Disclosure: This was part of a hosted trip to SeaWorld Orlando.

If you haven’t been to SeaWorld Orlando in a while, you’ll be surprised to see that this is not your mother’s SeaWorld anymore. The addition of a pair of thrill rides has made SeaWorld Orlando a viable theme park option for older children that are looking for exciting rides. On my recent press trip to SeaWorld Orlando, I headed out to the park on a mission to experience Manta and Kraken for myself.

Thrill Rides at SeaWorld Orlando

Photo credit: Wikipedia

I started at Manta, a roller coaster that was built in 2009. The coaster was designed to mimic the gliding of a manta ray, and goes very fast and upside down. You can’t bring bags on the ride, and you can’t wear sandals or flip flops, so it’s best to leave those items with a member of your party that isn’t going on the ride, or you can rent a locker at the entrance of the attraction. There are also small baskets by the ride where you can leave items, but they aren’t secure. Once you are seated on the ride (including the over the head harness and a restraint for your feet, the entire ride car tips so you are face down on the track.

Manta is very fast, and goes upside-down several times. I loved the ride, but it’s definitely not appropriate for little kids or anyone that doesn’t enjoy thrill rides.

Next, I headed down to Kraken, which opened in 200o. Kraken is a floor-less roller coaster, which means flip flops and sandals definitely aren’t allowed. As with Manta, it’s best to rent a locker for valuables, or give them to a member of your party not riding. There are small cubes by the ride entry area to store shoes.

Kraken isn’t quite as wild as Manta in my option, but it’s still very fast and goes upside down several times. I loved it – but again, this ride really isn’t for the faint of heart at all.

SeaWorld Orlando also offers several other rides, including Atlantis (a flume ride), and the brand new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.  Of course, there’s everything else you’d expect to see at SeaWorld, including shows and animal exhibits.

To learn more about SeaWorld, visit their website.

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Last week, with the kids in bed and my husband on an international business trip, I was flipping channels on my television, looking for the local news. I came upon ABC’s The Lookout – a new show that I hadn’t heard of. Because it was focusing on family travel, I decided to watch it.

Once I started watching it, I couldn’t stop.

The whole show is online here, and if you are interested at all in family travel (and of course you are, because you are here!), I recommend that you watch it.

The episode is in three parts. The first segment trails a family as they visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Not only does the hotel have bed bugs, it isn’t nearly as great a deal in reality as it was online – many of the items mentioned on the website as included actually are not included. They also travel around with an expert from Oyster.com, who shows them that resorts aren’t always when they appear to be online.

The second segment is shorter, and just showcases the different prices that consumers get when purchasing airfare. I’m not surprised by the variability – they didn’t show when the travelers would be returning from their trips, and as I’ve said before – the dates of your stay have a huge impact on the price of a flight (but when you do book airfare, make sure you follow these tips to get the best airfare rates).

The final segment is the most compelling. A family traveling on a road trip takes a reporter along with them, and they actually swab the various things they come in contact with to see how germy they are. Without spoiling things, I can tell you this – I’ll be taking hand sanitizer along with us on our next road trip (coming up in two weeks – Maine/Quebec City/New Hampshire).

Check out the show, and let me know what you think!

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Looking for a kid-friendly resort in the Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica? The Palladium Hotels and Resorts has just announced Play at Palladium with Raggs. Raggs, the a live action TV series starring five musical dogs, will be featured prominently at the Palladium Hotels and Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Starting on July 20, 2013, guests will be able to see the five Raggs characters, Raggs, B. Max, Tribly, Pido and Razzle, throughout the resort and in the Mini-Club (the younger kids’ club at the Palladium Hotels and Resorts). For an additional fee, breakfast with Raggs and a birthday party with Raggs can be arranged. In November, a brand-new live stage show will debut, adding to the family-friendly fun. The addition of the Raggs characters makes a kid-friendly resort even more appealing to children, since they will be able to see these beloved characters throughout the resorts.

For those parents looking for child care or kids’ clubs on their vacation, Palladium Hotels and Resorts has some great options for kids aged 1 to 19, including the pirate-themed mini club in Punta Cana pictured above. The entire resort is also food-allergy friendly, important for families like mine who need to maintain a safe environment for their children.

To learn more about Raggs at the Palladium, visit their website.

Photo credit: Palladium Hotel Group

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On my recent trip to Toronto for the Travel Blog Exchange, I flew Porter Airlines for the first time. A friend of mine had recommended this small airline, which flies into Toronto City Airport rather than the larger Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Flying Porter Airlines

As soon as I visited the Porter Airlines website, I knew they were different from the other airlines I’ve flown. Not only were the prices better than any other flights to Toronto, the whimsical website indicates a more modern approach to flying. My flight was a great price, although to choose a firm seat assignment I would have had to pay an additional fee (depending on the fare you’ve booked). I indicated my aisle seat preference in my VIPorter account (their frequent flyer program), and received an aisle seat on both my flights. I wasn’t charged a baggage fee for my checked bag, although that’s usually the case for an international flight.

