If you’re anything like me, growing up you were instructed not to play with your food, not to throw it at your siblings, and just to eat it gratefully. I never excelled in that arena (the chance to fling peas at my older brother was simply impossible for my little mind to resist) but as I grew older, I got a little better. But today I’ve made a discovery that it may just be time to pick the habit back up.

Hidden away in Missouri and Alabama, there is a restaurant unlike literally any other. At Lambert’s Café they have a few golden rules, most about how the guest is always right and their commitment of service to you. But one of their unwritten rules is this; if you stick your hand in the air, they’re going to throw one of their fresh-from-the-oven, softball sized rolls right into it.

There are a few other unique facts about Lambert’s Café, like the fact that most entrees come with free refills. Not most drinks, most dinners. There are also giant buckets of their famous sides, like fried okras, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes being passed around for free to any customer who’d like to fill up the corners, so to speak, just in case their massive portions didn’t do the job.

So who should go to Lambert’s? Families absolutely have to make this a must-see on their next southern trip; in fact, I’d say a family vacation getaway just to see this famous restaurant in Missouri, where the original Lambert’s and a chains reside, or to Alabama, where the furthest location is, would be one of the best on the planet.

Lambert’s Café specializes in great, southern food and a family atmosphere, which means that families with children of any age will fit right in here. Boisterous and exciting, it’s also a perfect stop for anyone looking for an exciting meal they’ll never forget. Teenagers who seem to specialize in eating you out of house and home will get their fill at Lambert’s Café.

While you’re in the area, there are hundreds of things to fill out your vacation, and some of the most beautiful southern scenery around. In Alabama you’ll find the Gulf Coast not far off, while in Missouri you can find luxurious spas, war caves, and good southern fun.

But after eating at Lambert’s, even if all the natural wonders of the world surround you, I mostly suggest – and I think your stuffed stomach will agree with me when the time comes- that you head back to the hotel for an afternoon nap!

Photo Credit: nola.agent

Naturally, protection from disease starts at home – with your doctor, preferably. Getting vaccinated is one of the easiest and safest ways make sure you’re armed with current protection against certain illnesses. The trick to proper vaccination, though, is to hand the doctor performing them a copy of your vaccination records if you have them. Without a current file, you’re likely going to be playing a guessing game, and will have to face the needle more times than you may like.

Even with up-to-date vaccinations, you may be surprised to learn that Americans typically don’t get vaccinated for polio, tuberculosis or hepatitis A and B. These afflictions, however, may be prominent in other countries and you’ll need to be vaccinated against them prior to leaving.

Keep in mind you’re not going to be able to schedule these vaccinations the day before your trip. Many of the drugs are taken over time and/or require some period before they can actually do your body any good. As with most parts of travel, planning is the key to success with vaccinations.

Secondly, while you’ll likely receive vaccinations for Malaria, Yellow Fever and Dengue Fever – stuff that is a bit of a rarity here in the USA, but still causes many problems abroad – you’ll want to take your prevention to the next level. Exposure to mosquito borne illnesses can be lessened with the proper and frequent application of mosquito repellants. For most travelers headed to a tropical locale, spray should be THE key element in your travel pouch.

Another potential hazard to look out for is the possibility of contracting a food-borne illness. We’ve all heard the warnings of drinking the water in Mexico, but it goes, much further than that.  Most of the time common food-borne illnesses come from consuming food or beverages contaminated with E. coli – which is bad enough to think about. The best thing to do when eating in a foreign country: eat with clean hands, consume only fully cooked meals that are still hot and avoid eating anything raw – that goes for vegetables, too (shocking, I know). Also, though this probably will come off a bit redundant, do not drink water from a tap; only bottled water or pure grain alcohol (kidding).

With all the things you need to keep straight when planning any kind of vacation, it’s easy to overlook what should be your number one priority: keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. When it’s as easy as getting vaccinated and avoiding sketchy food, it’s a wonder any vacation gets ruined. Still, to help ease your mind and take some of the pressure of planning and organizing a vacation off of you, call the experts at Vacation Choices to help; they’ve got you covered when it comes to making vacation planning quick and painless.

