambler Campus and Elkins Park.

On the most part, if you are planning on taking classes on main campus and maybe going into the city for shopping/museums/sightseeing/etc you should be fine taking the Regional Rail or the Subway (which are on the edge of campus but not off campus).
As far as security goes, the train station is in a somewhat bad area and the subway is a little (pardon my language) _ghetto fabulous_ at times - I would avoid taking either alone at night. It_s a good idea to travel with groups of people.

If you want any information go to Septa.org (the public transportation in Philadelphia). I find this helpful when mapping out where I need to go.

P.S. I don_t know where you are from, but keep in mind - you should visit Temple before making your final decision. The area is a bit rough. But hey, it might be the school of your dreams!

If you want any inside information on dorms or life here at temple shoot me up an email :)

I work and live in Philly and I take public trans to work everyday because parking sucks in Center City. And I have no problem most buses run every 10 -15 minutes during peak hours and off peak hours a pretty good as well. The trains or okay as well. I never had a problem been using it for about 15 plus years.

What are the main attractions in Oahu, Honolulu and how could can i plan for a 2 day tour program?|174625

We are a family of 4 with 2 kids touring Oahu, Honululu for 2 days. Could you please advise the cheap and best mode of transportation to those places?

I used to live there. Cheapest way would be a rental car. You can go where you want - when you want. Places to see... I would go to Diamond Head volcano (You can drive in via a tunnel), The Honolulu Zoo (right next to the volcano at the East end of Kalakaua Blvd.), Hanauma Bay (East of the volcano going towards Kailua/Kaneohe), Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie (Getting closer to the North Shore), Sunset Beach (be careful of the undertow and coral DO NOT let the kids in those waters!! It_s dangerous), Haleiwa and head South down H2 through the Dole Plantation and Fort Shafter toward Pearl Harbor. Once at Pearl Harbor you can visit the Arizona Memorial, The Battleship Missouri and the Pompanito submarine.
Check out this route against a map for better accuracy of the route. Start at Waikiki then head East around the Island.Once at the Northern part of the Island, you_ll be heading South toward Pearl Harbor.Have fun!! There_s more to do of course.

Well, if you are only gonna be on Oahu around Honolulu area for two days, I would suggest renting a vehicle. I was gonna say get a four day Discovery Thebus bus pass, but it is $20.00 pp.

You really should get a rental car (go to Costco.com) then to Alamo Car rental. the cheapest is not that bad, you don_t have much time. Go to Pearl Harbor_s Arizona memorial tour--free. Go to any beach on the east or south shore. Sea Life park for the dolphin show, a luau but don_t go cheap, go to Paradise cove. Walk on Waikiki beach, and look at Diamond Head. Go up to the Pali look out, take Nuuanu Pali Hywy. Ride/paddle a canoe for a life time memory at Waikiki Beach. The absolutely best entertainment but expensive is the Polynesian Cultural Center at Laie, North shore. Also, Waimea Bay, Pipeline for surfer watching.
If you want to go around the island, catch THEBUS. You can get off anywhere, and get back on on the half-hour for another fare.

Rent a Car is best when you travel with kids AND planning to travel far.

The rental car web-site should give some great value if travel at off peak season.

To travel in peak season, go for some travel agents web-sites. They might have contracted rate from the rental car companies. Thus, rates are less than the web-site.

The bus will cost you $2 one way per person for adult and children $1 one way. You can get a transfer (free with one purchase per person). But it takes a long time to trave from one place to another. And the schedule is less frequent during off-school hours.

Day 1:
Off to the beaches - Ala Moana Magic Island (in Ala Moana beach park) is an idea place, especially for younger kid. It is an enclosed swimming lagoon, just out-skirt of Waikiki. you probably can spend some hours there. Pack some water _ food for a great pinic there too.

Opposite of Ala Moana Beach park is Ala Moana Shopping Center. You can go there before or after the beach.

If you like hiking, you can either go to Diamond Head (famous tourist area) for a paved hike. Fee required. Car driving need.

For a free city view, go to Punchbowl Cemetery. It is a National Cemetery with a open area for GREAT city view. It is also a tourist area with war display on the wall. Driving required. It is like 10-15 min drive from Waikiki.

Or go to Tantalus Montain in the night for city night view. Driving require.

Day 2: (if this day is a Wed or Sat or Sun)
Go to Aloha Stadium in the morning for swap meat. Lots of stuff to buy. Bargain skill required for a cheaper rate!

Opposite is the famous Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial. Get a ticket and go to the 20 min documentary film. Follow by a free boat ride to the memorial. Walk around the displays of history in the visitor center after the boat ride back.

If you have more than 2 hours of wait time for the documentary, go to Pearlridge shopping Center (a 5 min drive away) for lunch or a quick shopping.

If you have more than 4 hours of wait time for the documentary, go to the Battleship (ticket _ trolley ride next door). Be sure to join their guide tour, very informative!

There are a lots of things to do. I think this is not so hectic for younger kids and for a 2 day tour. If you like, do a search for my full recommended 7 days tour in YahooAnswer, for more option on where to go.

Your going to take 4 people on a minimum 5 hour flight (from the West Coast) _ only stay 2 days ?

I would seriously recommend 4-5 days minimum. If you go to Oahu, there lots of action from Waikiki - each hotel has it_s activities desk _ can book you on pretty much any trip you_d like to try (circle Island tour is a standard rite of passage). If you book in Waikiki - try to avoid hotels that back onto the canal - it does tend to stink a bit.