Porter flies through a few gates in Boston Logan’s Terminal E. Since I had an early morning flight, the terminal was quiet. I easily boarded the flight and was greeted by the friendly flight attendants. Wine and beer are complimentary on Porter flights, although I chose only water for my 9am flight. Snacks are also available.

The flight to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is less than two hours from Boston. We landed, passed through customs, and then immediately headed to the ferry over to the mainland. There is currently a walking path across the island under construction – the ferry ride only takes about 2 minutes in total. It was easy to catch a cab to the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, and there’s a complimentary shuttle that takes you downtown.

On the return trip back to Boston, I was impressed that Porter Airlines checks guests in automatically. I used the kiosk at the airport to print out my boarding pass and then easily checked my bag. I arrived early enough to enjoy the airport lounge, which offers guests complimentary snacks, soda, coffee, water, and tea. There are also lots of comfy leather seats and free WiFi is available.

To learn more about Porter Airlines, visit their website.

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Planning to travel abroad this summer? Whether you are traveling to nearby Canada or across the globe, you’ll need to do a few things before you go. You want to enjoy your vacation, not spend it worried, anxious, or dealing with an unforeseen problem. We asked a few travel experts what things to do before traveling abroad, and here are the some of the best responses.

Things to Do Before Traveling Abroad

Financial Things to Do

Let your credit card company know your travel plans, so they won’t block your credit card when they spot unusual activity in a foreign country. – John Z Wetmore, Pedestrians.org

Make sure your insurance covers active travel and is valid outside the USA. While travelling, carry your medical profile and insurance card on your person at all times. – Tom Hale, www.backroads.com

Always bring at least $100 in USD for emergencies, but the best exchange rates will be had from ATMs. It is almost never beneficial to change currencies in an airport. Since almost every major airport has an ATM, I withdraw cash on arrival. – Ryan Lile, The Savvy Traveler

Change your PIN – Make sure your debit card has no more than a four-digit PIN number for ease of use at international ATMs; if it doesn’t, contact your bank to change it. – Bennett Schwartz, TD Bank’s Foreign Exchange Managing Director

One thing many families take for granted is that their cell phones or other mobile devices will work abroad. This is not always the case, and if they do work then they can expect to come home to a huge international roaming bill from their wireless carrier. Families should check with their carrier before leaving and take any necessary steps, such as purchasing an international SIM card or cell phone, to make sure they can stay safely (and affordably) connected while traveling in other countries. – James O’Neill, OneSimCard.com

Passports and Documentations

Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after the trip. If your passport is about to expire double check the rules for where you are traveling to give yourself enough time to get a new passport. – Ann Belle, Travel Turtle

Make sure everyone’s passport is current; kids’ passports expire sooner that adults’ and 5 years can pass before you know it. – Eileen P. Gunn, FamiliesGo!

Scan all your passports, credit cards & other travel documents, and email to yourself. If all your luggage and bags were lost or stolen, you could access the information from any computer. – Jacquie Whitt, Adios Adventure Travel

Look up the voltage of the outlets in the country you’re visiting. You may need a voltage converter or an adapter to use your electronics. Get it before you leave, just to be on the safe side. – Ross Hudgens Community Outreach, http://www.travelstart.co.za

Medical Things to Do

Pack your cold medicine…or those things you know addresses ailments. In countries like the UK, cold medicine is not sold over the counter, so, taking some basics, like Nyquil/Dayquil, Sudafed, nose spray, aspirin, etc., will save you a huge “headache” (no pun intended) finding something similar in a foreign sundries shop. – Linda Beltran, Director of Communications, Mandarin Oriental, DC

Be sure to carry copies of prescriptions, including eyeglass prescriptions with you. Well before you travel overseas, make sure that the medications or medical equipment you use at home are legal in the country you will be visiting. Even some commonly used nonprescription medications purchased over the counter in the United States are illegal or require notarized
prescriptions, a special permit and other paperwork from the government of the country you will be visiting. Always check the Embassy web site for information.- Carla Sydney Stone, International Development & Technical Assistance LLC

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Last weekend, I headed north on Porter Airlines to Toronto for the Travel Blog Exchange conference (TBEX). I arrived early in the day, and had most of the day to explore the city before the opening night party.  My Boston travel companions Charlene and Leah also took the same flight, while Christy and Melanie had arrived earlier. Charlene and I were rooming together, so after taking the short (and I mean really short) ferry from Toronto City Airport to the “mainland”, we took a cab to the Westin Harbour Castle where we were staying.