Starting next week we’ll be spending Mondays and Wednesdays following the fictitious summer vacations of a family of four and a pair of college graduates.  The people might not be real but they’ll get into mischief that regularly occurs on road trips and explore cities along the way.  We hope that you’ll have fun reading these stories about the places they stop and the things that happen along the way and maybe find some inspiration for your own summer holiday.

Before we get started with their exploits as they travel across the country we’d like to introduce our characters.  Though they may not be real people we’ve still given them hopes, dreams and a bit of personality and we’d like to see our readers relate to these people and the adventures they’re about to go on.  Each group will be followed by a different writer so learn a little about them, get a feel for what’s to come and get ready for a summer filled with fun.

The Next Step by Jacob Dorest

We begin with a single step.

That is all it takes to begin a life changing journey: one step in any direction and soon you will find that you are off, ready to experience the new and wonderful things waiting beyond that first step. With an open mind and open eyes, even the bad things that come along the way are just going to make the journey that much more fulfilling when the time comes to look back on it.

So join us, won’t you?

You’re probably saying to yourself, who is this guy? I don’t even know him and he wants me to come on some life changing journey with him. What’s the deal?

While I’d certainly rather you just trust me, those are valid questions. Perhaps you’re right; I have gotten a little ahead of myself. My name is Scott Halprey, and to celebrate the end of four long years of college, I will be exploring the United States coasts along with my girlfriend, Megan Phillips. Before you ask, yes, the end of college came with our graduation, not with us dropping out.

Like many of you, we have long dreamed of taking to the road with only an open mind, a few water bottles, an iPod, two cell phones, some snacks, a change of clothes, a roll of toilet paper, a complete collection of the Harry Potter audiobooks and a back up GPS in case we really get lost. Minimalists, I know, but we like to live as though we’re rugged explorers.

Officially, we would like to invite you to join us, Megan and me, Scott, as we embark on the first of (hopefully) many reasonably happy excursions together.  Our Coastal trip will begin somewhere in northern Washington State, and end in Portland Maine – unless we decide to take a detour; then it will be another blogging adventure. Cross your fingers!

Until our adventure begins, this is Scott Halprey, signing off.

The Barnes Family Adventures by Miranda Young

The Barnes family is your average family; two parents, a son and a daughter.  Sadly the family dog, Dakota, had to stay home this trip but you know how excited she’ll be when everyone gets home.  Carl and Sherry have been married for seventeen years and they are looking forward to showing their children some of their favorite cities across the country.  Carl is an accountant and Sherry a real estate agent.  While it’s not something they normally do they can afford to take a break from work for their kid’s summer vacation.

Charlie and Gabriel are their two children.  Charlie is twelve and currently aspires to be a veterinarian.  He enjoys history and spends his free time making models and playing strategy games.  Gabriel is sixteen and enjoys writing and drawing.  She wants to become an Illustrator.  The siblings usually get along fairly well but we’ll have to wait and see what extended time in the back seat brings.

The family has opted to rent a van, a little roomier than the family car, so that they can fly back home at the end of their trip.  Their travel plans will take them across the central United States where they will explore both big cities and natural wonders.  Join them on their journey and get a taste of the open road even if you can’t take a whole summer off.

Go back to the heart of music on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee with a discount travel club. Center of the music industry, Nashville attracts thousands of would-be artists every year, and produces some of the biggest superstars of our age. Walking in Nashville is like walking through a musical, with record studios, operas, and performing arts centers around each corner.

When you’re visiting Nashville, there’s plenty to see and do, but there’s a few stops that make or break your vacation. If you’re looking to experience the most melodious parts of Nashville this summer, check out these must-see spots.

