Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to work online.

When people learn that Dad and I travel full-time in an RV, they are invariably full of questions. They want to know how we survive in such a small space, whether we get lonely on the road, and how we decide where to go next. But the first question people ask is almost always, “How do you make a living?” The perception is that only the independently wealthy are able to travel constantly, but the reality is that most RVers are just like anyone else. While Dad is one of the many retirees taking to the open road with a pension and a Social Security check, I represent a rapidly growing segment of the RV market—young adults in our prime earning years supporting ourselves in creative ways.

Portable Jobs
I am a full-time freelance writer. Despite the fact that I have worked for some of my clients for years, I have never once met any of them in person. My regular clients include a travel website based in California, an educational publisher in Michigan, a digital marketing firm in New York and a theme park website based in Florida. I apply online, communicate by email (with an occasional phone or Skype call) and receive payment electronically by PayPal, direct deposit or another electronic system.

Only rarely do I accept a job that only cuts physical checks. Fortunately, when I do get a check, I can have it sent to wherever I happen to be. My bank allows me to take a photo of the check and upload it online, saving me the trouble of trying to find a branch. While some electronic payment systems have a few small fees attached, they are a cost of doing business that I can deduct on my income taxes. Speaking of taxes, I use Turbo Tax and file electronically. All my clients allow me to view my 1099s online, so I never need to deal with physical forms.

Although writing is a popular option for those looking for a portable job, it is far from the only choice. Computer jobs, such as programming and web development, can often be done on the road. Some customer service work, such as outbound sales calls, can be done remotely. Database entry, secretarial positions, transcriptionist services, translation and many other fields have also begun to embrace distance work. Many people freelance, while others work part-time or full-time for a company that allows them to telecommute.

Seasonal Jobs
If your particular skill set or personality does not lend itself to working online, you still have a few options for supporting yourself while on the road. A lot of RVers like to follow the seasons, whether heading south for the winter or spending autumn in a place with stunning fall foliage. This lends itself well to taking a series of seasonal jobs. Theme parks, ski resorts, beach communities, farms and many other places hire extra workers for their peak seasons. Many people find a low-priced place to park the RV for a few months in each location, moving on when the season’s employment comes to an end.

Work camping provides a free or discounted site, and sometimes a paycheck as well.

Work Camping
As you might suspect, work camping blends work with camping. Work campers typically receive a free place to park their RV in exchange for performing a job. Some work camping arrangements provide only the site in exchange for just a few hours of work per month. Others require more work hours, but pay a salary in addition to the site. However, arrangements vary widely. For example, some locations pay a better salary but provide a site discount rather than a completely free site. Some do not pay cash, but provide free electricity, propane, firewood and other amenities to work campers. Be sure you understand the fine print before signing a contract.

Work camping opportunities run the gamut of needed skills and interests. You might sell Christmas trees or Halloween pumpkins at a roadside stand. You might be a ranger at a national forest or a living history interpreter at a historic site. You might work the front desk at a campground or plan activities at an RV resort. I even saw an ad for someone to park their RV outside a school in Alaska for the summer to discourage vandals, but the work campers were free to travel the state as long as they returned to check on the school now and then.

Work camping couples are in particularly high demand. Many opportunities are designed for a couple to split up the tasks—for example, one partner might take care of the grounds while the other handles the morning shift at the front desk. Together, the couple is expected to cover a certain number of hours each week, perhaps 32 total or 16 per person. Some locations that prefer couples are also willing to take a single worker at a higher workload, like covering those 32 hours per week alone. Note that you do not have to be a literal couple—a single parent and teenage son or daughter would fit the bill.

Many full-timers support themselves by playing concerts at RV parks.

Gigs
A surprising number of full-time RVers are musically talented, and many RVing families support themselves by arranging performances across the country. RV parks are almost always looking to fill their event schedules and will happily give performers a chance—especially if you are willing to perform for donations rather than charging the park a specific fee.

If you are crafty, you might be able to make a reasonable living making things to sell at flea markets around the country. Many RV parks even hold on-site craft sales once a week during their high season, allowing you to sell to your fellow campers. Online sales are another viable option.

Some RVers follow a fair circuit, performing or selling merchandise at Renaissance Festivals, carnivals or other events around the country. If you are reasonably handy, you might be able to sign up for set-up and tear-down at these short-lived events. Many fairs provide on-site RV parking. For those that don’t, talk to the festival organizers. They might know of someplace inexpensive and close to the festival grounds for you to park.