After checking in to the hotel and to the conference, we decided to venture out on our own to the Yorkville, a village of Toronto that is known as the high-end shopping district. We took the subway through Toronto’s Union Station, and found it to be very easy.

As an American in Canada, I didn’t have access to the data on my phone as usual, so as we walked around the city, I searched for free WiFi. My mission led me to Starbucks (twice) and Roots, but we also had lunch at a WiFi-free cafe filled with locals. I didn’t buy anything, but had fun window shopping.

After a few hours, it was time to head back to the hotel so we could get ready for the TBEX welcome party. We had planned to walk to the party, but it was pouring so we took a quick cab ride. The party was actually the highlight of TBEX for me. It featured food, wine, beer, and entertainment from across Toronto, and everything was wonderful.

My favorite was the maple syrup, hardened in snow, wrapped around cheese. Oh how I wish this was something I could get here.

I had a great time in Toronto, and wish I’d spent more time there. I’ll be back in Canada next month, when we vacation in Quebec City.

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Disclosure: I received complimentary admission to Discovery Cove. All opinions are my own.

For families looking to swim with dolphins in Florida, spending a day with Discovery Cove in Florida is a great way to do it. Discovery Cove, which is owned by SeaWorld, offers a high-end, all-inclusive resort experience, and guests can choose to swim with dolphins as part of the adventure.

Discovery Cove Resort

Travelers interested in visiting Discovery Cove should visit the website early and make a reservation. Unlike admission to theme parks, admission to Discovery Cove is limited (to a little over 1000 people) and needs to be booked in advance. Choose your dates and experience (with or without swimming with the dolphins), and then you’ll see rates and availability.

Arrive at Discovery Cove as early as possible (check-in starts at 7:30am) to take advantage of the full experience. Parking is free, and there’s also a complimentary shuttle from SeaWorld Orlando. You’ll have a photo taken for your ID badge and will be given your Dolphin experience time at check in. Then, you can head to the lockers and pick up your complimentary rental gear (wetsuit or vest, dolphin-friendly sunscreen, snorkel, and mask).

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style at the Laguna Grill, and are included in the cost of admission. Guests can also get complimentary alcoholic beverages, regular beverages, and snacks throughout the day. The food is pretty average – similar to what you’d get on a cruise ship – but is served quickly and efficiently. Once you’ve eaten and have settled in, you have your choice of activities – from the Explorer’s Aviary, The Grand Reef, Serenity Bay, Wind-away River, and the Freshwater Oasis.

Due to my flight arrival time, I didn’t get to Discovery Cove until lunchtime. My dolphin swim time wasn’t until after 3pm, so I started out at the Grand Reef, where I snorkeled for a bit. The water at the Grand Reef is a little chilly – 77 degrees – but once I was in the water for a few minutes it felt comfortable.

Then, I headed to the Wind-away River, which is similar to a lazy river. After grabbing a float, I headed down the river, under the overhead aviary, and through the park. It’s very slow and relaxing, but does have some big drops, so it’s best for someone comfortable in the water. Guests can also walk through the aviary for a more up-close experience.

After the Wind-away River, I checked out the new Freshwater Oasis, where you can see marmosets and otters. The otters are adorable, but are behind glass. You can, however, swim right up to the glass. The marmosets (a very small monkey) are on an island in the center of the oasis.

At that point, it was time for my dolphin experience. After a brief orientation, I headed to the 72 degree dolphin pool. There were eight of us in the group, and we all had the chance to interact with the dolphin a few times. Underwater cameras aren’t allowed in the water, but photographers are there to take your picture (photo CDs, DVDs, and prints are available for an extra charge). The whole experience takes about 30 minutes, but we actually experienced a thunderstorm during our swim, and had to go back to the cabana and wait it out. I think we ended up getting about 45 minutes total with the dolphins – definitely the full experience despite the rain.

So, is Discovery Cove worth the price? If you want to swim with dolphins in Florida, I’d say definitely. Guests also receive complimentary admission to Aquatica and SeaWorld (also Busch Gardens for an additional fee) for a consecutive 14 days, so if those parks are in your plans, it’s a better deal.

To learn more about Discovery Cove, visit their website.

Photo credits: top photo from Discovery Cove, second photo from me

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If you are interested in visiting Cape Cod, but don’t want to deal with the traffic and crowds of the summer, Ocean Edge Resort has a great deal. Just stay in the pre-season, and you can take advantage of fabulous rates and limited crowds!

Here are the details for this Ocean Edge Resort Deals:Guests can choose from renovated beachside accommodations on The Mansion side, including the new Presidential Bay Collection, or stay at The Villages side, overlooking the Nicklaus Design golf course, with indoor/outdoor pools, tennis courts and direct access to the Cape Cod Bike Trail.