If you_ve got the money, the Turtle Bay Hilton is great if you don_t want to put up with all the noise _ traffic in Waikiki.

MAUI - my favourite island. I end up on Kaanapali beach. First time I went I got a deal at the Royal Lahaina hotel - it llooked like the cheapest place. BUT, with a group, the ResortQuest Kaanapali Shores Resort could (surprisingly) work out cheaper. THey do have condos with fully equipped kitchens. There is a supermarket just across the road _ that saved me as much as $50 a day on food - and getting breakfast in the codno is so much less stressful, than eating out. WHen I went, the hotel gave me coupons for the hotel resaurant and I also got a free day, booking via Expedia.

NOTE : there are direct flights to Maui from places like my home town - Phoenix, as well as the more congested West coast airports like SFO _ LAX.

Hawaii always looks expensive. But there_s lots of competition, so deals can be found. And finally, I stayed in Tahiti last New Year _ that was even more expensive than Hawaii !

When is the best time to visit Maine? Where are the best spots to visit?|148628

I am interested in seeing the coast. Do some hiking and eating some lobster. Where are the BEST places to do these things. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

well you could condense this into one trip and one location and visit Bar Harbor/ Acadia National Park during the week or two after labor day. Fly Into Bangor ME and rent a car.
As much as I love hiking in Acadia NP , Hiking Baxter State Park is an incredible experience and if you_re in that area of Maine you gotta go.
Baxter is about 120 mi from Bar harbor which means it_s about 60 miles from Bangor. Baxter is moose country and is a true wilderness area. Baxter also contains a couple of nice surprises which I won_t tell you about.You_ll just have to go there and see for yourself.

I_m not sure about the best places to get some lobster, but if you want to hike, I would do it in May/June when the weather is nice. Winters in Maine are long and brutal and hiking wouldn_t be fun in those months!

Summer is probably best, the weather will be nice---Kennebunkport is a great little town with the best lobster place--Mabel_s Lobster Claw---enjoy!!

Bar Harbor, Kittery, Bath...Sept or October time frame it_s cool enough for walking and you might just hit the right time for the foliage.

How long would a trip from San Diego to Fullerton take on a weekday morning with traffic?|197718

As far as traffic and time going has anyone taken this drive before? I need to be there at by 7:45 a.m. and not sure what time to leave San Diego. I was thinking 4:30 a.m. Please let me know if you have experience with this drive and how long it usually take.

Traffic at 4:30 won_t be too bad. But if you leave after 5 you_ll never be there on time. But leaving at 4:30, you_ll probably be early, so just find somewhere for a cup of coffee or something. It should take about an hour and a half to get to Fullerton at 4:30 am, if you wait until 5, it may take 2 1/2 to 3 hours!

Traffic after five is insane! And, as a result, it will take much longer to get there.

It will take you at least a couple hours, more with traffic (which won_t be too bad that early). If you leave at 4:30, you_ll get there at about 6:45. But, if you leave at 5, you_ll probably get there around 7:30.

If this is a very important appointment, though, I would say just leave at 4:30 and hang out at a coffee shop or something. Better to be way too early than late.

When is the best time of year to get cheaper airfairs to California?|163046

I want to take a trip to California from NY, but I am kinda on a budget! My daughter and grandkids live there. My wife is letting me have the State income tax refund to buy tickets, and for spending money when I get there. So I have to get a good deal on the round trip ticket so I can spoil my grandkids a little. Thanks.

I_m not really sure that there is a time of the year that is best to purchase your airfare. Here are few suggestions. Check with online sites like orbitz, expedia, priceline, etc. These are all online discounters for airfare. Spend some time researching prices before you purchase and check all the online discounters. Also check directly through the airlines, I have found many situations where they are lower than the online discounters. Also watch for advertisements online, in the newspaper, etc. Sometimes they will offer special rates for a certain day, I find this quite often happens.

The best way to make sure you get the lowest price is to check every day for one week. The prices will change each day and this will give you an idea of what day your airline will lower prices. Some do it Monday, others Wednesday and some on both Tuesday and Thursday. So it will take some time, but this will help you get the lowest rate.

Also, be very flexible. If you are willing to spend more time flying and having more layovers, you can get a less expensive flight. You may have 3 or 4 layovers, but if you don_t mind getting in a little later it will save you a lot of money.

I just bought tickets for California in September and I think I paid about $250 dollars per person, with all taxes and fees. This isn_t too bad and it was a pretty good flight, I_m not sure if this is in your budget or not. But I found that the ticket was ten dollars less booking through American than the online discounters.

Also, certain companies will take different discounts. You may find a discount using a AAA card, AARP, teacher discounts, nurse discounts, Sams Club, etc. You can call the companies to see if they take any of these discounts and sometimes they do. Sometimes you won_t even think of a discount they may offer that they have, it just depends what they accept.

You may also want to check with your local AAA office. They may have a lower rate. The only problem is that they add a fee on to the air because they don_t receive commission on the air. I believe they charge $50 for members and a $100 for non-members (I_m not certain on the actual fee, but I think this is close). So if they have a really good deal on the air you may be better off.

I hope this helps. Good luck with getting your air and have a great trip!

The above answer is very good but I would like to add that Jet Blue is a discount airline like Southwest, for longer routes. It doesn_t show up on Orbitz and Expedia, but you can go directly to the JetBlue web site.
http://www.jetblue.com/

Their hub is JFK, so if that is a good airport for you it is worth checking them out. They fly to 7 cities in California nonstop from JFK.