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June 24 Twitter Party: Happy Healthy Travel for Kids

How do you keep the kids -- and yourself -- healthy and happy when traveling? Do you look for hotels that provide special kids' activities that emphasize healthy living? Or...

Devil's Tower: An Overlooked National Park

When planningyour summer road trip don't overlook Devil's Tower, Wyoming. It is one of my favorite side trips and possibly one of the most overlooked National Parks.  The first time...

Disneyland Paris

Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the summer season for Disney Parks everywhere. My family and I recently managed to get to three Disney Parks in three weeks, finishing with a...

Greetings From Asbury Park: Shore Open for Business

"Sandy, the aurora's rising behind us, the pier lights our carnival life on the water." ----Bruce Springsteen, Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy) For years, we’ve been hearing the news: Asbury...

Best Advice for Planning Your Summer Vacation

Planning your family vacation can be overwhelming--where to go, what to do, how to get there, you name it. There are a lot of details to planning a summer vacation....

Warning About Diesel Fuel Mistakes

Anyone who has ever pumped diesel gasoline into their tank knows just how critical it is that it’s DIESEL that makes it into the tank, not regular, not premium, but...

Natural Disaster Preparation for Travelers

When we travel thoughts of disasters are far from our mind. But with the news of natural disasters, especially numerous tornadoes in Oklahoma and the Midwest -- as well as...

Martinique Beach Nova Scotia

Martinique Beach Provincial Park is a treasure of the Eastern Shore in Nova Scotia, and is one of many delightful discoveries I made during a road trip along Marine Drive...

Father's Day

Father's Day can be a great day to get out in nature and take a special hike or walk, like this family is doing at San Elijo Lagoon, in San...

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Family Travel Experts

Family Travel Stories and Ideas

Stardust Memories: The Lights of Broadway
Discovery TravelingmomStardust Memories: The Lights of Broadway

Billing itself as “The Best Free Show on Broadway,” n’s Stardust Dineras been open since the 80’s, but it’s décor, memorabilia and food will take you back to the 50’s. However, what are you really going to see at this popular tourist destination in the heart of Times Square?  [ ... ]

Caesers Atlantic City Girlfriend Getaway
Disabled TravelingMomCaesers Atlantic City Girlfriend Getaway

Relax at the Qua Bath and Spa, play the slots and dress to the nines to party at the Pool After Dark. This is just part of a Caesers Atlantic City girlfriend getaway. Located on the Boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean, Caesers offers entertainment and fabulous dining.

Reserve a room, depending on the [ ... ]

Where to Stay on Oahu with Kids
Traveling MomWhere to Stay on Oahu with Kids

Cozy is the word my son used to describe our room at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.  Not the first word that usually comes to mind when you describe a 22-acre property with 3,500 rooms.  It’s a testament to Hilton’s commitment to creating a family friendly environment at their enormous p [ ... ]

Behind the Disney Magic
Traveling MomBehind the Disney Magic

Disney makes the magic look easy, but there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes. I am always inspired by the team of people who create the masterful new Disney experiences.  One of the pleasures of my job is getting to spend time talking with and learning from these incredibly creative [ ... ]

Where to Surf in Arizona
Desert TravelingMomWhere to Surf in Arizona

Who says you can’t surf in the desert? The Kierland FlowRider opened last year at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s the first of its kind in Arizona and one of the main reasons why I think the Westin Kierland rocks for kids and anyone else that loves to have fun. Kierl [ ... ]

Looking for Kings in Paris
Abroad TravelingMomLooking for Kings in Paris

Context Travel is a Rome-based tour company that offers educational walking tours for a number of European destinations. What makes Context Travel unique is its intellectual and educational focus, with experts from a variety of disciplines, including literature, history and art, leading the tours an [ ... ]

Disney - Tugging on my Heartstrings
Traveling Mom with ToddlersDisney - Tugging on my Heartstrings

Most of us have a memory of getting lost as a young child. I remember the first time I couldn’t find my parents.  I was probably about six years old and I was playing in the Barbie section at K-Mart. My Mom kept telling me it was time to go but obviously, as a five-year-old child, I was too b [ ... ]

Luggage Spring Cleaning Tips for Travelers

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90738_3523clean_suitcase
The sun is shining, the leaves are budding on the trees and spring is in the air. While many of us begin thinking about spring cleaning our houses, it's also a good time to consider cleaning your luggage.

 



Clean and Sanitize Your Suitcase
Think of all the germs and bacteria your suitcase encounters. From the luggage compartment in the airplane to the baggage claim carousel – not to mention the handling by strangers – your suitcase takes a beating. Hard-sided shell suitcases can be wiped down with a sanitizing wipe or with a cloth and soapy water. For fabric suitcases, test a small, inconspicuous spot first before wiping it with any material.

Wipe Handles and Wheels
Handles, wheels and zippers should be wiped down upon returning home. Use a sanitizing wipe or soap and water to wipe off any germs or bacteria that may have collected. Also consider wiping the bottom of the suitcase, where it might have rested on the floor.

Clean out the Inside
Cleaning luggage shouldn't be limited to the outside. Open up your suitcase and take everything out of the main compartment, as well as the side pockets. Sort through the contents and toss anything you haven't used in the past couple of trips, as well as expired medications, gum wrappers, ragged business cards, and all the shower caps and shoe polish rags you've accumulated. Trust me, it will make unpacking easier next time.

Next, vacuum out the inside to pick up any sand, grit or other small particles that might be trapped inside.

If you store frequently used items in your suitcase, such as earplugs or a makeup or toiletries bag, now would also be a good time to replenish it. Fill up bottles of shampoo, wash and replace combs and brushes, and restock items.

Spring clean your luggage so that it's refreshed and ready for your next business trip.

Teresa J. Shaw writes as Business TravelingMom. Find her online at www.TeresaJShaw.com or follow her on Twitter.
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Author Profile: Working TravelingMom  - Website

Teresa J. Shaw is a Michigan-based journalist, blogger and editor. Her work has been published on Hilton Homewood Suites' SuiteLiving blog, Prevention, Babies Online, and AnnArbor.com, among other sites. Travel, food and lifestyle writing are her specialties.

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