Ocean Edge Pre-Season offer:

From May 27 to June 9 or from June 12 to July 2, enjoy:

-15% off nightly rates in The Mansion guest rooms and The Villages at Ocean Edge
- 20% off nightly rates in the Presidential Bay Collection and Endicott Village

The promotion applies to new reservations only. Existing reservations will not be amended. For booking, please use the rate code: JUNE 13. To make reservations, please call 800.343.6074 or 508.896.9000 or visit www.oceanedge.com

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Disclosure: I was a guest of SeaWorld’s for this event. All opinions are my own.

Last Friday, May 24th, 2013 SeaWorld Orlando opened their largest attraction expansion to date – Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. The expanded realm features a new cafe, a huge penguin-themed gift shop, an educational wall, a penguin habitat, and a new family-friendly ride. I had the opportunity to check it out in person last week, and think it’s a great addition to an already wonderful park.

Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Review

The highlight of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is the brand-new ride, in which families follow a baby penguin named Puck as he navigates through his new world. The ride is available in both a wild and mild form – both of which are relatively tame. The ride actually changes each time you ride it – and according to Brian Morrow, Corporate Creative Director and Chief Designer, it works best when it’s at capacity.

Because the ride ends in the penguin habitat (where it’s a brisk 32 degrees), the temperature gradually decreases as guests navigate through the queue. Humidity is also pulled from the air, so when you get off the ride, it’s crisp and cool. While the ride attendants wear winter attire, SeaWorld guests will likely be riding in their Florida-appropriate clothes. If you are too cold to hang out in the penguin habitat, there’s a warmer underwater viewing area right past the revolving doors.

The penguin exhibit is meant to mimic Antarctica – with the temperature, lighting, and habitat perfectly set up. SeaWorld employees actually visited Antarctica and studied how the penguins live there, so it’s authentic. If you watch them for a while, you’ll see penguins playing, swimming, and sleeping – just as they do at home.

The penguin realm also includes a new quick service cafe which currently features Italian, American, and Chinese-inspired food, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s also a wonderful gift shop, filled with adorable penguin-themed merchandise. New to the parks is the “Cup that Cares”, a reusable cup that works with the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in the Antarctica realm. The cups feature a chip at the bottom which calculates the CO² you save from using it. There’s also an exclusive Coca-Cola flavor only available in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin – South Pole Chill. Guests can choose from a cup featuring Puck and family, or create their own cup from a selection of accessories.

If you’ve got a penguin-obsessed child, SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin is a must-visit when you are in the greater Orlando area. It’s educational and fun – a winning combination.

You can learn more about SeaWorld Orlando’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, on their website.

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The Delta Sky Club at Boston’s Logan Airport

I have a travel secret. Although the American Express Platinum Card seems wildly expensive in comparison to traditional credit cards, if you are a frequent traveler, you may find it to actually be a great deal. As someone who flies at least 12 times a year, I get the full benefit from my card – often just a few months into the year.

American Express Platinum Card: Is It Worth It?

If you already have an American Express card, then you are most likely sold on the benefits. I’ve had charges made in error on both my MasterCard and my American Express, and Amex deals with the issues professionally and quickly. That alone is worth a premium to me.  I also enjoy accumulating rewards points, and like having the flexibility of what to do with the points. So, while hotel or airline cards are great for travelers, you often have to use the points on a specific hotel chain or airline. With American Express Membership Rewards, I can use my points on travel, gift cards, or merchandise.  American Express also offers a great warranty program – they’ll extend a warranty up to an additional year, and will even accept a return of a purchase that the original store won’t take back!

All of that is worth the standard membership fee to me, but as a frequent traveler, I find that the additional cost of the platinum fee is worth it to me.  Here’s why:

Access to airline clubs

With the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll get access to airline clubs for you, your spouse, and your children under the age of 21 (or up to two companions). Depending on the airline, you’ll get access to printers, telephones, showers, free alcoholic beverages, snacks, free WiFi and more. In addition, the staff at the clubs can help you just as a gate agent can. On a recent trip to Florida, the airline agent at the club was able to give me a complimentary upgrade to an exit row. My kids enjoy the clubs too.

Airline fee credits

If you travel on the same airline frequently, you can enjoy to $200 per year in airline fee credits. You do have to choose your airline at the beginning of the year, so it’s best to choose one that you fly frequently (and that regularly charges fees). There is some fine print associated with this benefit, but I generally use it for bag fees and the occasional seat upgrade.

The American Express Platinum Card does offer other benefits too, like access to concierge services, roadside assistance, platinum travel service, and a premium global assist hotline. If you are a frequent traveler, it’s definitely worth reviewing those benefits to see if the card will work for you.

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