There is no single right way to make a living when traveling full-time. As expenses are generally low compared to maintaining a home, however, most RVers find it relatively easy to get by. Tap into your past work experience, your hobbies and your special interests. Start tackling your bucket list by signing on for a season doing something you always wanted to try but never had time for. With a bit of ingenuity, you can support yourself and your family while living the dream.

You can still use tickets that were issued when the Magic Kingdom was new!

The Walt Disney World admissions system is highly complex. Besides making a brand-new purchase, you can also upgrade your current tickets or even exchange older passes for new RFID-enabled plastic cards. These transactions are complicated and, depending on the type of ticket you have, you might be unable to verify how many days of admission are left without visiting Guest Relations. If you are willing to put in the legwork, however, upgrades and exchanges can result in significant savings.

Upgrades
You can upgrade your ticket at any Guest Relations location within 14 days of your first use. If the ticket is completely unused, you can upgrade it at any time. In addition, official Walt Disney World resort hotels can handle upgrades that do not involve annual or seasonal passes. However, a number of special rules apply.

You will receive the full value that you paid as a credit toward the price of the new ticket, but if you bought your original ticket through a wholesaler or other discount program, you will effectively lose the discount. For example, if you bought a 5 day Park Hopper at the 4 day Park Hopper price, you will not receive credit for the extra day you received but did not pay for. A program called price bridging, which brought the ticket value up to full current gate price, is no longer in effect.

All tickets must be converted to RFID for admission.

Unless you are a Florida resident, your ticket must have at least one entitlement remaining in order to upgrade it, even if you are within the 14-day window. You may upgrade on the last day of validity as long as you do so before leaving the parks that day. Florida resident Magic Your Way tickets do not have to have entitlements remaining, but must be within the 14-day window. Some special Florida resident tickets are eligible for upgrades for up to six months after first use.

When upgrading, you must choose a similar ticket type. For example, if the original ticket had the Park Hopper option, the new ticket must have that option. If the original ticket had Water Parks Fun & More, so must the new ticket. This gets particularly sticky if you want to upgrade to an annual pass. If you have the Water Parks Fun & More option, but have NOT used any of those admissions, you may upgrade to a regular annual pass. If you have used even a single WPF&M option, you are only eligible to upgrade to a premium annual pass. The difference in price between a regular annual pass and a premium is more than $125 as of 2014, a sizeable amount to pay for one day at Blizzard Beach or a round of mini-golf!

Note that prices are not prorated. If you add Park Hopping or WPF&M, you will pay the full price based on the length of the ticket, even if you have already used some days. Likewise, if you upgrade from an annual pass to a premium annual pass, you will pay the entire difference between the two, but your expiration date will remain the same.

Exchanging Old Tickets

If you prefer, you can move your park tickets to the all-in-one MagicBands.

Before Magic Your Way tickets were introduced in 2005, all Walt Disney World tickets were automatically non-expiring. Disney continues to honor those tickets, as well as older Magic Your Way tickets with the No Expiration option, but not in their original form. In 2013, Disney switched to RFID-equipped plastic tickets, and changed the turnstiles accordingly. To use an older ticket, you must first visit a ticket booth, Guest Relations location or Disney hotel concierge desk to convert it to the new format.

All older tickets will be exchanged to exactly what they were before. For example, if your old ticket had two park days and three WPF&M options (previously under other names, such as Plus options), that is exactly what your new ticket will have. You cannot upgrade old tickets.

Disney’s policy has always been not to punish children for growing up. If you have an old child’s ticket, your child can still use it for admission, even if he or she is now an adult. The only rules are that the child must be present, and his or her current age must make sense with the date on the ticket. For example, in 2014, a child’s ticket from 1984 should be accompanied by someone who is now in his or her 30s. The ticket will be exchanged for an RFID adult ticket with exactly the same entitlements as those remaining on the original ticket.

Pirates is packed with swashbuckling excitement.

Orlando, Florida, is home to a dizzying array of dinner shows. Whether you want to solve a murder mystery, join singing and dancing gangsters at a speakeasy, or take in a Hawaiian luau, the area offers something for everyone. A friend and I have birthdays three days apart, and are both big fans of everything pirate-related, so we decided to take in Pirates Dinner Adventure.

About Pirates Dinner Adventure
Created by Spanish brothers and artistic directors Ramon and Antonio Riba, Pirates Dinner Adventure was born in Orlando. Its success led to the 2005 opening of a sister show in California. Both venues provide a spectacle of singing, dancing and drama aboard a replica 18th century Spanish galleon. The ship is anchored in a 300,000 gallon indoor lagoon with audience seating in six sections running down both sides.

