The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
About 10 years ago when I took my kids on our first summer road trip, I could not have imagined how much these trips would impact their lives, not just by connecting us together, but by yielding huge educational dividends. These trips have given them what I like to call a “3D” education-engaging their senses in a way that connects them through first hand experiences. History, science, and economics are just … [Read more...]
How to preserve and display your family travels to keep memories alive, spark conversations and give everyone in the family a chance to brag (just a little) In as much as I’ve tried to create a family history by traveling to all 50 states, it’s really hard to keep those memories alive as they must compete with the day to day chaos that makes up our lives. I felt it was really important for my children to … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
I have been really surprised at the flack I’ve been getting for one of my recent blogposts citing the embassy closing as just another reason to travel in the USA. Seth Kugel aka “The Frugal Traveler” of The NY Times in an email accused me of “fear mongering verging on xenophobia” (I am a pretty smart cookie but even I had to look that one up-an irrational fear of something foreign or strange). Another … [Read more...]
Have you seen the latest headlines? Embassy closures, heightened security, travel advisories. Like me, I am sure Yemen, Lebanon, and Bahrain are not high on your list of travel destinations, but as a traveler I just don’t feel comfortable leaving my American home turf. I know that sounds a little paranoid but think about it. Travel to Mexico and you run the risk of being kidnapped and held for ransom by a drug … [Read more...]
