Photo Credit: www.KennedySpaceCenter.com

Today marks another possible NASA launch at 7:55pm EST of the Shuttle Endeavour at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, which is located just 45-minutes east of Orlando. An anticipated launch just heightens the visit for travelers and actually even is a destination activity in itself. However, one has to caution that there is no guarantee. There are many complications that can arise that may leave spectators disappointed to not witness one of the most spectacular space-related launches.

I have personally traveled to Florida’s space coast to witness a launch, but unfortunately five minutes prior to the scheduled launch, the mission was scrubbed. While we were disappointed to not see the actual launch in person, it was still a worthwhile journey to see the space shuttle on the launch pad and to partake in what can only be described as a tailgate party. Cars are lined for as far as you can see hours prior to the scheduled launch and people have music and food setting up their own launch party.

For travelers not able to witness a launch, touring the Kennedy Space Center will not disappoint. According to the KSC Web site, there is much to do during a visit from “live action theatrical shows like Mad Mission to Mars, to the inspiring Astronaut Encounter with an actual NASA Astronaut – one of the few people on Earth who have been to space. View ten-story high rockets from all eras of space exploration in the Rocket Garden, walk through a full-size Space Shuttle mock-up, see IMAX space films on gigantic five-story screens, and see an actual Gemini program capsule on display in Early Space Exploration.”

A typical admission to the KSC is $38 adult/$28 child (ages 3-11) plus tax and is not valid on shuttle launch days or December 25^th. In addition to the general admission, KSC has put together unique activities that are an additional cost such as “Lunch with an Astronaut” and guided tours.

For kids, there is even a Space Camp offered during the summer allowing participants to actually participate in a space shuttle mission simulation along with other stunning activities. This enriching space experience is designed for kids’ ages eight to 14, youth entering 2^nd-9^th grades. In 2008, the cost for this week-long program was $295 for the hours of 9am-4pm.

Matchbox® Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission; Photo Credit: www.mattel.com

To help keep the space mission alive, travelers can visit the KSC gift shop for a souvenir including astronaut ice cream or an astronaut helmet. Another great idea, particularly for kids for the holidays, is Mattel’s new Matchbox® Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission. This building system starts as one gigantic space ship and breaks down to 30 different combinations of space vehicles for kids to create. Equipped with cool accessories, including a space arm to grab things, an ATV and a UFO with a space alien inside, the Mega Rig® Shuttle Mission provides kids with hours of fun and imaginative play for boys and girls and adults alike. This new dream inspiring product is easy to transport along for travels too. Suggested retail price is $44.99 and is appropriate for kids age 4+. Visit Mattel’s Web site for more information.

Have you visited the Kennedy Space Center or witnessed a shuttle launch or re-entry?

Traveling to Florida’s Space Coast was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

 

Photo Credit: Tropical Latitudes Travel (www.tltravels.com)

It is not uncommon to see an extra traveling member with families vacationing with kids. But, do not forget to purchase travel insurance for the nanny to ensure all bases and all people are covered further protecting a vacation investment and providing peace of mind. Travel insurance ensures travelers can be ready for the dreaded “what if” scenario. But, do not

forget to purchase travel insurance for the nanny to ensure all bases and all people are covered further protecting a vacation investment and providing peace of mind. Travel insurance ensures travelers can be ready for the dreaded “what if” scenario.

 

 

 

 

 

It may be the perfect fantasy of family vacation: palms swaying in the breeze, and you, trashy novel in one hand and margarita in the other, watching as your own personal Mary Poppins herds your offspring to their next fun-filled activity.

Vacationing with a nanny used to be something only the super-rich could afford. Not so these days, experts say: parents are increasingly willing to pay for help with the tedium of airplane rides, holiday mealtimes and bedtimes. Taking a nanny on the family vacation, can also give the parents the opportunity to enjoy a romantic evening together.

But according to leading travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com’s CEO Chris Harvey, there are risks associated with taking a nanny on vacation, from visa headaches to tension over accommodations and responsibilities, to the most serious risk of all: what happens if she gets sick.

“The vacation can get much more expensive in a hurry if something happens to a nanny who is not insured,” says Harvey.

You could wind up paying thousands in hospital bills for a sick or injured nanny, thousands more to evacuate her back home. Making sure everyone on a family vacation — including the nanny — has coverage is a must, he adds.

It is often straightforward and cheaper to put your nanny on the same travel insurance policy as the rest of the family. She gets nearly the same benefits, with a few important exceptions: if she is a foreign citizen and needs to deal with an ill relative back home, some policies will return her to her “place of residence” – your home country, not hers, for example, Harvey explains.

If your nanny is meeting you at the resort, separate travel insurance is mandatory. If she is flying solo with the children, she should share a policy with them. Families should investigate these differences well in advance of the trip, Harvey recommends. Beware, however, a few companies do not allow non-related travelers on the same policy.

Take the time to investigate options from a third party travel insurance source. Remember that purchasing travel insurance from an airline, as an example, does not provide protection if that company goes bankrupt. Using a third party comparison site such as Squaremouth.com or Insuremytrip.com gives the traveler all of the possibilities that meet the unique needs of the pending vacation.

Traveling with the Nanny? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

While it may sound odd and not much like a vacation at all at first glance, there are easy ways to have a successful at home vacation for just a fraction of the cost of any other. Plus, you never have to pack! There is a little willpower involved but with proper planning and a bit of creativity and excitement, anyone can enjoy such a great vacation alternative.

Here’s how:

• Just because you may not have any money for a luxury trip, still plan to use at least some of your allotted vacation time from work
• Make a commitment to yourself that you will not do housework or any other non-essential chores during your vacation time.  Prepare just like you would if you were leaving your home. It may be hard for some, but it is essential.
• Release the guilt. Be completely at ease sleeping late, living in your jammies, and lounging around all day.
• Any money that has been saved with a vacation in mind that can still be spared, should be used to buy something you wouldn’t normally purchase. If you enjoy lobster but would never splurge at any other time, use your vacation to indulge yourself and your family within your means.
• Also consider the things you never get to do: reading books, watching movies, gardening, and other activities you never have the time to partake in. Spend money on those as well. Anything that is relaxing and personally enjoyable is acceptable.
• If you feel trapped by your four walls, pick up a local travel guide or check out the local visitor center’s website for cheap ideas for each day of the week. New adventures close to home are often overlooked and can be just as enjoyable to discover as a more distant place.
• If the vacation is a family one, consider designating one specific day to each family member. For instance, Tuesday will be filled with activities the youngest child wants to do. Even it is only a few hours worth of activities instead of days, each family member will feel special.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you treat every moment as if it is an actual vacation. Do not be compelled to do hard labor if that was not your original intent. You can also take the time to begin planning for next year’s vacation early. Putting smaller amounts of money away for a longer period of time, will still add up to a nice vacation savings plan.

Cheap Vacation Idea: Don’t Leave Home was created by and is property of American Consumer News.