1. The Schermerhorn Symphony has been wow-ing visitors for years. With over 140 performances each year, the 83-member Nashville Symphony is famous all around the world for its grand and emotional performances. This is an absolute must for any fan of the symphony or music in general.
2. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is amazing for country fans and history buffs alike. Not only will you learn the history of country music, but of Nashville itself, and how the two uniquely intertwine.
3. The Grand Ole Opry is an American icon, to say the least. Famous for generations, the Grand Ole Opry has been making people laugh and cry since it first opened in 1925. For almost 100 years its produced stars and love in the hearts of the American population, and to skip this epic theater would be to skip the very heart of Nashville.
4. The Ryman Auditorium is host to hundreds of concerts of every shape and genre, from classic country to children’s choirs, and each one is an event worth experiencing. This old-time auditorium will throw you back in time, with authentic acoustics and a history you don’t want to miss out on.

There are countless things in Nashville, from gourmet restaurants to spas that will make you forget you were ever stressed, not to mention natural beauty that could turn anyone into an artist. But one of the most important parts of Nashville is its history of making people all around the country smile, laugh, and sing. This summer, become a part of that history on your own discount Nashville vacation.

Photo Credit: Reading Tom

So, I would ask the question again; this time, I’ll rephrase and ask what the best seats in the economy section are, and hopefully get a more enlightening answer. Actually, it looks as though someone has beaten me to it. According to the results of a survey from Skyscanner, in which respondents were asked to identify the best and worst economy seats on commercial flight. Simple enough, right?

According to Skyscanner, which polled 1,000 passengers on what their seat preference was the answer may be a little surprising.

Overwhelmingly, passengers prefer the front of the plane; the first six rows to be exact. Of the respondents surveyed, 45 percent made that section the most popular, while going a step further and claiming seat 6A to be the best the plane has to offer. Clearly, none of those surveyed have ever sat in the pilot’s seat.

More interestingly, though, was the fact that passengers overwhelmingly preferred the window seat, as opposed to the occasional extra leg room offered by the aisle. The middle seat came in third to no one’s surprise. According to the actual survey, 60 percent preferred the window over the aisle, which clocked in at around 40 percent. Less than 1 percent wanted the middle.

On the other end of the spectrum, the respondents designated seat 31E – a mostly nondescript seat in the middle back portion of the plane – as the worst seat to find yourself. Clearly, these respondents have never sat in the pilot’s seat.

We can all joke about (or discuss seriously) the best and worst parts of travel, but when it comes down to it, you really want the best experience possible when you’re away from home. That’s where Vacation Choices comes in. Our customer service staff can help you get exactly what you want when you travel, so if it’s 6A you’re shooting for, they’ll do everything in their power to make sure that’s what your ticket says.

No matter where you’re going, if you want to increase the fun on your next discount spring vacation, make sure you check off every one of these activities.

• Get to the highest point in your destination city, whether it’s a barn’s hay loft or the roof of a sky scraper, and look out on the world around you. Pick at least one building or attraction to visit when you get back to the ground!
• Eat something you’ve never eaten before! Whether it’s as exotic as fried locusts or as normal as meatloaf with ketchup, try something you haven’t before – if you hate it, you know that for sure now, and if you love it, you’ve got a new favorite food!
• Order some room service – just for the fun of it! Room service can be so pricey that we never indulge ourselves, but there’s something fun about laying back and having chocolate covered strawberries brought up to you, so give it a try.
• Do something challenging. Whether it’s giving surfing a shot, hiking up a tall hill, or even reading a book if you’re an active person, do it! Not only will you expand your horizons, but you’ll find yourself feeling accomplished at the end of your vacation.
• Meet someone new. Make a friend on your vacation! If you’re on a romantic getaway, make a friend out of another couple, and if you’re with the whole family, then look for another family to say hello to – just make a friend of any kind and share lunch with them or room on the beach.
• Go to a nice restaurant. Indulge yourself a little and go to the nicest restaurant in town just because you can. Forget your budget and enjoy the high life for a few minutes.