Like most dinner shows, the ticket price includes a full meal along with the show. As of 2014, full-price tickets are expensive, at $64.95 plus tax for adults and teens, and $39.45 plus tax for kids ages 3 to 12. However, Pirates runs frequent special offers that cut prices by nearly half. Visit the official website, http://www.piratesdinneradventure.com/, and choose your location for details. Note that most specials require at least 24 hours advance purchase.

Our Experience: The Preshow
Since we were celebrating our birthdays, my friend and I considered upgrading our tickets. Upgrade packages vary in price and amenities, but generally include guaranteed better seating, upgraded menu items and even a birthday cake. Ultimately, however, we decided against spending the extra money.

As recommended, we arrived 90 minutes before showtime. The check-in line was long, but moved at a reasonably speedy pace. When we checked in, we had to show our printed reservation form and a photo ID. We were asked for our dinner order (beef or chicken), but it seemed unnecessary as we were asked again by our server later.

After checking in, we moved to the sprawling lobby area. The bars were open and selling drinks that were relatively inexpensive for a tourist attraction. A long gift shop counter spanned one wall, selling a blend of kid-friendly plastic pieces and higher quality, more expensive, collectible items. Complimentary small-bite appetizers were available at a station near one of the bars, though it was somewhat hard to spot through the crowd. The food was of decent quality and portions were adequate.

A small stage in one corner of the room was used for a high-energy preshow that got the audience pumped up. Impressively, at one point the preshow spilled over into the main lobby floor, and we just happened to be standing in the right spot for a fantastic view of an aerialist performing on a Spanish web.

The loose premise is that the audience is shanghaied, and the friendly staff played it up as they organized us by seating section based on color designations we were given at check-in. I must say, it was certainly the most good-natured shanghai I could have imagined. We got to stand back and watch the spectacle, as we were in the last group to be called.

Our Experience: Dinner and the Main Show

The show is heavy on audience participation, involving both adults and kids.

Inside the main theater, we were seated in the front row at one end of the three-section seating on the starboard side of the ship. We had an excellent view of everything that was happening, and both agreed we were glad we hadn’t paid extra to upgrade.

Our server seemed a bit scattered. She ran out of beer in her pitcher and kept forgetting to bring more. Despite the fact that everyone at our long table ordered chicken, she had trouble remembering the order. She left us sitting for a long time with our salads, to the point that everyone else in the place was halfway through their entrees before we received ours. Then at the end of the meal, she made a big point out of the fact that tips are not included in the price of admission. Though the recommended gratuity is $5 per person (cash only), we ended up tipping $5 between us, as that’s what we felt the service was worth.

The food quality was decent, on the order of what you might receive from a large industrial kitchen. Nothing spectacular, but large, hearty portions of crowd-friendly meat and potatoes. A kids menu is also available.

The show was well done, with a loose but exciting plot line that was heavy on audience participation. I thought I had escaped notice, but toward the end of the show, a staff member asked me to follow her. A group of us young women were costumed in pirate hats and vests and given treasure chests to carry aboard the ship. It was kind of a kick, and I was impressed by how much attention was paid to the adults as well as the children.

My only complaint about the show is that the audio system is in desperate need of repair or replacement. Although the volume was reasonably loud, the dialogue was heavily muffled through the speakers. I spent a good portion of my time explaining what was going on to my friend and the gentleman on my other side, neither of whom has a diagnosed hearing problem.

A dance party with the actors is held in the lobby for approximately 30 minutes after the show. As we had to work early in the morning, we elected to skip it, but it looked like both kids and adults were showing off their best moves.

Tips for Parents
If you or your kids are pirate fans, definitely give Pirates Dinner Adventure a chance. With that said, don’t go into the experience expecting a Broadway-quality evening. Plan to relax and enjoy some silly fun while dining on cafeteria-quality beef or chicken. Odds are reasonably good that at least one person in your group will be selected to appear onstage, but prepare your kids for the possibility that this will not happen. In my opinion, Pirates is not worth paying full price, but taking advantage of one of the many specials makes it a great choice for a fun family evening.

Aunt Catfish’s is unassuming but top-notch.

Florida’s world-famous Atlantic coast is dominated by Daytona Beach, a hotspot for everyone from spring breakers to families enjoying the historic boardwalk. While Daytona is packed with excellent dining options, locals know that just down the road, in relatively quiet Port Orange, is one of the top seafood restaurants in the country. The family-owned Aunt Catfish’s on the River is always bustling with Florida residents and in-the-know tourists.

Our Experience
I grew up in Lakeland, roughly halfway between Tampa and Orlando. Aunt Catfish’s was just enough of a drive to be a truly special outing, yet close enough that I was able to visit numerous times. Most recently, my dad and my best friend, Angela, took me to dinner on our way to St. Augustine for my birthday weekend.

