I’m a Mommy Travel Agent for a family that loves road trips: lodging, dining, activities, maps, schedules, …another thankless Mommy job.  This winter we visited Vista Verde Ranch, an all-inclusive luxury guest ranch located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and I (aka, “Mommy Travel Agent”) actually had a vacation where I wasn’t responsible for every family member’s wants, needs and desires!

Photo by: Vista Verde Ranch

It all became evident that I could have a real vacation during our first meal at Vista Verde Ranch; a good looking ranch hand sat down at the table and asked every one of us just exactly what we wanted to do that day.  Hubby’s response: “Anything with horses.” Eleven-year-old’s response: “Snow tubing.”  Seven-year-old’s response: “Horse riding lessons.” My response: “Really? You care what I want to do?……Okay; I’d like to learn how to cross-country ski.”

On day one, the kids became horse riding experts and were adequately spoiled tubing down and then snowmobiling up a perfect snow covered hill.  Hubby, adorned with cowboy boots and hat, trotted along snow-covered forested trails; me, I learned that I’m a natural cross country skiing  genetically Nordic hero (or at least that is what Steve, Jess, and Zack, my wonderful guides suggested).

To top it off, in the middle of all of our wants, needs, and desires, we dined well.  Sometimes just as a family with other guests and other times alongside Vista Verde Ranch’s staff , some of the most interesting ranch hands, ski guides, and managers, all with a story that engaged.  These ranch hands are former accountants, medical students, sojourners back from visiting a long-lost Grandmother in Poland and even older folks who have given up a high-paying administration jobs to motivate others and ski.  I could sit at a bar and converse with this interesting staff for hours and walk away with amazing lessons learned.

The following day I again heard the sweetest question a Mommy travel agent can ever hear: “What do you want to do today?  Oh, and don’t forget tonight you and hubby get a gourmet dinner while the kids gather together for kid-food and some fun ranch activities with our awesome staff.”   I think I had to wipe away a tear at this point.

Okay, so what about family time?  I am the first to say that the number one reason we travel as a family is to strengthen bonds, play together and make more family memories.  So why should we separate during our vacation and fulfill our individual wants, needs and desires?  That is what I loved about Vista Verde Ranch, while you can choose your own itinerary on the spot, they offer both individual and family activities.

If you’re so inclined, feel free to join in on the fun at the children’s program.  Who doesn’t have the desire to build a snow fort or paint while riding a horse?   Take a family trail ride together and be impressed with the new horse skills your kids have acquired while at the ranch.  I learned that my 7 year old has an ingrained love of horses; my 11 year old is fearless on a snow tube, and my hubby can actually separate himself from a high-stress job while riding his horse through snow-covered pastures and blue skies.  Me, must I remind you; I’m a natural cross country skiing genetically Nordic hero – don’t dare call me Mommy travel agent again!

Read my detailed review of Vista Verde Ranch to see all the activities, both individual and family based, that this beautiful ranch has to offer.

Photo by: Vista Verde Ranch

Big Ranch Bonus:

Vista Verde Ranch has offered Trekaroo readers a winter discount, allowing you to hand over all of those unpaid “Mommy Travel Agent” duties for a few blissful days:

Book 4 winter season nights (ends March 18) and get the 5th night free at Vista Verde Ranch! Simply mention Trekaroo at the time of booking and this discount is yours.

Calling All “Agents”:

No matter where you are vacationing, if you feel like a “Mommy Travel Agent”, head to this forum to chat about tips & hints for managing your role; a few moms have already shared some awesome and helpful resources to alleviate stress and enjoy your vacation.

Ann Anderson is the Utah Destination Guroo for Trekaroo

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Long before Captain Jack Sparrow hit the silver screen, the streets of Tampa have  been taken over by pirates.  Yes, you read that right.  Since 1904, thousands of bead loving fans flock to downtown Tampa to participate in the pirate themed Gasparilla Extravaganza.  The main event is the annual Pirate Parade which is named after Jose Gaspar, the last of the Buccaneers, who called himself “Gasparilla.”

