Last week we told you about Passports with Purpose, the travel bloggers annual fundraiser, and how this year our goal was to raise $80,000 to build two libraries in Zambia. We asked you to consider donating to this worthwhile cause and encouraged you with the incentive that in return for your $10 donation, you have an opportunity to win some incredible prizes. Of course, we think the prize we are giving away, a golf stay at Austin’s Barton Creek Resort, is pretty awesome but there a so many other great prizes to enter to win as well. To get you even more pumped about donating to Passports with Purpose, we have decided to highlight some of these truly awesome prizes. Here are some of our favorite prizes that Passports with Purpose donators have a chance at winning:
Kindle Fire: This has got to be one of the most sought after gifts this holiday season. The 7-inch tablet with Wi-Fi from Amazon is slim, lightweight,is in full color, and holds 18 million movies, books, and apps, making it perfect for travel. With Europe up Close, The Solo Traveler, Mother of All Trips, and The Vacation Gals all giving one away, your chances of winning are pretty decent! Psst…. Budget Travelers Sandbox is also giving away a Kindle Touch…
Xbox 360 with Kinect Bundle: Can you imagine how cool your kids will think you are if an Xbox 360 shows up under your tree? Yes, video games can lead to way too many hours on the couch but Kinect features active games so your kids will get some exercise while playing. Score! Wandermom is hosting this amazing giveaway.
4 Nights in a Suite at the Honua Kai Resort in Maui: Delicious Baby is hosting this 4 night giveaway in an ocean view suite. 4 nights. Maui. Ocean view. Enough said.
Three Night stay for a family of four at an all-inclusive Beaches Resort in Jamaica: I love all-inclusive resorts so the all-inclusive stay in Jamaica that Have Baby will Travel is hosting definitely caught my eye. Imagine hanging out with your little one’s poolside with a cocktail in hand and the Caribbean sun on your shoulders. Not bad, eh?
Two Night Stay at the Four Season Scottsdale at Troon North: My family just returned from this amazing resort (I can’t wait to share the details with you all!) so I know that this is a tremendous prize. In addition to the resort stay, the winner will also be treated to a dinner at Talavera, where I enjoyed the best steak I have ever had. I will definitely be entering in hope of returning to this incredible resort. This giveaway is hosted by My Itchy Travel Feet.
Disneyland/Hilton Garden Inn prize pack: It’s no secret that Trekaroo loves Disney so when we saw the prize that Travel Mamas is giving away, we couldn’t help but get excited. One lucky family will win 4 park hoppers for Disneyland and California Adventure as well as a two night stay at the Anaheim Hilton Garden Inn. What an ideal family getaway!
$1000 HomeAway voucher: We love HomeAway because it give travelers access to 260,000 vacation rentals around the globe in one location. Vacation rentals are great for extended family travel, travel with large families, or families who would love the convenience of staying someplace with all the comforts of home (like a kitchen!.) Nerds Eye View is giving away a $1000 voucher which can be used to take your family on an adventure in a vacation rental that is perfectly suited to your needs.
$500 BedandBreakfast.com gift card: Last year we featured BedandBreakfast.com in our holiday gift guide giveaway so when we saw that Land Lopers was hosting this prize, we were happy to see another chance to win this great prize. The BedandBreakfast.com can be used at more than 4,000 small inns and bed and breakfasts which makes it an idela gift for travelers.
110,000 Hyatt Gold Passport Points: There is something just so exciting about hotel points. Hyatt is one of my favorite hotel brands (extremely family friendly) so winning $2640 worth of Hyatt points turn me into a kid in a candy store. I could spend hours researching what sort of luxurious hotel stays I could get with all those points! According to the giveaway host, Loyalty Traveler of Boarding Area, this prize can buy 5- 22 nights, depending on how you use them. Donate to win this prize and start daydreaming!
There is only one way to win all of these fabulous prizes- head on over to Passports with Purpose and DONATE.
