The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Everything in Texas is big and bold and has stars on it. That's the first impression we got as soon as we set off exploring in The Lone Star State. After seeing The Alamo early on, everything else fell into place and we understood the passion that Texans feel for their home state. From the Spanish influence in the southern regions like San Antonio and Laredo to the cowboy culture in the north in places like Fort … [Read more...]
On a Quest to See All 50- The Orlanski Family Setting a family goal is a great way to strengthen bonds. Travel is a great way to create memorable moments. Combine them together and you have the Explore All 50 Project. Like my kids and I, Lisa, her husband Ben and their three kids, twins Kate and Ellie 10 and Josh 7, are on a quest to visit all 50 states. They are off to a great start having seen 22 … [Read more...]
So you’re trucking along the highway watching the scenery fly but the scene isn’t complete without a soundtrack. Ever watched a movie without the score? You would be amazed at how different it feels-sort of flat, like a great dish without seasoning, it’s just blah! Music adds another layer of emotional involvement that connects us so that instead of just seeing, we are experiencing. On every trip I have … [Read more...]
Here's one funny story I want to share with you about the importance of inspecting your room and checking the condition of your mattress (especially since you need to check for bed bugs-which I hadn't yet learned to do). While visiting Memphis we stayed at the Days Inn right across from Graceland. It was a pretty awesome Elvis themed hotel, had a great location, a pool shaped like a guitar, and all for a reasonable … [Read more...]
Should kids be allowed to be connected electronically when the family travels? How much is too much and what limits are appropriate? As a mom of 3 teenagers aged 17, 15, and 14 I have watched my kids get sucked into the vortex that is social media. I can hardly blame them as media technology has swept over society like an electronic tsunami. Any news item at all is followed in real time as it happens and even … [Read more...]
What is Happening to the Family Farm? Driving around the country can really give you a perspective on things that we take for granted in our daily lives-like where our food comes from. One thing we noticed as we drove through the heartland of America is that our physical and ideological landscape is rapidly changing. Family farms across America are disappearing and with them a way … [Read more...]
Let me just state for the record that I have not been paid any endorsement fee, and this is not and advertisement for AAA. My only relationship with the Auto Club has been as a paid member for slightly over 30 years (that’s right folks since I was driving at age 16). Because my family and I have derived enormous benefit from our membership, I thought it was super important to highlight it on my blog in my planning … [Read more...]
Road tripping can be fun and incredibly educational but it can also be a great way to explore a particular interest, pastime or hobby, such as baseball. On my last road trip to New England, I had the great pleasure of meeting the Richmond family who make their home in Boston and are dedicated Red Sox Fans. Larry and Tracy are the proud parents of Caleb and Owen (ages 10 and 8) and their family has taken on the … [Read more...]
It seems like every travel outfit these days has a loyalty program - airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and of course, credit cards-it can all be a little overwhelming. Here are some tips I learned to maximize your benefits while avoiding unnecessary confusion. Always sign up At the risk of getting a gazillion emails (which you can always unsubscribe from) you should always sign up. More than likely the … [Read more...]
Explore All 50 made it's television debut today in Dallas and Houston on Eye Opener TV. A big thank you to host Mark "Hawkeye" Lewis and Tribune Broadcasting. Mark is a fellow traveler and kindred spirit who also hosts a radio show on KSCS 96.3 in Dallas/Fort Worth. Check out the broadcast here... … [Read more...]