We picked Angela up from work in Orlando at around 5 p.m. In Friday afternoon rush hour traffic, we arrived at Aunt Catfish’s without a reservation at around 6:30. We were told that the wait would be close to an hour, and were given a lobster-shaped beeper. We hit the bar for a beer before heading outside. The large patio has plenty of seating, live music, and a small kids’ playground, making it easy to relax and enjoy the wait.

The food portions are big enough to share.

As it turned out, we were seated in just 30 minutes in the small upstairs section. We had a quiet corner to ourselves with a beautiful view of the water. Our friendly waiter gave us plenty of time to peruse the extensive menu, while remaining attentive and available.

The menu is packed with seafood choices, from a wide range of fish and shellfish to such local favorites as frogs legs and shrimp and grits. For landlubbers, the beef, chicken and pork dishes are hearty and well prepared, while vegetarians can choose from numerous salads and vegetable plates.

The only very minor issue was that the salad buffet, included with most meals, was located on the first floor. This meant navigating the steep and narrow steps with our salad plates in hand. Although this did not at all detract from our experience, it is something to note for parties that include small kids or people with mobility issues. Ask to be seated on the first floor if this is a concern.

Tips for Parents

Armed with a lobster-shaped beeper, we were happy to relax on the patio.

Aunt Catfish on the River has been family-owned for more than 30 years. The restaurant is the sort of beachfront gathering spot that is equally appropriate for elderly couples in their Sunday best, young adults on a romantic date, and large families in shorts and beach attire. There is almost always a short wait, but the well-designed patio area makes this only a minor inconvenience.

Dinner entrees are fairly pricey, but portions are easily large enough to split. A typical dinner includes the salad bar, as well as a hush puppy, your choice of one side dish, and a large cinnamon roll for dessert. If you are on a budget, the salads and sandwiches are significantly less expensive.

Another alternative is to take advantage of the lunch menu, the Sunday brunch or the early bird specials. A surprisingly extensive kids menu includes both “kid foods” such as macaroni and cheese and corn dogs, and such delicacies as frogs legs, alligator, snow crab and tilapia.

While waiting for your table, be sure to take a stroll down the boardwalk behind the patio. The cool breeze, salt spray and clear water will help you relax and get ready for an excellent meal. You are permitted to carry bar drinks on this private boardwalk.

Buying tickets to Walt Disney World requires a great deal of research and planning.

In 2005, Disney completely dismantled its previous ticket structure in favor of a new program called Magic Your Way. Although a few things have changed since then, the essence of the program remains the same. The more days you buy, the cheaper your per-day price. Special add-ons allow you to further customize your vacation. Decoding the system and figuring out the best option for your family requires a great deal of planning and research.

Magic Your Way Tickets and Options
Everyone starts with a Base Ticket, which is available in increments from 1 day to 10 days. This allows you to enter any one of the four major theme parks per day. If you want to visit, say, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom on the same day, you need to add the Park Hopper option.

The Water Park Fun & More option adds admission to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, as well as the Wide World of Sports, DisneyQuest, the two miniature golf courses and one championship golf course. However, you only get the same number of entries as you have days on your ticket. While theme park visits are counted in days, WPF&M visits are counted in entries. If you go to Typhoon Lagoon and DisneyQuest on the same day, you will use two WPF&M entries. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, and visit the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on the same day, you will only use one park day.

You can buy Magic Your Way tickets online and pick them up at a vending machine at any of the four parks. Thanks to Michael Gray for the photo!

Magic Your Way tickets expire 14 days after the first use unless you pay for No Expiration. Many people buy more days than they need, with No Expiration, in anticipation of a future trip. If you know that you will visit again in the future, this can be a cost-effective way to lock in your next trip at today’s prices.

You can upgrade your tickets at any time within 14 days of the first use, but Disney typically does not give refunds for downgrades. Start by buying the lowest-tier ticket you know you will you use, and go to Guest Relations to upgrade it if needed.

Annual Passes
The factors that go into deciding whether to purchase an annual pass are highly subjective, but one thing is certain. Unless you are buying your tickets in another country, you cannot purchase a Magic Your Way ticket that is valid for more than 10 days. An annual pass is roughly the same price as two 10-day tickets, or a little less if you qualify for discounts. If you know you will visit again within a year, an annual pass is generally the way to go.

Additionally, if you will drive to the parks from a non-Disney hotel, an annual pass saves you the parking fee, which is $15 per day as of 2014. Annual passes also provide a variety of discounts throughout Walt Disney World. Some people buy one member of their party an annual pass specifically to take advantage of the savings.

