This contest is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Melissa Miller! We know you will love the video camera!

Recently  I was invited by Kimberly of  The Go To Mom to attend a special Sony Event for Social Media Moms, in order to try out the new Sony HDR-PJ10 Projector Handycam and see if  I thought families who travel would enjoy the video camera. After about 5 minutes of use I had absolutely no doubt that Trekaroo families would love this video camera- it is small, lightweight, easy to use, and takes great videos. But the one feature that I really felt makes this camera ideal for families on the go is the projector which allows users to easily record video and then project it (in great quality) on a wall, floor, or variety of other flat services. Just imagine spending the day exploring a National Park and then coming back to your campsite at night to watch the day’s highlights on the wall of the tent. So cool!

Here are a few reasons why I think the HDR-PJ10 Sony Projector Handycam would make a great family gift:

1. It is easy to use: Simply flip open the screen and the camera automatically turns on! Plus the lens cover is built in so losing the lens cap is a thing of the past. The touch screen is very intuitive, allowing this non-technical mom to look like she knows she is doing!  An easy to find and clearly labeled “photo” button that allows the user to take still photos while video-taping. There is even a USB cord built in to the camera so getting video from the camera to your computer for editing!
2. Great picture quality: Recently I was watching video from when my kids were babies and was so disappointed at how grainy the footage was. I wish this camera existed 5 years ago!  The HD quality is incredible and the image stabilization actually makes it possible for a shaky-handed individual like me to take videos that don’t make viewers nauseous.
3. The projector: Before I owned this video camera, watching a replay of a video meant I had to wait until my husband was willing to pull out the cables and configure the television to play the movie. Now, I simply find a wall and press “project” on the video camera and our videos play right before our eyes! While traveling we can take video of our adventures and then easily watch them on the wall of our hotel room, vacation rental, or tent.
4. The highlight function: I love when people create fancy highlight videos of their vacations which are set to music. I just didn’t usually have the time or inclination to do it. Now with the Sony Projector Handycam  I simply select “highlight “and the video camera magically creates the highlight video for me! To give you an idea of how amazing the highlight function is, click on the video below to see a highlight video the camera created of my kids and their friend’s baking cookies for Christmas (with a cameo of my puppies snagging dog cookies at the very end).  As you will see, the camera can take some pretty simple footage and turn it into something special.

The Steal: Win a Sony Projector Handycam!

Details: One lucky winner will receive a HDR-PJ10 Sony Projector Handycam valued at $650.00!

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
• 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, January 1, 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 was invited to the Sony Social Media Moms Luncheon and received a free HDR-PJ10 Sony Projector Handycam to review for Trekaroo.  All opinions are my own.

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. Congratulations to our winner Carrie! Enjoy your brand new Chicco car seat!

More than 80% of car seats installed incorrectly.  That is a pretty staggering statistic isn’t it?  It evoked so much anxiety in my husband that while my kids were infants, he became a car seat installation expert. He managed to get their car seats into cars so snug that even police officers who install car seats professionally were impressed.  Since I am not a 6’5″ 200lb man, I was never able to secure them quite as tight as dear hubby, hence banning me from ever moving their car seats. It was a major pain.

Chicco’s KeyFit 30 is the #1-rated infant car seat  and claims to be among the easiest to install. The double bubble level guides easily demonstrate accurate placement in the vehicle and the car seat detaches from stroller and base with just one hand. On paper it sounded like a great stroller so I put the call out to our Superoos to see if anyone was interested in reviewing the product.  One of our Superoos, keebz, already had the KeyFit 30 for her child and loved it so much that she was happy to write a review.  She chose the KeyFit 30 because it

- Has a good safety rating

- Fit behind the driver’s seat comfortably

-  Has easy to use buckles

- Is easy to install base with LATCH or without the base using a seatbelt

-  Able to work with her current stroller frame

-  Has a 30 pound weight limit

-  Is Affordable

 Read her full review of the Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat.

Chicco worked with Julie Prom, car seat safety expert with 25 years of experience, to help put together this list of tips on keep kids safe in the car:

• Buckle up everyone, every time, every trip!  In a crash or emergency braking, an unbuckled passenger can be thrown into other passengers causing serious injury.  Also, ensure there are no heavy, loose objects in the vehicle that can be thrown around in a crash.
• Keep children in a rear-facing safety seat until at least 2 years old.  A recent study showed that children under age 2 are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are riding rear-facing.  Be sure to use a safety seat designed for the size and weight of your child.
• Never put a rear-facing safety seat in front of an active air bag.
• All children under at least 13 should ride in the back seat.  The back seat is nearly 40 percent safer than the front seat.
• Never add any product (including toys and car seat covers or liners) or make any changes to a car safety seat or booster that is not approved by the manufacturer of the seat.  Add-on products can interfere with the crash performance of the seat.  Beware!  Many manufacturers of add-on products will state they have tested them—ONLY use products approved by the car safety seat manufacturer!  The safety seat manufacturer is the only one that can confirm the test results of its product.
• Never put an infant-only seat on top of a shopping cart.  This makes the shopping cart top heavy.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Academy of Pediatrics warn against this practice due to numerous reported injuries from carts tipping over and/or babies falling out.
• Finally, ALWAYS read and follow both the car safety seat instructions AND the vehicle owners’ manual when using and installing your child’s seat!

