RockinghamUpdate » Carolyn Baber

Stress Free Family Travel

editor — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:18:55 +0000

School is almost out which means family vacations are around the corner! Most parents welcome the days of no homework, projects or the early morning rush! It’s no secret vacations are important to families, but they also can be stressful! A recent survey I read stated that even though “46 percent of U.S. travelers admit to not being able to fully enjoy their vacation because of stress, 78 percent of travelers still wouldn’t give up their family vacation for anything”

Research your destination as a family.
Include all family members and their interests in selecting your destination. This stage of planning often causes more stress than any other stage. In order to avoid the arguments, consider including your kids in the destination discussion. Let them know that their opinions matter. With access to the Internet, TV, Social Media, kids know a lot more about vacation destinations and geography than you may realize.

Resort or Vacation Rental

Resorts feature on-site staff, daily maid service, restaurants, room service, kid’s club, pools, activities and laundry service. Vacation rentals offer more space, less crowds, on site kitchen and laundry. In a vacation rental you will also have to cook, clean up and do laundry, which can add to stress levels. Consider that young kids (and adults) may need a quiet place to take a nap. Older kids and adults may desire more space, a sense of privacy that a vacation rental offers. Resorts often have 1 or 2 bedroom units, child-friendly activities and many offer “kids eat free” promotions. Our family has done both and loved each experience. When the kids were little, it was easier to stay in a vacation rental. Now that they are older, they love the amenities of a resort and can take advantage of them while experiencing some independence.

Set a realistic budget.
The average summer family vacation costs $3,382, with almost half spent on accommodations. One way to save money, is to vacation with another family, splitting that cost. Eating out is nice, but can lose some appeal after a few days. Preparing meals in a vacation rental with a kitchen is a great way to save money and time. Then you are back to considering meal planning as a possible stressor. After a fun-filled day, not everyone wants to cook. Some resorts will include complimentary breakfast and as previously mentioned, “kid’s eat free” feature.

Theme Parks are of interest to many families. Try to plan a budget ahead of time for souvenirs and food. National Parks, the Smithsonian Museums in DC and many other places of interest offer Free Admission! After mapping out your lodging, meals, souvenirs, make a plan for spending before you go to eliminate financial stress. We have spent $2,000 for a week in a vacation rental including food and entertainment. We have spent the same amount for 6 nights at a beach resort in a 1 Bedroom unit that had a kitchenette plus many free amenities like fishing, campfires, ghost storytelling, kayaking, waterslides, arts and craft and other fun activities. Remember that Family Travel is an investment in education as you explore various cultures, history, food and scenery.

Be Flexible.
Don’t try to stick to a strict schedule. Sometimes the funniest, most memorable moments on vacation happen unexpectedly! Recall the day’s’ adventures, play some games; unwind with a glass of wine as the sun goes down. If you have teenagers, they can sleep in one morning while you and your spouse go off on a morning walk or tour. Take time to lounge by the pool or beach. Be willing to change plans. Research time savers at theme parks and utilize mobile applications to help manage your time. Our family loved riding bikes every day while vacationing in Hilton Head, SC. Seems that the paths always lead us to an ice cream shop!

A family vacation is your chance to get away from stress and discover more about your family. If you are part of the 78% of us that won’t give up a family vacation for anything, I hope the above tips will help you have a stress free vacation full of life long memories!

Carolyn Baber is the owner of Baber Travel LLC in Reidsville. She is a Travel Industry Veteran of over 23 years. She holds many industry related certifications. Travel is her passion and she enjoys learning about destinations and cultures then sharing her knowledge and excitement! Her interests outside of travel are cooking, reading and spending time with her family. Carolyn has traveled throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Canada and taken several Cruises. She resides in Reidsville with her husband and 2 sons. You can reach Carolyn at 342-4200, Carolyn@babertravel.com or stop by her new office at the corner of Richardson Drive and Coach Rd.

Disclaimer: The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of RockinghamUpdate (RCENO.com), It’s Staff, or Contractors.