There are hundreds of things that can make your vacation a little more fun, or more worthwhile, but in the end it’s about you doing all the things you love while breaking out of the status quo. This spring, challenge yourself to make this a vacation worth remembering.

Photo Credit: Stefano

I found myself exhausted. By the time we went through an entire day of meetings, problems, solutions, and frustrations, I just wanted to eat dinner and go to bed. In fact, there were a few days I was quite tempted to skip dinner just so I could make it back to my hotel. The early morning was totally out, since I was sleeping as much as I could to prepare for the day, and even that was a few hours short.

By the third day I was both missing home and frustrated that I hadn’t been able to see my new city. I caught glimpses of it in the car and it looked glorious, with an artistic culture flowing from sky scraper to sky scraper, and a capital city not more than ten minutes away. Half of me craved to go exploring while the other half of me craved to just go rest at the end of each long day.

After sitting down and taking some serious time to think about it, I found a few opportunities to get out and see my temporary city – and doing so changed my outlook on the entire trip. Next time you’re on a business trip, try one of these.

• Take your lunch break outside. Even if you’re busy and swamped with work, take it outside and explore your surroundings. Not only is this good for you to relax, but you’ll do twice as well when you come back if you get your mind off of work for a little bit.
• Schedule a half day at the end of your trip and – this is the most important thing – don’t schedule anything on it. Take the day to just see the sights and shake off the hard work you’ve been doing. Don’t think of this as lazy; think of it as vital to you coming back home and to the office at 100%.
• At least one night, even though you’re tired, do something. Go out to a local restaurant or take a walk downtown. Just get out and do something exciting, fun, and absolutely just for you. See the city you’re in!

Business trips are one of my favorite types of trip, and I know that a successful one can make your life at home ten times better. Arrive well rested, work like crazy, and see the city when you’re done; that’s my recipe for success.

Photo Credit: William Cho

The Seller and Provider are not the Same Company

If you’re ever on the phone with a third-party telemarketer, or mediator, that does not share the name of the company you’re looking to get a travel deal from, then someone is working to get a sale – at your expense. These sellers are hired to close a deal, not ensure you the best deal possible. Sometimes the separation is to prevent blame from being handed down to the primary company in case of a dispute. Your best bet is to only deal with representatives from the company you’re dealing with.

Too Good to be True

Who doesn’t want to stumble upon the deal of the century and have the wherewithal to capitalize from it? Well, that’s often the case with these scams. They offer an amazing price that comes with so many strings attached you’d rather pay triple just to avoid them. If you see an offer for a week’s stay at a resort in the Bahamas for less than a night in the Motel 6 down the street, then you’re probably in line for a high-pressure sales pitch upon arrival. Worse yet, you’ll find that your package deal only covers you until you get in the door and the additional fees that you must endure wind up costing you more than the non-sale price. As always, if it’s looks too good to be true – it is.

Lack of Details

Yeah, sometimes you enter into a bidding war where you understand the risk involved in trying to secure an amazing deal means you don’t get full disclosure until after your price has been accepted. This risk is known upfront and is readily agreed upon by both buyer and seller. However, when you’re simply booking a regular vacation with an agent or travel firm, you must demand full disclosure on every detail before you offer them a single penny. After all, it’s the details you’re paying them for, so there would be no need for them to keep this from you. If you’re denied information like the name of where you are staying, the airline you’ll be flying or the rental agency that is supposedly holding your car reservation, you’re being duped.

This Price is Going Fast

This scam is tricky because it seems so legitimate. Why wouldn’t an offer be available for a limited time? Store sales only last so long, right? Well, this isn’t about discounted sales or special offers. This scam essentially forces you into making a split-second decision and locks you into a price on the premise that if you don’t act now, you get squat. The risk only gets higher if you are asked to pay for airfare now, even though your planned trip is two or three months down the line. The trick here is that will likely be the limit for arguing charges with your bank or credit card company.