Discounts

If someone in your family is military or DoD, active or retired, you can buy discount tickets at Shades of Green.

Discounted tickets for those who qualify are available at military installations including Shades of Green, an official military retreat on Disney property, as well as at AAA offices around the country. If you are a Disney Vacation Club owner or Florida resident, you are eligible for special ticket offers. If you know an annual passholder or cast member, that person might be able to get you a small discount.

Some ticket wholesalers are legitimate, but always do your due diligence. Steer clear of anyone holding a sign on the side of the road or who approaches you in an odd location. Scams are rampant, and there is no way to find out if a particular ticket is valid until you arrive at the park and try to use it for admission. By the time you find out your ticket is no good, the person who sold it to you might be long gone.

One of the hardest tasks for many parents is figuring out exactly how much freedom is appropriate at various ages.
photo by J. Michel Carriere

Although vacations are a time to relax and have fun, your job as a parent never stops. One of the hardest tasks for many parents is figuring out exactly how much freedom is appropriate at various ages. In unfamiliar locations such as vacation destinations, it is easy to err on the side of caution, keeping your kids on a short leash to ensure their safety. At the opposite end of the spectrum, some parents allow too much freedom, which can lead to situations that the kids are not ready to handle on their own.

Low-Stakes Decisions

The buddy system is an especially good idea for preteens, but works well at all ages.

On vacation, you are not likely to see anyone you know. You are away from pressure and responsibilities, and so are your kids. Does it really matter if your child’s clothes match or if he eats ice cream for dinner one night? This is a great time to let even very young children practice making low-stakes decisions on their own.

From staying up late and being tired the next day to missing mini-golf night due to a sugar-induced stomach ache, kids learn best through experience. As long as you provide safe parameters, letting your kids take responsibility for relatively unimportant decisions helps them understand cause and effect.

The Buddy System

The buddy system opens up endless possibilities for expanding your kids’ freedom.
photo by Sharyn Morrow

If you have multiple kids, enforce a rule that no one goes anywhere without at least one sibling along. If you have only one child, consider inviting a friend whenever possible and insist that the kids stick together. The buddy system opens up endless possibilities for expanding your kids’ freedom.

If you trust your older kids or other adults in your group, encourage them to take even very little ones along sometimes. This exposes the younger child to other people’s rules, expectations and ways of doing things, while encouraging older kids to step up to a new level of responsibility.

By upper elementary school, most kids are ready to start ranging further with a same-age sibling or friend. Start small, by letting the kids go to the hotel arcade for an hour or ride an amusement park attraction without you. If they prove their responsibility, gradually increase the time span and range.

Middle schoolers are typically fine with the buddy system, even for several hours at a time, and most are equally self-sufficient even without a buddy. As long as you feel the situation is safe, resist the urge to keep a tight leash on an only child. Whether or not your kid has a buddy, set ground rules for checking in and for which locations are off-limits. Make sure they have a cell phone and ask them to call or text at regular intervals. Review how to get to wherever they are going, such as the hotel pool or a particular section of a theme park, and ask them to repeat it back to you before they leave. Of course, no one should ever swim alone. If your child goes to the pool without a buddy, insist that she swim only when plenty of other people are around.

By high school, the average teenager is highly self-sufficient. Many parents feel comfortable letting high school students roam independently on vacation, as long as they check in regularly. Use your judgment and common sense, and always make sure your teen has a cell phone and emergency money.

Breaking the Rules
Of course, kids test limits all the time, and vacation is no exception. Before giving your child freedom, clearly state your expectations and the consequences for not living up to them. Make sure that your proposed punishment is fair, reasonable to the situation, and easy to implement while on vacation. For example, taking away her cell phone also takes away your ability to contact her when necessary.

If your child breaks a rule, clearly and calmly state the infraction and give him a chance to explain. Transportation breaks down, shows run longer than planned and restaurants are sometimes slow. If the explanation seems reasonable, consider giving a warning for not letting you know rather than a full punishment. If you need to implement a consequence, do it calmly and matter-of-factly, and move on as soon as possible. Vacation time is precious, so don’t waste it arguing or holding onto anger.

Giving kids age-appropriate freedoms is challenging for many parents. On vacation, it can be especially tricky. Trust your parenting skills and your own judgment, and be sure to set reasonable parameters along with clearly communicated consequences for breaking the rules.

Image (c) Capones

As one of the tourism capitals of the world, Orlando, Florida, is teeming with attractions of every description. Dinner shows, like most attractions, come and go with surprising regularity. But the best remain, changing things up as needed to stay relevant in a very fickle marketplace. With more than 20 years under its belt, Capone’s proves that ambition, talent and a great premise can be a recipe for success. Besides, who doesn’t like spending the evening at a speakeasy?

