It’s spring, and across America, families are thinking about summer vacations.

If family travel is on your summer to-do list, why not consider an inexpensive way to bond, get your heart racing, and roast marshmallows?  Yes, outdoor adventure travel is all the rage these days, and there’s something for everyone, from tiny tots to seniors. Even better?

If camping isn’t your thing, you can always crash at a nearby Homewood Suites, known for its spacious accommodations, comfy beds, and great food. Read More >

We’re in an era of smartphone enabled business travelers, and anyone who hasn’t adopted the technology is at an increasing risk of being left behind.

Luckily, technology is getting more and more intuitive, as demonstrated by the faux-Playskool look and feel of Windows 8.

Pick up an Android or iPhone, click on the icons and it’s fairly simple to figure out how to startup, install and delete applications – after all, only the most intuitive apps get repeat downloads. Read More >

Every traveling family knows how quickly costs add up, especially as gas prices continue to soar. However, this shouldn’t impede you from enjoying and being able to afford your family getaways.

You simply need to have a strategy for traveling on a budget and it can be done. Here are a few tips:

1. Stay at a hotel with a kitchen.

Whether you eat one meal in your room or three, staying in a hotel equipped with all of the meal preparation necessities can cash. For example, Homewood Suites has a large fridge and stove. So pick up some oatmeal, eggs or bagels and cream cheese for breakfast. For lunch, whip up some easy sandwiches and for dinner opt for an easy pasta dinner. This option can save you as much as $100-$200 a day. Read More >

When it comes to hobbies, bird watching gets a bad rap.   The stereotype usually includes such nerdy accessories as oversized binoculars, field guides, and bird calls (the latter now conveniently available via smartphone apps and MP3 downloads).   Add to that hours spent standing silently in forest, fields, and marshes and it’s no wonder most people aren’t clamoring to join in.

The truth is that birding is fascinating and fun, especially for kids.  No other wild species is quite so diverse and accessible to humans.  And forget the wilderness!  If you know where to look, you can go birding in urban areas too.  Here are a few places to try it. Read More >