The last day to donate is Friday, December 16, 2011.
Sharlene Earnshaw is the blog editor for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Congratulations to the winner #65, Ann! Random.org selected your comment. Enjoy your trip!
On Friday, Esther shared her family’s heavenly experience at the recently renovated Carmel Valley Ranch and probably stirred up some vacation envy in quite a few of us (myself included). The entire Monterey Peninsula is stunning and a wonderful destination for families, but when you add in the large suites and luxury camp atmosphere of the Carmel Valley Ranch, it takes vacation to a whole other level.
Read about family friendly activities around Monterey Bay.
According to Esther, “The Carmel Valley Ranch likens itself to a camp because of its many complimentary activities. From guided hikes to the iconic tree swings to pilates to S’mores at night, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy at this resort. ” Her son’s favorite experience was the unique Bee Experience in the apiary. Perhaps your kids will love the golf, tennis, “Ranch Hand” kids club, guided hikes, River Ranch pool and athletic complex, or the iconic tree swings the best. Maybe mom will find her bliss at the spa. Regardless, it sounds like there is something on this large and diverse property that will appeal to everyone.
Missed Esther’s post on Friday? Then click on over and read it to get the full scoop on the Carmel Valley Ranch.
Are you dreaming about a stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch with your family? Then we have a great deal and steal for you!
The Deal: Enjoy a great family stay with the Ranch Hands Family Package !
Package Includes:
- Overnight accommodations in a spacious suite suitable for a family of 4
- Upgrade to next suite type at time of booking, subject to availability
- 2 hours complimentary childcare, once during your stay
- Nightly turndown amenity for the children
- Take-home signature tree swing
Suite types begin with the Ranch Suite category. Sleeping accommodations for 4 include use of the pullout queen-size sofabed in the living room. Complimentary 2 hour childcare is available in the mornings at the River Ranch Children’s Activity Cottage. Childcare is available for children 2-8 years old.
The Steal: Win a 2 night stay at the Carmel Valley Ranch!
Details: One very lucky winner will receive:
- 2 night stay in a Ranch Suite at the Carmel Valley Ranch
Valued at approximately $870
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.
Get even more additional entries:
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
- 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, October 30, 2011 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 Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage and Contest Girl.
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Sharlene Earnshaw is the blog editor for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
Most Mondays, we at Trekaroo like to host a giveaway of something fun and travel-related but every once in a while, we like to highlight a fabulous giveaway being hosted by one of our fellow family travel specialists. We are extremely excited to tell you about the current giveaway on Ciao Bambino because it is HUGE!
Now through October 17th, families have the opportunity to enter to win one of three different Four Season stays at Four Seasons Resort Vail, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, and Four Seasons Hotel Boston! Entering to win is both easy and fun. Simply begin at the Ciao Bambino Facebook page and complete your first entry and then follow the directions to visit a few other Facebook pages (Poshbrood and, Luxury Travel Mom) for more entries. We would love for Trekaroo member to be the big winner!
