Articles written by Pat Merewether in Travel

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About me - Pat Merewether

Thank you for visiting my Helium page. My passion for writing started when I was in high school and won a nationally run essay contest for my school. The writing came through in letter writing (Back when people still wrote letters). Shortly after my husband

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Travel > Rental Cars & Driving Planning a car trip with children: 1 of 10
A long family road trip to Grandma's can range anywhere from fun to tolerable to a nightmare. Planning and a good attitude go a long way in making a long drive more enjoyable. Why not fly? Well, sometimes a flight from Detroit to Chicago and actually take longer than driving. I know it sounds improbable, but we live two hour... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice The essential packing list for day trips to theme parks: 4 of 30
The best advice I can give you about what to carry into theme parks is nothing. I think the parks could subsidize their income by selling all the unclaimed sunglasses, cameras, key rings and hats and small pets they collect under the rides. My rule is: BIG pockets, preferably that zip. You'd be amazed at what you can fit int... More..
Travel > Hotels & Accommodations (Other) Top 10 reasons to stay at a vacation rental instead of a hotel: 4 of 28
I make the arrangements for two family reunions a year, so I feel confident in recommending rentals over hotels. Here's why: Expense, Space and Comfort Any hotel will charge at the very minimum of about sixty or seventy dollars a night. There are eight adults, four kids and three dogs in our group, so we needed four, and we ... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Guide to Florida's Gulf Islands: 1 of 7
We've been to Florida many times and the Atlantic coast is great, but I prefer the 'west coast' or the gulf side. Life there seems more leisurely and tropical. We love the barrier islands and here are some I'd like to share. Sanibel Located just off the coast of Ft.Myers, Sanibel is a lovely, lush, tropical island. There are... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Best attractions in Destin, Florida: 1 of 7
The Destin area is one of our favorite places in Florida. I discovered this gem while searching for a state park where our daughter and her family could camp and we could rent a cabin near them. I found Topsail Hill Reserve State Park and loved it! We drive from Michigan, and stayed on Captiva Island in the past and loved it... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Use the Internet to save both time and money on travel: 9 of 28
Planning a trip or vacation is much easier if you use the internet. Start early to get the best reservactions. As soon as you have a date chosen, start looking for the best flights and places to stay. I make the plans for our yearly annual vacation in Florida and have learned that some of the best places can be booked as far... More..
Travel > Accommodation Tips & Advice Hotel or vacation rental home: Which is best - and why?: 14 of 42
Every March my husband and I meet our daughter, her husband, four kids and two Golden Retrievers in Florida. We have learned over the years that a rental home is far superior to a hotel. A hotel is tolerable for one night, maybe two, but not a whole vacation. First, finding a place that can offer shelter and comfort to our g... More..
Travel > Air Travel & Airlines Tips for flying with cats: 4 of 9
Traveling with your cat can be stress free for both of you if you're prepared ahead of time. Here are tips for making your flight a little easier. Ask your vet for a certificate of health. Many airlines request these and it only costs about thirty dollars to have your kitty checked over and declared well and also show that s... More..
Travel > Vacations Florida family vacation destinations and activities: 16 of 33
We go to Florida for a family reunion/vacation every year. The first few years we rented a condo on Captiva Island and loved it. One year we stayed in a Tiera Verde 'condo' and it could have been a Chevy Chase vacation nightmare movie if it hadn't been for plentiful day trips to Ft. Desoto park and Busch gardens. However, la... More..
Travel > Vacations Best destinations for a family-friendly Spring Break: 16 of 32
Spring Break with the family in Florida may sound like a bad idea. Most people think of drunken teenagers throwing up and wearing panties on their heads. This is not always the case if you know where to go. Our family reunion/break/vacation has taken place in Florida for a number of years and we've had a wonderful, peaceful ... More..