About Capone’s Dinner Show
Capone’s founder John Kucik attributes his show’s ongoing success to a company-wide commitment to guest satisfaction. The team works hard to respond to guest feedback and to grow and evolve to meet changing expectations. For example, dinner is served buffet-style, rather than plated, as Kucik believes this is the best way to keep it fresh.

As of 2014, when you purchase online (http://www.alcapones.com/) or mention the “Capone’s Internet Special” by phone, tickets are just $29.99 for adults or $19.99 for kids ages 4 to 12. The price includes a vast all-you-can-eat buffet with soups, salads, an extensive pasta bar featuring homemade pastas, numerous entrees, a meat carving station and seasonal dessert. Unlimited beverages are also included, with both nonalcoholic and a variety of alcoholic beverages available.

The Experience

Image (c) Capones

It all begins when you roll up to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, knock three times and give the password. The door will open, immersing you in the 1931 underworld of Gangland Chicago. If you purchased VIP tickets (a $10 upgrade for adults, $7 for kids), or are willing to pay the price of admission (one drink per person, $2.50 sodas count), you can go straight up to the Four Deuces Lounge. This is improv at its finest, where you can mingle and even play a game of cards with mobsters and molls in full character. If you prefer to wait outside, a few mobsters are on hand to draw you into the action.

The show is heavy on improv and audience interaction, so every night is slightly different. What remains the same, however, is the talent and earnestness of the cast. From well-produced musical numbers to a nightly gangster shootout with prizes for the audience, the entire evening balances high energy and a fast pace with enough quiet moments for you to catch your breath.

While all local dinner shows heavily promote merchandise, including the standard photo taken when you arrive, Capone’s does a great job of seamlessly weaving its merchandise into the experience. Although the dress code is casual, visitors are encouraged to dress the part—and the gift shop sells such finishing touches as boas and fedoras for surprisingly reasonable prices. You can even get 10% off your order by purchasing it in advance on the website. As for the obligatory photo, let’s just say you shouldn’t be surprised if you end up leaving with a newspaper in hand!

Tips for Parents

Image (c) Capones

Despite the gangster theme, Capone’s is incredibly kid-friendly. The majority of the menu is familiar and comforting, with options such as chicken nuggets, pizza and spaghetti. The show is no more risqué than anything shown on prime time broadcast TV, and the cast goes out of their way to make children feel welcome. If your kids are shy, however, you might want to request a private table to avoid interaction with the actors.

The half-price tickets and unlimited buffet make Capone’s one of the best values in the Orlando area. Be sure to purchase your tickets early, especially if you will visit on a major holiday.

Don’t miss the jousting match, one of the major highlights of the festival!

Dad and I are huge fans of the medieval and Renaissance eras. Throughout my childhood, we always made an annual trek to the now-defunct Medieval Fair at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida. When I lived in New Orleans, I loved the Louisiana Renaissance Festival. Today, the tradition lives on with the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, held each spring in Tampa, Florida.

About the Festival
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival began in 1979 in Largo, Florida. Then a small collection of performers and archers, the inaugural faire was a success. The next year, a human chess match and a variety of food and merchandise vendors filled out the lineup. Through the 1980s and 90s, the festival continued to expand, growing from a short local event to a five weekend long regional extravaganza. By the year 2000, the festival drew more than 80,000 visitors per year.

In 2004, organizers decided to move to the grounds of Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry. A carefully constructed site provides the historical accuracy for which the festival has long been known, while the Tampa location is ideal for travelers from across the state. Some people visit both the museum and the festival on the same day, but we have found that each attraction deserves a full day.

The festival is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekends, from late February through early April. As of 2014, adult tickets are $19.95. Seniors (62+) and students (with ID) pay $15.95, while kids ages 5-12 pay $11.95. You can bring your dog for an additional $10 with proof of rabies vaccination. Season passes are also available, with a significant early bird discount.

The Wheel of Death was definitely something to see!

Our Experience
Dad and I attended the festival with a friend. We arrived shortly after the gates opened and stayed until closing. The entertainment lineup is extensive, and each weekend is themed. There is no possible way to see everything that is on the day’s schedule, so be sure to plan your day when you arrive. With a quick strategy session, were able to see all of the main entertainment, including the jousting and the human chess match, as well as many of the smaller stage shows. We also tried our hand at some of the games, such as archery, indulged in several medieval treats, and did a great deal of shopping.