Here are the details:
Four Seasons Luxury Family Travel Giveaway Prizes
Four Seasons Resort Nevis
Family of Four vacation package includes:
- 4 nights complimentary lodging in a spacious deluxe ocean view room
- Airport/boat transfers for kids
- Family tennis (choice of complimentary family lesson with Pro lesson or complimentary 1-hour court time for family)
- Family golf (choice of kids Junior Golfer lesson with the Pro or one round complimentary for family
- Private Monkey Tour hosted by Concierge
- Sea Turtle Camp at Kids for All Seasons Center and sea turtle adoption gift for kids
- Base Camp for Parents for a Day: Luxury Beach House with butler for the day
- Blackout dates apply. Prize is not transferrable. Certificate valid through December 31, 2012
- Approximate value ($6,000)
Four Seasons Resort Vail
- Three-night stay in deluxe accommodations for up to four people in one room
- Specialized children’s amenity upon arrival
- Subject to availability; blackout dates apply. Prize not transferrable
- Certificate valid through December 31, 2012
- Approximate value ($2,475)
Four Seasons Hotel Boston
Two-Night Kid-Kation Package includes:
- Two nights deluxe accommodations for a family of four (two adults and two children)
- Kids receive back pack filled with activity book and postcard as well as a toy from the toy wagon at check in
- Teens receive sling bag containing a “PRUferred Shopper Card”, cookie voucher, Ben&Jerry’s coupon and Godiva Rewards Card
- $30 breakfast credit per day on an existing breakfast charge
- In-room visit from ice cream man and welcome amenity
- Kids can arrange visit to Pastry kitchen for cookie making class with Exec Pastry Chef, Sat 4-4:30PM on a first come, first serve basis
- Subject to availability; black-out dates apply. Prize is not transferrable
- Certificate valid through December 31, 2012
- Approximate value ($1,300)
Official Rules
You must be a U.S. resident, 18 years of age or older. One entry per person per sponsoring website. Sweepstakes ends at 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2011. Read the official rules here.
Head to the Ciao Bambino Facebook page now and enter to win!
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Sharlene Earnshaw is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. RANDOM.ORG SELECTED NUMBER 46. CONGRATS TO BARRY OUR WINNER!
When families with young children travel, a good stroller becomes a crucial part of the entire experience. I have had the not so enjoyable experience of trying to drag a heavy, beat-up, and beaten down stroller through airport security and it made for a very stressful experience. I am often amazed at just how far stroller technology has come in the last few years. Recently, Trekaroo had the opportunity to test out the Bumbleride 2011 Flite stroller. We decided Heather Reed, Trekaroo’s Texas Destination Guroo, would be the perfect person to take on the job. With a 13 month old and an on-the-go lifestyle, we knew she would be able to give this stroller a run for its money. Here is what she had to say about the Bumbleride Flite:
When I unpacked Bumbleride’s 2011 Flite, I almost thought they had given me the wrong stroller. “No way can a sturdy, single stroller be this light!” I thought to myself as I tugged on the wrapping revealing the warm grey fabric with bright persimmon lining. The stroller came with it’s wheels disassembled, but easily snapped right on. I took a few moments to familiarize myself with it, trying to savor its newness before my burly gang of 4 got a hold of it and tested it themselves. And test it they did. My 5 year old spun it’s wheels, my 7 year old tested it’s maneuverability while racing around the house, my 3 year old dropped grape jelly on it’s water-resistant sport’s fabric (it wiped right off), and my 13 month old climbed in (with help), laid back against the reclined seat and drifted in and out of sleep. All this and we hadn’t even left the house yet! Luckily for us, taking the stroller out of the house was just as wonderful. We went on a mommy and daughter date in town for shopping and dining. The stroller’s wheel suspension gave my daughter a smooth ride over gravel and grassy terrain through the park and the large sun canopy kept the sun’s scorching rays off her little face. There are so many fun features that offer comfort, like the well-padded seat and adjustable footrests- I almost wish I could have climbed in myself!
Heather’s Favorite Features:
- SPF 45 Sun Canopy Reclining Backrest
- Adjustable Footrest Water-Resistant Fabric
- Cushioned Seat with 5-Point Harness
- Cup Holder
- Car Seat Adapter Bar
- Folds Up Flat Like An Umbrella Stroller
- Front & Rear Wheel Suspension
- Storage Basket Underneath
- Easy To Maneuver Lightweight & Has A Carrying Handle
- Extra Options Like A Rain Canopy & Snack Pack (To Name A Few)
Ways They Could Improve:
- Users Have To Remove The Car Seat Adapter To Fold It
- Storage Basket Is On The Smaller Side
- Cup Holder Tips Easily (They Have A Parent Pack Coming Out Soon That Will Solve This- Yay)!
