Researching How To Spend Time “On Own”

August 19, 2016Posted in Bus Tours, Destinations, Family Travel, Group Travel, Travel TipsWritten by VictoriaLeave a comment

Many of the trips we offer at Starr include free time to explore an area “on own.” Your free time on own might include seeing the sites, local attractions, or tasting the best of the local faire. However you choose to spend it, here are some great ways to research the best of the best in the area.

TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a travel website boasting reviews of the best and the worst. If you go to their website, you can type in your destination and what you’re searching for, such as “Boston restaurants” or “Cape Cod attractions” for example. The website then lists the top go-to places in the area by rank. The information and reviews are always current, so this is one website that we highly recommend!

Local Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs)
Local CVBs are known for their tourism marketing. They always have an abundance of brochures and can recommend the best and most popular places in town. It helps that they are knowledgeable of every area of town too, so they can easily locate attractions nearby where you will be. You can either visit the bureaus in person, or simply do a Google search for the town website and contact them.

Google
In any case, there’s always good ole Google! You can simply go to www.google.com and type in your destination, like “Cape Cod,” and an array of websites will appear that can give you tourism information for your specific location. If you want to get a little more specific, you can type in “Cape Cod restaurants” or “best Cape Cod restaurants.” Many times, bloggers have already written about your chosen destination with helpful pointers on the go-to places in the area.

Smartphones
If you own a smartphone, then it probably comes equipped with the handy little “map” app. What’s neat about this is that you can actually search for restaurants, bars, shopping, fun, and so on, all in this little app. It can give you the reviews and distance from your location, too! So if you’re just at a loss for how to spend your free time, search on your map app for what’s nearby!

yelp

Yelp
Similar to TripAdvisor, Yelp is another great travel website. It lists reviews for local areas and allows you to search for specific places. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, you can input your destination and “Mexican” to see what restaurants are highly rated.

Groupon
Once you have figured out how you’d like to spend your free time, then you can look into discounts. Groupon is an awesome website that lists deals that you can snag for dining and activities. It is also available as an app for your smartphone.

We love offering free time during travel because it allows you the freedom to customize your trip exactly how you’d like it. These websites and apps are great ways to research and plan the perfect getaway for you!

Discover Block Island

July 29, 2016Posted in DestinationsWritten by Victoria2 Comments

RI_BlockIsland-bluffs-shore_shutterstock_148863524--max600x600 — Block Island Bluffs

Nestled off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a world of its own. More than ten thousand years ago, glaciers pushed and shoved their way down the East Coast, leaving behind the rocks and soil that eventually formed this tiny paradise. With its stunning ocean views and relaxing atmosphere, it’s no wonder why the island attracts so many visitors each year. It’s a gem in the ocean and there is no island like it. Get away with Starr and explore Block Island for yourself on our 3 day escape.

RI_BlockIsland-NorthLight_BI--max600x600 — North Light, Block Island

With an abundance of free time, enjoy a stroll down the 17 miles of pristine beaches. If you’d like to spend a little more time on the coast, Fred Benson Town Beach Pavilion offers rentals of beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards. If you want to explore more of the attractions, the North and South lighthouses are breathtaking sites. For those those of you feeling a little more adventurous, you can rent a bicycle or moped to zip around and explore more of the island. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities close to the hotel featuring mostly mom and pop owned local stores with handmade and designer items, art, and more.

In addition to its wonderful accommodations, you’ll enjoy a great dinner at the National Hotel on your first night there. When you get hungry later there are many other options for dining. For casual dining, we recommend Aldo’s Italian Restaurant, “Winner of the 2012 Block Island Clam Chowder Contest.” Ballard’s is a great place for “exceptionally fresh seafood” and offers a one-of-a-kind view of Ballard’s Beach. For ocean to table fresh fish, this is the place to go!

If you’re looking for a more elegant or romantic experience, there are several outstanding restaurants for fine dining. Restaurant 1879 At The Atlantic Inn features fine dining at an “unhurried” pace, while taking in spectacular sunsets and ocean views. The Spring House Hotel is another unparalleled experience with pristine dining and ocean views in the dining room, veranda, or the patio. The restaurant serves fresh seafood, steaks, and vegetables from their garden.

