School is out and kids finally have all the time in the world to do whatever their heart desires. While past generations used to take this time to play outside, kids nowadays tend to spend a lot of time basking in the blue light of a computer screen rather than the sunlight. This summer, take on the challenge of separating your child from their closest companion, their phone, and encourage them to try some alternative activities. To keep your kid active, here are four activities to limit screen time this summer.
The Great Family Bake Off
Bakers choose your stations! Gather your family together in the kitchen to create confections to satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake together or add a little spice into the mix by making it a friendly competition. For little bakers, make simple treats to cool off like yogurt pops. For executive chefs, create more advanced dishes like lemon tarts or classic bites like chocolate chip cookies. The best part of it all, you get to eat everything you create!
2-Step Edible Cookie Dough
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons milk, ½ cup milk chocolate chips, ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions: Microwave flour for 1 minute and 15 seconds, stirring it every 15 seconds. Combine wet and dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.
Get Crafty
Encourage your kid to embrace their creativity with summer crafts that will bring out their inner artist. Give your child some paint, pipe cleaners, tissue paper and glue and let their imagination run wild. Bring them outside to collect their favorite rocks, then paint them and stick googley eyes on them to make pet rocks. Find empty tissue boxes and transform them into dinosaur feet. The possibilities are endless when your children have the time, space, and supplies to tap into their inner Picasso.
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Motivate your kids to get some vitamin D and learn more about nature with an outdoor scavenger hunt. Make a list of common outdoor items like bugs, plant species and animals for your child to find in your backyard. Your kids will never want to return to their screens after they can learn and discover the glories of nature.
Outdoor Movie Night
Okay this one might be considered cheating because it technically still counts as watching tv, but this time it’s outside. Set up a sheet and a projector like the old drive-in movie days and gather together to watch your favorite family flick. Create a cozy ambience with string lights, fluffy pillows and warm blankets. Don’t forget to bring plenty snacks to munch on like smores, pizza, and of course, bring the popcorn. To maximize the outdoor experience, turn the movie night into a backyard camping trip by setting up a tent and sleeping bags to cuddle up under the stars.
Let’s face it. Six months have passed and New Year’s resolutions have been forgotten. Between work and taking care of little ones, life can get hectic, and selfcare can be swept under the rug. After overcoming the first half of the year, take the time to reconnect with yourself, recharge, and reset to conquer the second half of the year.
Reconnect
Before setting new intentions for the second half of the year, the first and most important step is to take a moment to assess where you are at right now. Check in with yourself. How are you doing? When was the last time you had the chance to sit with yourself and talk to God?
Whether it’s out in nature, the driver’s seat of your car or the office bathroom, find a quiet place where you can carve out a few minutes in your busy schedule to pray. Dig deeper into your connection with God by joining a Bible study group at your local church or simply tune your radio to Z88.3.
Reflect with God about the events that have brought you this far into the year. Thank Him for all of the happy memories and ask Him to help you understand the hardships. Listen to God and ask him how he wants you to live out the second half of this year.
Recharge
Rest is essential for both the mind and body. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to forget that you need time for yourself too. Whether it’s a trip to the spa, curling up with a good book or taking a walk around your neighborhood, spend at least one day this summer taking care of yourself. Have a “you” day where you do whatever you heart desires.
Take a note from your vacationing kiddos and have a little fun this summer. Cherish the time you have with your children over summer break by taking a trip to one of Florida’s sandy beaches, thrilling theme parks, or educational museums. On a rainy day, stay in and dance to your family’s favorite songs, build a fort, or have a movie night.
Reset
Once you have taken the time to reconnect with yourself and God and recharge, it’s finally time to reset. Work with God to discover the right path for you. Write down your goals and intentions in a journal or on sticky notes and place them somewhere you can revisit them often. Along with your newly refurbished resolutions, choose a verse or two that you would like to hold on to as a guiding light on your journey.
To keep your goals achievable, plan out the steps you intend to take. Create a vision board and set reminders to keep your resolution at the forefront of your mind. It is also crucial to have a solid support system through this process. Share your goals with your family and keep them updated about your progress. For further support, have your family join in on your half-year reset by setting a new goal for the entire family such as Friday family movie night or weekly outings.
No matter your goals, remember to make time to rest your mind and body and spend time recharging with your family before charging full speed ahead into the next six months.
Summer is here and school is out! There is no better time than the present to get the whole family together to soak up the summer sun. Gear up to celebrate the season with these inexpensive family activities that will allow you to make the most of summer without breaking the bank.
Fun in the Sun
Appreciate all the Earth has to offer and spend some time breathing in the great outdoors. Make a splash at Blue Springs State Park or Wekiwa Springs State Park where you can cool off by kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming through the crystal, freshwater springs. When you’re ready to refuel, take a break and break out the picnic blanket to enjoy a snack in the sun.