Overall, the quality of the entertainment, merchandise and food was excellent. The people who work the fair circuit tend to spend years perfecting their crafts, and take a fierce personal pride in both their work and their customer service. If you have never been to a Renaissance festival, expect a highly immersive experience. You will probably find yourself having spontaneous conversations with wandering characters who speak only in period language about period-relevant topics. You might be good-naturedly picked on during a stage show, or drawn into a conversation about medieval weaponry with a merchant. We appreciated the personal attention, and found it easy to suspend disbelief and slip into the world of the Renaissance for a day.

Some of the shows are a bit bawdy, though not glaringly inappropriate.

Tips for Parents
Renaissance festivals are generally packed with kids, both as attendees and employees. Many of the people on the fair circuit are parents, and the kids learn the family business at a young age. They are given plenty of freedom to roam, as the festival employees form a sort of extended family in which everyone looks out for everyone else. Almost without exception, fair kids are well-spoken, polite, educated, and great at making new friends. This creates a wonderful atmosphere for families who visit, as the kids can play while the adults discuss costumes or listen to music.

There is a dedicated children’s area with medieval-style games and rides. Be sure to stop by, but avoid the urge to stay all day. There is so much to see and do, and kids tend to be fascinated by all of it. Bring cash, as many vendors and attendants are not set up to handle cards. An ATM is available on site, but the fees are high and the withdrawal limit is low.

Note that some of the entertainment is a bit on the bawdy side. Nothing is glaringly inappropriate, but adult humor is the norm. In addition, alcohol is readily available. While we saw no one who was falling down drunk, many of the adults were a bit tipsy. The drinking age is strictly enforced. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of a particular show, have one of the adults in your group preview it. Most shows are repeated throughout the day. The highlights, including the human chess match and the jousting, are family-friendly.

Carnival offers one of the most generous military discount programs at sea.

A cruise is a nearly all-inclusive vacation option that can be as fast-paced or as relaxing as you choose. Cruising allows you to disconnect and get away from it all in a way that few other vacations permit. If you or someone in your traveling group is connected to the military, you can rack up enormous savings on cruises to all points of the globe. Each cruise line has its own policies regarding who is eligible for military discounts. Here is a look at what to expect.

Active Duty and Retired Personnel
Virtually all cruise lines offer military discounts to active duty and retired members of the United States Armed Forces and, in some cases, members of the Canadian, British, or other armed services as well. Some lines extend this discount to civilians working for certain branches of the federal government such as the FBI, NASA, and the Department of Defense. If you are a civilian or civilian retiree, contact your chosen cruise line for the most up-to-date information.

Spouses
Many, but not all, cruise lines allow the spouse of an otherwise-eligible person to utilize the military discount if the eligible person is deployed or deceased. Some lines put extra restrictions on the spouse’s use of the benefit, while others do not. Check with your chosen cruise line for details.

Veterans
Increasingly, cruise lines are extending military discounts to veterans who served for 2 years or more, or for at least 6 months in a war zone. You must present your DD214 or other proof of service to qualify. Note that veterans cruise discounts are not generally extended to spouses sailing without the veteran.

Number of Cabins
In general, the military discount is extended only for one cabin, which must be occupied by the military member, eligible spouse, or veteran. Everyone staying in that cabin will receive the discount. Friends and relatives in their own cabin are not eligible. However, Carnival typically runs a promotion at least once a year that allows eligible persons to extend the military discount to multiple cabins. Some other lines do this occasionally as well. Check with your cruise line to find out if such a friends and family program applies to your sailing date.

Shipboard Credit
A few cruise lines do not provide a military discount, but instead give military personnel shipboard credit, which is money that can be used for onboard purchases. This credit is typically combinable with other shipboard credit programs, so be sure to ask for everything you believe you qualify for. Note that shipboard credit is generally extended only to the military member, and not to friends or relatives, although you might be able to apply it to the cabin rather than your individual name. Contact the cruise line for specific information.

Other Discounts
If you receive a military discount rate rather than shipboard credit, it is not combinable with any other discounts. Therefore, it is always important to compare the military rate for your cruise with all other offers for that sailing. Sometimes the past guest rate, senior discount, or special fare for living in whatever state the cruise line happens to be targeting that month is actually cheaper than the military discount. Although many travel aggregators sell cruises, it is almost always best to check directly with your chosen line.

A condo is a great way for your family to spread out.

When planning any trip, one of the biggest considerations is where to stay. In the past few years, hotel rates have skyrocketed in many areas and condos have become a hot new trend. Yet no particular type of accommodation is right for all families. When deciding where to stay, consider the location, your budget, your family size, and even how much time you will spend in the room.