And since Trekaroo is all about travel with kids, Heather is happy to report that the Flite is great for road trips, public transit, and air travel since it only weighs 13 pounds and folds compactly! If this sounds like the ideal stroller for you, then check out our steal below!
The Steal: Win a Bumbleride Flite Single Stroller in the color of your choice ($279 value!)
Details: One lucky winner will receive one Bumbleride Flite single stroller in the color of their choice (valued at $279)
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.
Get even more additional entries:
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.
-
- Fan Bumbleride on Facebook.
- Follow Bumbleride on Twitter
- Sign up for the Bumbleride newsletter
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook.
- 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, August 28, 2011 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 Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage and Contest Girl.
Disclosure: The reviewer did receive a complimentary stroller in order to complete her review and facilitate the subsequent giveaway. Bumbleride did not ask that the reviewer state an particular opinions and all opinions are the honest opinion of the reviewer.
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Sharlene Earnshaw is the Blog Editor for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
The Alamo. In person, the old mission may appear to be small in size, but it will always remain large in legend. This iconic building gained its spot American history during a legendary battle in 1836, during the struggle for Texas liberty. These days, the Alamo is part of the National Park System and serves as the symbol of San Antonio. Tomorrow, Trekaroo Destination Guroo Michelle McCoy and I head to San Antonio for a new adventure, the Race to the Alamo.
Michelle and I were asked to compete as Team Trekaroo in the Race to the Alamo, a 3 day Amazing Race-style competition. During the 3 days, we will compete against two other teams in a variety of challenges and awarded points based on our performance. At the end of each day, the team with the most points will win a daily prize for both their team and their readers! The days will be long and hot (the forecast calls for daily highs of 105!), but the excitement of competing will definitely keep our energy up.
Ultimately, each day of the race will account for 20% of our score, making the competition 60% of our final score. The other 40% is in your hands. That portion of our score is determined by how may votes our team gets on the Race to the Alamo site.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Well besides helping the only family travel blogging team prove that moms can compete just as well as any other team, every time you go to the Race to the Alamo site and vote for Team Trekaroo, you will be entered to win a trip to San Antonio which includes 3 nights at one of San Antonio’s great hotels, attraction passes, and a voucher towards travel expenses!!! The approximate value of this prize is $2500. Now that’s a great incentive!
Grand Prize details:
A three night stay at the Grand Hyatt, Paella lunch for four at Citrus, $500 Visa gift card for airfaire and attraction passes for four to:
- The Alamo Trolley
- Enchanted Springs Ranch
- Guiness World Records Museum
- IMAX, Institute of Texan Cultures
- Laser Legend
- McNay Art Museum
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not & Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
- San Antonio Botanical Garden
- San Antonio Children’s Museum
- San Antonio Rose Live – Country Music Show
- San Antonio Zoo
- Schlitterbahn
- SeaWorld San Antonio
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas
- The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum/Texas Rangers Museum
- Tower of the Americas
- Wildlife Ranch Witte Museum
What a prize!!!!! Everyone can vote for Trekaroo once per day through August 31, 2011, and every time you vote you will receive another entry for the grand prize. We know that we can count on Trekaroo members to vote for Team Trekaroo and we hope that you will ask all of your friends to vote for us as well!
Look for Michelle and I to be live blogging, tweeting, and sharing on Trekaroo’s Facebook page during the competition this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We hope you will follow along, cheer for us along the way, and help us if we need to turn to Trekaroo members for assistance in a challenge.
GO TEAM TREKAROO!!!!
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage and Contest Girl.
Disclosure: All travel, lodging, meals, activities, and an iPad are being provided by the San Antonio Visitors Bureau so that Michelle and I can compete in the Race to the Alamo. No monetary compensation is being provided and Visit San Antonio did not ask that any specific opinions about their destination be mentioned. All opinions about San Antonio and the Race to the Alamo are those of Michelle and I and reflect our honest opinion of both the destination and the experience.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