Picnic basket essentials checklist: Pinwheel sandwiches, sunscreen, napkins, fresh fruit, sunglasses, bottled water, paper plates and plastic utensils, and an insulated thermos.
In sunny Orlando, spend the day on the water in one of Lake Eola’s famous swan boats for just $15 and learn the secrets of the city with Orlando’s Historical Highlights Walking Tour. Available on for download on any Apple or Android device, this tour will bring you through landmarks, such as the Orlando Public Library, Lake Eola, and Church Street Station for under $6. As you walk, hear the history of the city through the cattle barons, citrus farmers, gunslingers and NASA engineers that made Orlando what it is today.
If your family likes to be one with nature, visit Harry P. Leu Gardens and walk through three miles of scenic trails filled with over 40 diverse plant species. Discover plants from all over the world and learn how each contribute to the ecosystem. Stop by the butterfly garden to feel the enchanted glory of nature as flocks of butterflies bounce from flower to flower. As a bonus, children under four get in for free!
Artistic Excursions
While Central Florida’s scenery is already a masterpiece in itself, there are also many hidden gem art galleries to explore when the inevitable summer showers pour. Don’t let the rain stop the fun! Head down to Winter Park to admire the artistic work at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center or the Rollins Museum of Art at Rollins College for free. For parents with older, college bound kids, this is a great time to knock out a college tour while having fun with the rest of the family.
When the sun shines again, step outside into the Lake Nona Sculpture Garden where you can see 50,000 square-feet of enchanted sculptures. Also in Downtown Orlando, take a tour of the city’s murals. From the Happy Hearts Wall at Infusion Tea to the Skyline Mural on 42 Concord St, see how many hidden paintings you can spot around town.
But first take a selfie! Both of these adventure spots are perfect for a family photo-op.
Thrilling Theme Parks
Although Orlando is notoriously known as the home of Mickey, ditch the expensive Disney tickets and head to its neighbor Old Town where admission is completely free. Be transported to a classic Florida town decked out in palm trees and brick roads. Adventure seekers can feel the rush on Old Town’s many rides and rollercoasters while others can shop ‘til they drop at the unique stores and gift shops. After exploring the parks attractions, take a break to cool off in one of Old Town’s mouthwatering restaurants.
If your family is looking for a little friendly competition, visit In the Game ICON Park in Orlando, Florida. Challenge your family to classic arcade games each under $5. Win prizes, get lost in the mirror maze, solve your way out of an escape room or bring your imagination to life at the X-D motion theater and virtual reality experience. In the Game is guaranteed to satisfy sibling rivalries and bring the entire family together.
Can you walk us through your journey in the radio industry and how you transitioned between different roles?
A: I began DJing parties when I was 15 or so. From there I got into club DJing, then into radio. I’ve worked in many cities, including New York, Washington DC, Houston, Miami, Phoenix, Tampa, Las Vegas and here in Orlando. I’ve been a morning DJ, done the midday show, afternoons and nights. I’ve been a music director, program director and overseen multiple stations in Tampa.
What inspired you to pursue a career in radio, and how did you get your start?
A: I used to pretend I was a DJ as a little kid. I’d record songs off the radio onto my cassette player and later pretend I was a DJ. I used to go to promotions at local radio stations and one day one of the DJs asked, “who are you, and why are you always here?” I told him, “I want to be a DJ one day!” (I may have been 16 years old at the time.) I stayed in touch with him and THAT man later called me one day a few years later. He ran an organization that helped minorities get radio and TV jobs and send me on a couple of interviews. I graduated from High School on a Friday, and began my radio and TV career the following Monday.
As someone who has worn many hats in the industry, which role did you find the most challenging, and why?
A: The most challenging position is always managing people. We’re all different and have different issues, concerns, personalities, skill levels and need to be treated a little differently. There’s no “standard” answer for how to treat people. I’ve always thought as a manager that if you treat people with respect, pay them a fair wage and give them an opportunity for growth…those employees will never want to leave. Also, I always tried to lead by example and challenge employees to work as hard as me. I think you can get more out of people if you motivate rather than intimidate.
What are some key lessons you’ve learned throughout your career that have helped you succeed in different roles?
A: Decades ago Martial Artist/Actor Bruce Lee said, “Be like water.” In other words, take the shape of your surroundings. Adapt and adjust to the environment around you like a chameleon and you’ll always fit in. On the air, I’ve always tried talking TO people…and AT people. One on One. Make a connection with the listener. Be real and authentic.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time working in radio?
A: During the beginning of the Pandemic, a friend of mine introduced me to Pastor Donnie McClurkin. I asked him if he could do a prayer for Las Vegas that I could run on the air the following Friday at noon. He agreed. The prayer never came because he got tied up in other affairs. I reached him and asked him if I could get it for the following Monday, to run at 5pm. He recorded it and I ran it that next Monday at 5.