Historical records are sketchy but some say Gaspar was born in 1756 in Spain where he served as a lieutenant in the Naval Academy before declaring a mutiny on board the Floridablanca.  He vowed to seek his own wealth as a pirate rather than continue to serve Spain.  His travels led him to an island in Charlotte Harbor, Florida which Gaspar named “Gasparilla Island.”  For decades, his crew sacked passing merchant ships and stole their cargo.  The crews of these ships were held for ransom on a nearby island which, according to legend, was later named Captiva for this reason.  One day, Gaspar refused to surrender after his ship was attacked.  Instead, he tied an anchor around his body and threw himself into the sea.

The legend of Jose Gaspar is alive, well and celebrated at many FREE Gasparilla events in Tampa, with the festivities that kicked off this week.  First, Gaspar leads his rowdy band of pirates on an invasion in the City of Tampa.  The Mayor is ceremoniously forced to surrender the city to these pirates so the festivities can officially begin.  Tampa residents throw elaborate private parties, fundraising brunches for the benefit of local children and family charities, and the most incredible parades!  There’s a Pirate Preschoolers Stroll, a Childrens Parade, an impressive Invasion by boat, the main Pirates Parade, and the slightly naughty Knight Parade in Ybor City.  Krewe members dress as pirates and throw beads from their intricately decorated floats at these parades.

Other Gasparilla themed events take place at area museums, galleries and performing arts halls.  New this year, the Tampa Bay History Center will present an exhibit on “Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs” in their temporary galleries.  Gaspar, A Pirate Fantasy, is an original full-length ballet which tells the tale of Jose Gaspar.  At the beginning March, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will be held downtown.

As the echoes of cannons and fireworks ring throughout downtown Tampa, children of all ages delight in the spectacle. Not only can they take home a booty of hard earned beads but also memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking for lodging, restaurants or other activities near Tampa?  Trekaroo has the scoop!

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As a mother who constantly travels with her child, I rely heavily on my stroller and I’ve struggled to find one that can accommodate my tall toddler. On the road, my stroller wears many hats; it serves as a retreat for an overwhelmed child, a bed, movie theater seating, and a shopping cart.

Recently I had the opportunity to test out the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 while traveling to Mexico with family.

When Fed Ex delivered the stroller, I practically ripped the box open with my teeth in anticipation after learning the City Elite 2012 has the largest max head height of all the Baby Jogger strollers currently available.  The City Elite comes in 5 easy to assemble pieces. It took me just 5 minutes to build the stroller (and two of those minutes were spent reading the directions).

My favorite features of the Baby Jogger City Elite 2012:

• Adjustable handlebar to accommodate individual users; it pivots from 34″ to 46″.
• It steers so well even a six year old can do it (and mine did!).
• Hand operated brake; at the San Francisco International Airport, our suitcases rolled down the shuttle stop; but the stroller stayed put.
• Soft handlebar console; hey moms, that’s one less accessory you’ll have to buy!
• Fits in the trunk of my Toyota Corolla with lots of room to spare.
• Huge easy to remove sunshade with panels that secure with silent magnets.
• Best raised kicker I’ve ever seen.
• Storage basket can be accessed from the front or the rear of the stroller.
• Plush padded seat reclines to a near flat position and the harness height adjusts via two secure clips.
• Easy to fold with one hand.

Only downsides I could find:

• If you remove the sunshade, you lose the ability to utilize the soft handlebar console.
• The stroller’s astounding array of storage compartments, gave SFO’s TSA agent a run for his money, in fact, he discovered a Transformer toy hidden deep within.

I’m happy to report the City Elite 2012 is great for tall toddlers, airport shuttles, air travel, napping, retreating to, viewing DVD’s from, and doubling as a shopping cart. If this little chariot of fire sounds like the ideal stroller for you, then check out our steal below!

The Steal: Win a Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 Single Stroller ($400 value!)

Details: One lucky winner will receive one Baby Jogger City Elite 2012 single stroller (valued at $400)

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

Step 1: Share this giveaway using the Facebook by clicking the FB “Like” button at the top of the page

Step 2: Leave a blog comment below letting us know that you did.

Get extra entries by repeating steps 1 and 2 once a day.  But be sure to leave a new comment each time.

Want more chances to win?

Feel free to do any or all of the following actions.  Each action counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE or the entry will not be counted.