Recent Visit to Autumn Creek Vineyard………..

editor — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:16:42 +0000

On a beautiful fall afternoon, I recently traveled to Autumn Creek Vineyards, located in Mayodan, to take a tour. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is the “research”! This assignment led me on a 35 minute scenic drive from Reidsville. Upon arrival, I parked at the Tasting Room, a 2,000 square foot log cabin structure. The wrap around front porch was furnished with rocking chairs, a water feature, hanging baskets and other attractive foliage. I met Brittany, the Tasting Room Manager, who was extremely nice and informative. The furnishings in the Tasting room were cozy, leather chairs and other seating arrangements situated near a stone fireplace. The bar is a long, wooden structure with ample seating as well as spectacular views.

After my tour of the Tasting Room, I walked thru a lovely outdoor seating area on my way to the Pavilion. The Pavilion is a large rustic wooden structure. It can accommodate 300 guests for a Wedding Reception or other large Event. The walls are mainly all glass, so the views are fabulous. In the center of the Pavilion is a massive stone fireplace enhancing the ambiance. The Pavilion has a stone terrace with many tables and chairs that overlook the pond and Gazebo.

Next, I was eager to tour the 2 cabins. Brittany handed the keys to me and off I went to enjoy my tour. The cabins are located on opposite sides of the Tasting Room. A portion of the vineyard is between the Tasting Room and “Cabin in the Vines” providing stunning views. This cabin offers 1 Bedroom and a Loft with a 2nd bed. Upon driving to “Cabin in the Vines”, I felt like I was approaching the cabin from The Little House on the Prairie. It is an adorable cabin with an inviting front porch. The side lawn offers a seating area with a fire pit. The cabin has a living room, fireplace, a full kitchen and 1 ½ bathrooms. The best part of the living area was the huge picture window that offered spectacular views across the rolling hills of the vineyard. The bedroom has a Queen bed, full bathroom and French Doors that open to a porch. The Loft offers a Double bed and overlooks the living room.

I then drove over to “Cabernet Cabin”. A long driveway leads to this secluded hideaway. This cabin was actually looked so nice from the outside with many plants and flowers, a very well manicured landscape! The cabin’s front porch with rocking chairs is the perfect setting to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine with someone special. It is large with 2 full bedrooms with King Beds and 2 Full Bathrooms. The seating area has 2 leather couches, an overstuffed chair and a stunning stone fireplace. This cabin also has a huge picture window with amazing views of the vineyard. The kitchen is equipped with an island and stainless steel appliances. The cabinetry was also of high quality. Each bedroom has French Doors that open onto the front porch.

Both cabins would be the perfect location for a nice, romantic get-away that is close to home! The rates are very reasonable; $149 for “Cabin in the Vines” and $189 for “Cabernet Cabin” and a complimentary bottle of wine welcomes you upon arrival. You may also request breakfast platters, fruits and cheeses to enhance your stay.

After returning to the Tasting Room with the keys to the 2 cabins, I had one last item to check off of my list. I could not participate in a full wine tasting since I was not going to be a guest at one of the cabins, but rather driving back to my office. I did however purchase 2 bottles of wine and enjoyed sharing them with my husband and friends. I recommend that you reward yourself with a trip to Autumn Creek Vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting, take a tour, spend the night or attend an event. Coming up on October 26th is their annual Cruise-In and November 3rd is Music in the Vines. Autumn Creek Vineyards is a peaceful slice of paradise.

Carolyn Baber is the owner of Baber Travel LLC in Reidsville. She is a Travel Industry Veteran of over 23 years. She holds many industry related certifications. Travel is her passion and she enjoys learning about destinations and cultures then sharing her knowledge and excitement! Her interests outside of travel are cooking, reading and spending time with her family. Carolyn has traveled throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, USA, Canada and taken several Cruises. She resides in Reidsville with her husband and 2 sons. You can reach Carolyn at 342-4200, Carolyn@babertravel.com or stop by her new office at the corner of Richardson Drive and Coach Rd.

Disclaimer: The Views and Opinions Expressed by the author are his or her opinions only and do not necessarily reflect those of RockinghamUpdate (RCENO.com), It’s Staff, or Contractors.