RI_BlockIsland-LewisFarm_BI--max600x600 — Lewis Farm, Block Island

Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful “photo-op” spots when you go! Block Island has 365 freshwater ponds “one for every day of the year,” over 300 miles of man made stone walls, 32 miles of nature trails, and almost half of its land mass preserved as open space!

Check out the Block Island Tourism Council’s website for an abundance of information on all there is to see and do during your stay. Then, leave your watches, worries, and busyness behind and settle in to the escape that is Block Island!

A Day at Rehoboth Beach

July 8, 2016Posted in Bus Tours, Destinations, Family Travel, Travel TipsWritten by Victoria4 Comments

There’s a reason why National Geographic listed Rehoboth Beach among its Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks. The mile-long boardwalk is a great place to view the broad expanse of beautiful beach stretched out for your enjoyment. Whether you decide to spend the day walking the boardwalk, basking in the sunny rays on the shoreline, or dining at some of the area’s most unique restaurants (or all of the above!) we’re sure you’ll agree that Rehoboth Beach is a fantastic destination! It’s sure to be a memorable day for everyone and we’d love to give you some tips for your trip.

When packing for any day trip to the beach, always be sure to bring along plenty of sunscreen, water to keep hydrated. A book or magazine, a towel, and change of clothes are must haves if you plan on taking a dip in the ocean or plan to lounge in the sand. Sunglasses are always a great accessory to pack, but if you forget yours then snag some new ones at one of the many shops. Pack a small grocery bag to use for trash, and a ziplock baggie or two for seashells and other fun finds. Some other handy items: antibacterial wipes, band aids and antiseptic, insulated cooler bag, and snacks. If you’re worried about your valuables, try hiding them in an empty Pringles can, chapstick, deodorant, or sunscreen container, or even a rolled up diaper (this last one is almost guaranteed not to be messed with, just make sure no one accidentally throws it out for you!). Also, consider bringing a travel size bottle of baby powder and baby wipes (you’ll see why in the next paragraph!). Things not to bring: glass bottles, and alcohol as these items are prohibited on the beach.

Keep in mind that if you plan to change clothes while at Rehoboth Beach, public restrooms are available, but shower facilities are not. Here’s where the baby powder comes in! Did you know that baby powder can help remove that pesky sand from your body? To make it work, make sure your limbs are mostly dry before application, otherwise you’ll end up with a white sloppy mess. Once you’ve toweled off or air dried, sprinkle the baby powder on your hands and feet and gently rub. The sand should come right off. Follow up with a quick swipe of a baby wipe to remove excess powder and you’re good to go!

When the “hunger bug” strikes, there are a variety of options for dining. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Mariachi Restaurant has rave reviews and is only half a block from the boardwalk. Mariachi boasts of all the standard Mexican goodies while tossing in a few specials – which, according to reviews, are always winners!

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, 99 Sea Level in the Marriott Bethany Beach Ocean Suites is on the boardwalk and offers raw bar and seafood. The venue opened nearly one year ago on July 23, 2015 but has already established an outstanding reputation with its fabulous food and views from the attractive glassed building.

On a bit of a budget? No problem! Coastal Living recommends Nicola’s calzones. Also located on the boardwalk, CL says that you can’t go wrong with the Nic-O-Boli, one of Nicola’s infamous calzones.

Once you’re fueled up and ready to go, be sure to stop by the many great shops the boardwalk has to offer including Dolles Candyland, a Rehoboth staple since 1926! Then, stroll down Rehoboth Ave. to browse a variety of unique shops like the Spice & Tea Exchange, Browseabout Books, Sea Finds, and more!

Starr has two upcoming trips to Rehoboth Beach, one on July 27^th and the other on August 10^th. Pack your bag and get ready for the perfect day trip to the beach at Rehoboth!

What are your beach day must haves? Have you been to Rehoboth Beach? What are your favorite places?
Leave us a comment in the comments section!

References:
www.rehobothfoodie.com

Calling All Kids!