• 
• Like Trekaroo on Facebook

• Fan Baby Jogger on Facebook.
• FollowBaby Jogger on Twitter
• Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo using the Twitter share button at the top of the page.
• Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
• Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
• Post this giveaway on your blog

Rules and guidelines:

• 18 years of age or older
• US Residents only

Deadline to enter: Sunday, February 4, 2012 at 11:59PM PST

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

Thanks to  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary stroller in order to complete this review and facilitate the subsequent giveaway. Baby Jogger did not ask that I state a particular opinion and as always, all opinions are my own.

Tina Buell is Trekaroo’s Northern California Destination Specialist, single mom, and mother to a constant ray of SONshine

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Each year at our children’s elementary school, kids write down their dreams for a better world.  As I was browsing the hall, my heart smiled at the different dreams on display.  “I wish that no one would rob our house.”  “I dream that we people will not litter.”  …on and on they go.  As we celebrate one of our nation’s most courageous and inspirational dreamers – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I wonder, how are we as parents helping to inspire our children to dream big?

MLK Day is a great time to nurture your little dreamers by enjoying time together as a family. Here are some kid-friendly MLK events going on around the country.  These events are a fun way to help our children connect with our nation’s heros who’ve worked to make the dream of the civil liberties come true.

• Kid-friendly Martin Luther King Events Around the US
• Martin Luther King Activities and Events for Kids in Connecticut
• Martin Luther King Activities and Events for Kids in Northern California

MLK Monument – Photo by: Flickr/tedeytan

National Parks are Free on MLK

Take advantage of the free admission to National Parks across the country to inspire your children to dream of a better world.  As you enjoy a hike together, take the time to share some of your dreams with each other and how we can each help to make those dreams a reality.

Kings Canyon National Park – Photo by: Flickr/Jeff Pang

• Free Kid-friendly California National Parks in Honor of MLK
• Kid-friendly National Parks Offering Free Admission in Arizona
• Kid-friendly National Parks Offering Free Admission in New Mexico

…more National Parks Offering Free Admission on MLK

LiLing Pang is Trekaroo’s Founder, a wife, & a mom to two active boys and a 4 month old baby girl.

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Our little girl is all about the adventure of doing something, whether it is simply driving to the Mall to ride the carousel or a trip to Hawaii to visit family. Her question on Saturday morning is always, “What are we going to do fun today?” I told my wife that the ideal job for our daughter would be Activities Director on a cruise ship. So, what would be more perfect for her to open up on Christmas morning than a homemade coupon book for local destinations?

Photo by: flickr/andrewmalone

We create three coupons on a single sheet of letter-sized photo paper and print them at home. While we use Microsoft Publisher, you could use something as simple as Word to build your design. Once you’ve cut out the coupons, place them in a cheap coupon wallet from your local dollar store and place them in their stocking. Below is an example of a local theater coupon we created:

Here are the other coupons for this year that we use in our home:

• Saturday trip to Discovery Place in Charlotte
• Saturday trip to Adventure Landing for putt-putt golf and arcade games
• Choice of restaurant for lunch after church on Sunday
• Saturday trip to BounceU with a friend for a session of “Open Bounce”
• Saturday walking tour of downtown Winston-Salem (our home) followed by lunch or dinner at Mellow Mushroom

Christmas 2010 was the first year we did the Trip Coupons and they were a huge  hit. When an open weekend came around, my daughter would check her coupon wallet to see what she had left to use. Some of the coupons will indicate “with a friend” because it’s an event where we parents make better spectators than participants, or because it simply adds to the fun factor.

The activities we selected for the coupons are things my family would do anyway, but it puts the control of when in our daughter’s hands, which is a big deal to her. She is also old enough to understand that there will be weekends when other things take precedent and she can’t redeem a coupon. An added benefit of the coupons is that it helps to spread those stretched Christmas dollars over several months while returning your child’s big Christmas morning grin back on their face when they redeem a coupon.

We hope that you have fun creating your own coupon books this holiday season. We would love for you to share which coupons your kids loved the most in our comments section!

Barry Swedeen (aka PCDoctorNC) is a guest contributor and Trekaroo member.

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