Like any danger, spotting the signs early can alleviate much of the risk. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Vacation Choices customer service department to have them go over anything you’re not too sure about.

That’s why I want to redeem your idea of these superstar vacations and remind you of how good they can be. Spring is upon us, and summer is coming on its heels; it’s vacation season, and a trip to one of these classics is sure to remind you of why you love traveling.

We’ll start with Yellowstone National Park. The oldest national park in the world, Yellowstone was made official in the late 1800s and today is still visited by millions of visitors every year. Yellowstone is famous for its geography, holding everything from mountain ranges to canyons, lakes and rivers, even volcanic activity; but nothing is quite so famous as Old Faithful.

Old Faithful Geyser has been projecting water as much as 185 feet in the air for longer than history can tell. It was discovered in 1870, but surely has been shooting out boiling water since far before then.  Today it’s a marvel of nature, producing a fountain that we’d pay thousands for with absolutely no effort.

Old Faithful isn’t the only thing Yellowstone has to offer, though. Families who love to camp will find over three thousand sprawling acres at their disposal, and those looking for a little serenity will find silence and peace unavailable anywhere else. Lovers looking for a place for quiet walks or energetic hikes will fall in love with the scenic beauty of Yellowstone.

Perhaps one of the most under appreciated aspects of Yellowstone is its night sky; with no city lights to outshine the stars, visitors will find that a nighttime glance upwards yields thousands of glittering jewels every night, and underneath those stars, adventure and excitement for anyone looking to seek it.

Yellowstone may have been done before, but it’s doubtful that anyone could truly see all the beauty that it has to offer. From camping to hiking, stargazing to bird watching, Yellowstone is one of the most serene and exciting places to visit this spring – and whether you’re packing the whole family along for the ride or taking a solo trip, you’ll never forget your memories of Yellowstone.

Photo Credit: DirectDish

In an effort to help folks circumvent such unfortunate situations, Vacation Choices has composed a list of the most common travel scams and what steps you can take to keep your vacation from being marred by one.

The Travel Agent Scam:

Essentially, this scam appears to be a backdoor into the perks of being a travel agent, which apparently means special treatment and discounted rates on hotels, airfare and the like. Often times this comes in the form of a brochure from a travel agency looking to train you to become a travel agent. You may even receive a personal identification card that notifies anyone you are an official travel agent. Well, that’s about all you get for your training fee – which ranges anywhere between $500 -$5,000.

The Truth:

Most travel agents don’t see any sort of perk from their job. At most they’re likely to get the best deal they can offer their own clients. No matter what you shell out for one of these ID cards, you’re likely going to get laughed at whenever you whip it out in search of a discount.

The  Non-Existent Travel Insurance Scam:

This scam sees you shelling out hundreds of dollars extra on your travel plans, only to have been from an unlicensed dealer who you won’t get a red cent from should your travel plans be canceled.

The Truth:

Yes, the mere notion of travel insurance often reeks of scam, but there are some reputable forms of the stuff out there. However, most think that getting it from the place where you booked your arrangements will suffice, but in actuality, that’s the most common place for the scam to originate. Your only choice is to go through a licensed insurance company, which you can find a list of here.

The Amazing Event Package Scam:

This one is simple. You want to go to an event like the Indy 500, a Rolling Stones concert or your nephew’s birthday. The tour agent can get you tickets to one (or all) of these events, but you have to purchase them in a package along with some airfare, hotels and whatever else. You pay your money; the big day is here; guess what? No tickets.

The Truth:

This one is simply best to avoid altogether. No matter what agency you’re talking to, the likelihood they have the physical tickets (i.e. what you’re really paying for) on hand is so far from the realm of possibility as to be utterly laughable. If you want to attend an event, buy tickets for that event from a reputable seller.

If you ever have questions regarding something you feel to be fraudulent, contact your customer service agent at Vacation Choices. There staff is specifically trained to help you with whatever questions you may have on your mind.