Hotels
Hotels and motels are the most familiar accommodations to most Americans. A basic room with two double beds is sufficient for active small families who plan to spend most of their time out sightseeing. Many hotels will allow you to bring in an air mattress or even provide a rollaway bed for an extra fee, but be sure to ask in advance. Due to fire codes and other safety considerations, there is usually a limit on the number of people per room.

Hotels are typically located in city centers and other prime areas.
credit: DanyJack Mercier

Hotels are typically located in city centers and other prime areas, while motels are more suburban or rural. In addition, hotels generally have more amenities such as on-site restaurants and fitness centers. Deluxe hotels might offer everything from room service to poolside massages. Of course, the better the location and the more amenities a hotel provides, the higher the nightly rate usually is.

If you have a larger family or want more room to spread out, hotels generally offer both connecting rooms, which share an interior door, and suites. Some suites offer two bedrooms, a separate living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Hostels
Hostels have long been popular in Europe, but have experienced a recent explosion in growth in the United States. A hostel is sort of a cross between a guesthouse and a college dorm. At a hostel, you will pay by the bed—often in the $25 range, with prices climbing to $50 or more in major urban areas. The accommodations are typically older and often a bit run down, but generally clean and cheerful.

Hostel beds are typically bunks in your choice of a single or mixed-gender dorm room.
credit: hostelmanagement.com / CC BY-SA 3.0

Beds are typically bunks in your choice of a single or mixed-gender dorm room, although most hostels offer private rooms as well. A private room is typically priced by the number of available sleeping surfaces in the room, even if you do not use all of the them. For example, a private room with a double bed typically costs twice the bunk price, while one with two sets of bunk beds costs four times as much as a bunk.

Hostels generally offer large facilities for all travelers to share, such as a big living room and an oversized kitchen. You must buy your own food, which you can store in a labeled bag in the refrigerator or pantry, but all cooking implements and dishes are provided. Many local businesses provide steep discounts to hostel guests, and some hostels organize tours and other events.

Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and breakfast accommodations are a great choice for families looking for something more upscale than a hostel but with the same welcoming feel. As the name indicates, your nightly rate typically includes both your lodging and a deluxe breakfast every morning. Breakfast is generally served at a specific time or within a narrow time slot, and everyone staying in the bed and breakfast dines together. The innkeepers are generally the owners, and most take great pride in doing everything they can to give their guests a personalized and enjoyable stay.

Note that most bed and breakfasts have a “lockout,” or a period of time during the day when you are expected to be out and about. This gives the owners the chance to clean, restock, and spend a bit of family time before their guests return. Some properties advertise lockout hours, while others simply expect you to follow this unwritten rule. If you will need to spend a day in, let the innkeepers know as soon as possible so they can plan around you. Also note that some upscale bed and breakfasts are not kid-friendly. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Condos
Condos are an excellent choice for bigger families and small groups. The time share industry has changed, and most now operate on points rather than weeks. Time share owners receive a pool of points each year that they can use at any participating property across the country or even around the world. When a particular resort happens to have open condos that have not been booked on points, it becomes available for cash rentals. Nightly rates vary dramatically depending on the time share company, occupancy level, time of year and many other factors, so it is worth your time to call around for the best deal.

Condos are typically available in a range of sizes from studios to two or even three-bedroom units. Thanks to my best friend, Dad and I have had the opportunity to stay in numerous two-bedrooms. Invariably, we have found them to be clean and comfortable with well-equipped full kitchens, large dining nooks and big living rooms. Our favorite feature is always the balcony with plenty of patio furniture. The resorts are normally deluxe complexes with multiple pools and a full schedule of activities.

Vacation rentals are great for large groups or extended stays.
credit: Rental Home BW / CC BY-SA 3.0

Vacation Rentals
Another option, particularly for large groups and extended stays, is a vacation rental. These run the gamut from city apartments to five-bedroom homes to rustic mountain cabins. These properties literally provide all the comforts and privacy of home. Some are rented by private owners, while others are managed through professional property management companies.

Because these are private homes, each property and each rental contract is different from the next. It is very important to do your due diligence including reading online reviews, talking with previous renters, and carefully reviewing anything you are asked to sign. Also find out if there is an escape clause if the place is not to your liking when you arrive. For example, my ex-husband and I rented a private condo on the beach for our honeymoon, that was billed as very secluded. Imagine our surprise when we arrived to discover that we shared the pool and tiny courtyard with a big houseful of kids! And the pool shower was mounted on our bedroom wall! Thankfully, we had a good escape clause and were able to retreat to a hotel suite down the road.

There is no right vacation option for everyone. Yet today’s plethora of choices ensures that you and your family will not be stuck in a tiny motel room with no space to move around. Even in remote destinations, you typically have at least a few options at different price points.