The Steal: Win a Chicco KeyFit Car Seat!

Details: One lucky winner will receive a Chicco KeyFit Car Seat valued at $189.99.

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
• 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, December 25, 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  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

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

During my teenage years, my family made several journeys up the Pacific coast to Washington State in order to get out of suburbia and spend a week with my aunt at her house in the country. I say journey because this was definitely no leisurely road trip. My dad was a man on a mission- he had to make good time.  We drove through San Francisco and peered out the window at a city that I had never actually set foot in (how dare we think about stopping? If we lingered we may hit traffic!), craned our necks up at the redwoods with our heads pressed against the glass of the car windows as we zipped through the national park, and watched the dramatic cloud-shrouded Oregon coastline whiz past us.  During our lengthy stretches of time in the car, I sat with our AAA guidebooks in my lap, searching for a hotel room for the night.  My family was on a budget and my dad always had me look for a  Best Western on the route.  He was looking for value and didn’t want to sacrifice a comfortable bed or clean room to stay in some roach motel.  Best Western was a brand he trusted. Though they were less than glamorous, those trips fostered my love of travel and today when I stay in a Best Western with my own children, I can’t help but drift back to memories of the excitement  pulling up to a new hotel each day.

My guess is that your family has stayed in a Best Western hotel too. With over 4,000 hotels worldwide it would be pretty hard not to! If your family has a trip planned in the next year, whether it be a road trip, destination vacation, or a soccer tournament, it may be worth considering the following deal…

The Deal: Now Through Dec. 31, 2011, purchase a $100 Best Western Travel Card® and Receive a $10 Gift Card of Your Choice!

Customers who purchase a $100 Best Western Travel Card  will receive their choice of a $10 gift card to Amazon.com, Best Buy, Walmart, Darden restaurants, or Best Western for free! These  Best Western Travel Cards work like cash at any of the  4,000+ Best Western worldwide and can be purchased here. If you know you will be staying at a Best Western hotel in the coming year there is no good reason not buy some and stock up some free $10 stocking stuffers!

And now for the GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Steal: Win one of two $50 Best Western travel cards!

Details: Trekaroo is giving away two $50 Best Western travel cards.

Number of winners: (2) Two

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:

Leave a comment telling us where your family is traveling next!

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.

• 
• Share this giveaway using the Facebook by clicking the FB “Like” button at the top of the page.
• 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, December  11, 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  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

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 Art Riddle. Your comment, number 40, was randomly selected by Random.org. Enjoy your time in Puerto Rico!

Every decade or so, there is talk of adding another star to our flag. Puerto Rico, typically the territory in question, seems to be happy with the way things are for now because polls have shown a majority of the islanders prefer to remain a US Territory. Lucky for us mainlanders, Puerto Rico’s status as US Territory means that we have a Caribbean destination to visit without a passport.  So where exactly is Puerto Rico? To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure until I saw it on a map for myself.  I knew it was in the Atlantic but had no idea that it was actually closer to Venezuela than the United States! Puerto Rico lies just east of the Dominican Republic, making it a warm escape for travelers looking to thaw out during our chilly winter months.

San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital city, is home to the history and culture of Old San Juan as well as the azure beaches of Condado, an upscale district popular with tourists.  San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino is one of the top  luxury hotels along this stretch of sand, and a great destination for families. Kids will love the game room, two outdoor swimming pools complete with a water slide and whirlpool, and the great stretch of beach that the resort calls home.  Parents will love all of the above but are sure to add the casino to their list as well.

So what is better than a few nights at the San Juan Marriott? How about a few nights in the presidential suite of the San Juan Marriott!

The Steal: Win a 4 day/3 night stay at the San Juan Marriott valued at $5,600!

• 4 day/3 night stay in the PRESIDENTIAL SUITE at the San Juan Marriott in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• $200 resort credit per day
• Valid for travel through December 2012.

Valued at approximately $5,600

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
• Follow San Juan Mariott on Twitter
• Like San Juan Marriott 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, November 6, 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  Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes,.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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!

• 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.

- – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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