June 24, 2016Posted in Bus Tours, DestinationsWritten by VictoriaLeave a comment

Another school year has come to an end and your little darlings are home again – FOR TWO WHOLE MONTHS! What’s a parent to do to combat the inevitable, “Mom, we’re bored!”? To make your family vacation even easier, our Kids Sale is back! For trips now through August 31, 2016, kids get a discount of 50% off on any overnight trip and 25% off on any one day tour when you travel with Starr!

Guests take the plunge and cool off after they Escape from Pompeii® at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg. ©2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Busch Gardens, Williamsburg has been awarded “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” every year since 1990 by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. “NAPHA Historian Jim Futrell says, ‘Members have long praised Busch Gardens Williamsburg for its amazing setting with its world class thrill rides and attractions surrounded by detailed European theming all nestled into a lush, rolling, forested landscape.'” Add in their other awards of “Cleanest Park,” “Best Shows,” and “Best Food,” and it is no wonder that this park is one of America’s top destinations. Your kids are going to love their thrilling rides, safari ride, characters and more, and you’ll love that you are making family memories in a unique and diverse setting with plenty of opportunities for learning and fun! This two-day overnight trip, is jam-packed with fun and adventure for the whole family and also includes Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and free time in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor!

MD_Assateague-ExplorerBoat_CreditAssateagueExplorer-- — The Assateague Explorer views wild ponies on the beach. Photo Courtesy of Assateague Explorer

A visit to Assateague Island is an experience your family will cherish for years. On this wonderful day trip your getaway will begin with lunch at Philip’s Crabhouse where it is chicken or fish for you, and kid friendly menu options for them. Then, you’ll climb aboard The Assateague Explorer for an exciting eco-cruise with a professional naturalist. Learning about Assateague’s unique coastal eco-system is made fun with an on-board touch tank and hands on activities. You may even get a glimpse of the famous wild ponies! Afterwards, round out your perfect summer day with a trip to Ocean City’s boardwalk lined with shops, eateries, and amusements. Be sure to pack your camera and get ready for a great day! And for your young readers, the book “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry is a fantastic children’s novel to get them psyched about the trip.

DC_Smithsonian--Wmax600x600 — Home to the Smithsonian Visitor Center, the Smithsonian Castle is your perfect first stop in discovering all that the Smithsonian Institution has to offer.

Feed your child’s natural curiosity with a trip to Washington D.C.’s Smithsonian Institution. We will drop you off on the National Mall between the US Capitol and Washington Monument. Then, the day is yours to explore all that the museum complex has to offer. No matter what your child’s interest is, there is something for everyone as you choose to visit The Air & Space Museum, The American Indian Museum, Natural History Museum, American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery, Postal Museum, African Art Museum, The Anacostia Community Museum, American History Museum Hirshhorn Museum, or Sculpture Garden and you’ll find plenty of kid activities in each one. If you’d like to have a little more time in DC, then try the DC 3-day trip! This is perfect for the whole family. Visit the towering monuments and the touching memorials as you explore the nation’s Capitol.

140161 — Virginia Beach has it all from amusements to history along a pristine stretch of sandy beach.

Summer isn’t summer without at least one trip to the beach. Why not pack up the kids and their buckets and sand shovels and check out beautiful Virginia Beach this year? You can spend a relaxing day on the beach, walk or rent a bike to experience their three-mile long boardwalk, take a surfing lesson, visit a water or amusement park, visit historic landmarks, and so much more! Plus, you’ll spend this three day vacation staying at a great hotel located right on the beach! Whatever your passion, the sun-filled skies and coastal charm are sure to make this the perfect getaway.

Whatever a vacation sounds like to your family, there is definitely something for everyone at Starr. Take advantage of this awesome deal to save big on any of these trips while it lasts! Your next getaway starts here: https://www.starrtours.com

The details:

25% OR 50% OFF discounts apply only to children 18 and under.
Overnight tours: Must include 2 full-price adults in the same room to offer 50% off the child price; Max of 2 children at 50% off. When there is only 1 full-price adult, the first child would be 25% off.
One-Day Tours: Must have 2 full-price adults with the booking to offer 25% off child; Max of 2 children at 25% off. With only 1 full-price adult, children can save 10% off the child price (or regular price if there is no child price).
Discounts cannot be combined with any other discount. Cannot apply this discount to existing bookings. Excludes Fly and Cruise trips as well as any trip 6 days or longer.

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