a collection of articles by Bob Masters
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A Trip to New York City
with Children Part 1 - The Trip and the Routing A Trip to New York City with Children Part 2 - American Museum of Natural History A Trip to New York City with Children Part 3 - Children's Enchanting View of New York City Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Eastern Gateway to Pennsylvania Elkhart County Indiana RV Capital of the World Family Vacations on a Budget Family Travel by RV can be Less Expensive Mercer County Western Gateway to Pennsylvania Sugar-White Beaches of Alabama Great Beaches at Less Cost Van Buren and Fort Smith Western Portal to Arkansas Western North Carolina Mountains Tour Including Sights Most Tourists Miss
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A Trip to New York City
with Children Part 1 - The Trip and the Routing |
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| It is much too premature to predict the end of RVing due to the high costs of fuel. The cost of a family vacation using the RV is still significantly less than taking the same vacation without the RV; you have a better room at less cost (and without the probability of picking up bed bugs). |
The trip to and from can be more leisurely and enjoyable in the RV and you can alter your routing at anytime if and when you so choose. Can you really afford to give up RVing? |
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A Trip to New York City
with Children Part 2 - American Museum of Natural History |
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| For many children, around 8 to 12 years old, the American Museum of Natural History will be their favorite New York City attraction. From dioramas showing wildlife in their native surroundings, the giant-sized whale hanging from the ceiling to the giant dinosaur skeleton, the Museum holds fascination after fascination for kids (and adults, too). Then the addition of modern multi-media |
technology, e.g., Hayden Planetarium Space Theater and the IMAX Theater presentations leave children starry-eyed (and tired) ready to retreat to bed to rest up for another exciting day in New York City. |
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A Trip to New York City
with Children Part 3 - Children's Enchanting View of New York City |
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| A tour of New York City can be very fascinating to 8 to 12 year-old children. Personal safety is no more of a problem than other destinations and New Yorkers, when given the opportunity, are usually very helpful. A subway ride -- taken for granted by adults -- can be a real thrill to small children. Radio City Music Hall, recently completely restored to its former glory, is awesome. Midtown Manhattan, especially 34th Street is viewed in wonderment (don't miss the huge indoor mall) |
the Woolworth Building (known as the 'Cathedral of Commerce'), once the tallest building in the world, has a lobby so huge the kids will be speechless (for a few moments). Even a simple ferry ride across the Hudson River is a fascination. And, of course, there's lots more. Taking a couple kids on a New York City tour can be a thrill even for the adults. |
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Eastern Gateway to Pennsylvania |
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| The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, only 75 miles from Manhattan and New York City, is easy to reach and enjoy without wrecking the family budget. US-209 which follows the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania side gives access to a string of beautiful waterfalls. A grand network of well marked trails allows one to get needed exercise and enjoy spectacular views at the same time. |
The historic Millbrook Village on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River is a fun way to enjoy history especially during their annual celebration of 'Millbrook Days' each October. |
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Elkhart County Indiana RV Capital of the World |
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| Elkhart County, Indiana, home to nearly two dozen manufacturers of RVs and RV products, has become known as the RV Capital of the World. Several of the manufacturers host tours of their factories. A good time to take advantage of this may be during the annual Midwest RV Supershow and Rally or the Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival. |
In late July and early August, a weekly Classic Car Drive-in is held near a local restaurant. Here you can view cars, close-up, that we'll probably never see again with the trend to small, economy cars. |
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Family Vacations on a
Budget Family Travel by RV can be Less Expensive |
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| It typically costs 25 to 75% less to vacation in an RV at a nice resort than flying or driving in the family car. The convenience and comfort can be priceless as well. Tips on how to save money and have more enjoyable family vacations. |
A new RV can cost anywhere between $4000 for a folding camping trailer to well over $400,000 for one of those huge motor homes. Even if you don't own an RV they can be economical to rent. |
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Mercer County Western Gateway to Pennsylvania |
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| Mercer County, Pensylvania, about midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, is an ideal destination for budget weekend excursions. Attractions ranging from the World's largest candy store, unique shopping venues and parks to Pennsylvania's largest body of water and |
boaters' paradise, Shenango Lake, are conveniently accessible from Cleveland and Pittsburgh via Interstate highway for probably less than a half tank of gas (or diesel) -- round trip! |
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Sugar-White Beaches of
Alabama Great Beaches at Less Cost |
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| The United States is virtually surrounded by beaches. But that little strip along Alabama's Gulf Coast between Mobile Bay and Perdido Bay boasts a very special beach with sugar-while sand. The communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have many other attractions that are popular with all ages. |
Well over a dozen RV parks and several dozen hotels and condominiums are set to welcome you. Here is a change you will really enjoy. |
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Van Buren and Fort Smith Western Portal to Arkansas |
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| Van Buren and Fort Smith, just off I-40 at the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, are a delightful introduction of the beauties and joys of Arkansas. Tour an old west brothel, stroll down a Dickens-like old-timey Main Street under late 19th Century street lights, take a short ride in a 1920s era street car or ride across the Arkansas River in a modern high-speed airboat. |
The area has an enticing variety of attractions to ensnare you for a day or two of pleasure and relaxation. In Van Buren and Fort Smith you can enjoy a good sampling of Old West history. |
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Western North Carolina Mountains Tour Sights that Most Tourists Miss |
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| Description of a tour through the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. |
There is so much to see that it would probably be wise to budget a week for this tour. |