A lady called the station right after the prayer aired (from her car) and said that she’d lost her dad a month ago and her job a week ago, and she was ready to end it all and go “home…” but when she heard the prayer, she felt that God spoke to her and gave her hope, and belief that she’d be ok. So she decided to NOT go through with her plans. I KNEW that was God’s hand in that the prayer never came on Friday, rather it ran on Monday…for HER to hear it…and completely change the course of HER life and those around her.
What advice would you give to aspiring radio professionals who are looking to navigate a diverse career path in the industry?
A: Radio is a challenging career. It’s filled with hard work, long hours, (in the beginning) not very good pay. If you’re looking to become “rich and famous” – rich will probably NOT happen, and famous is relative. Famous with your friends and family, in your home town, nationally, etc. If you pursue that (or really any) career path. Don’t let anyone take your dream away from you. Many will say you won’t make it. Some will try to convince you it’s not worth it. Some will be jealous. But, the truth is that if you work hard and (hopefully want to serve others) never give up, you can and will make it. How high you climb will be up to you, your work ethic and how bad you really want it.
What are your future aspirations or goals within the radio industry, and how do you plan to achieve them?
A: I hope to continue to work at the Z family of radio stations in our effort to spread the word of God and expand our stations’ footprint in Central Florida. I’m not so much worried, concerned or focused on what I plan to achieve as much as I’m focused now on serving God, spreading the Gospel as His vehicle, and being of service to our local community.
I have 3 kids and 3 grandkids. One of each. Just kidding.
How has becoming a grandfather changed your perspective on life and your family dynamics?
A lot! The second time around with grandkids helps because I have so much more experience – not just with raising kids, but with “living life”! And, there’s also the fact that the grandkids have parents – in addition to having me around! I almost always defer to my daughter, Kacie if she is there. She is their Mom, so ultimately any major decision regarding the kids is hers. And it should be!
How do you navigate the different roles of being a parent and also a grandparent?
Very carefully – lol! With all of us living under the same roof, there are sometimes situations where I’ll play the role of “Dad” instead of “Grand Dad” – but that’s only if my daughter isn’t around.
What are some of the joys of having your grandchildren live with you?
There are many! I can honestly say that it’s one of the true joys of life. Getting to see them every day is one. Being around while they do something special is going to happen far more often when we all live in the same place. The flip side of that is that I’m also there during the rough times. Thankfully, Kacie is a great parent, and it is so cool watching your kids grow up to become great adults.
How do you prioritize self care while also providing for your family?
I don’t do real well with this one. I’m home most of the time when I’m not at the Z; there isn’t a lot of time when it’s just “me” at the house. We’ve all been together under the same roof for 2 and 1/2 years, and I believe the amount of time that I’ve been at the house alone is in the single digits. That’s not a complaint, either! I love having my kids and grandkids with me. With that being said, I do need to do a much better job with my self care. It’s something that I will get better at.
What are some of the most memorable moments having your grandchildren live with you?
Waking up on Christmas morning and having us all together is a great one. Taking them to school in the morning and watching them grow is a gift, too. Even on those rare bad days when things aren’t going well, I can find joy in how to deal with it. It’s not just the grandkids that are learning each day – I’m learning, too.
Can you share valuable insight you have gained from being a grandfather?
Always remember that it is a privilege to have them around. I see some friends that have grandkids that they love – but they live in another city or even another state. I realize that I am truly blessed to be in our situation. It’s great watching them grow up day-by-day. I think it’s important to remember that I am a role model, too. Kids are smart, and they see what you do – especially when you live together. Setting a good example to them is so important, and there are times that I fail at that. It’s been good for me, for sure! Having the kiddos in the house is a great reminder for me to work at being a better person, and I am still a work in progress. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
1. What inspired you to choose the topic of relationships with adult children for this week’s blog?
Of all my pursuits and accomplishments in life, parenting two amazing children has by far been the most rewarding. Most parents would agree it is the hardest job a person could ever have. Parenting comes with frustrations, heartache and struggles. More importantly, there are so many moments of joy and amazement as you watch your children grow, that all of the hard work is 100% worth it! I know many of our Z88.3 listeners have children, and probably look to the future, wondering how parenting will change in the years to come. It seems like yesterday that my wife Janice and I had small children at home, and now they’ve both left the nest. Our job as parents is never over, but the roles we play will change with time and making sure parents and children are all on the same page is critical to maintaining healthy relationships with our kids when they’re no longer living under our roof.
2. How do you think the dynamics of parent-child relationships change as children transition into adulthood?
For many parents, myself included, the most difficult part of raising our children to adulthood is letting go. Many years before they leave home for good, it’s important to begin giving them room to grow, learn from their mistakes, and discover who they are as individuals outside the nuclear family sharing one house. It’s not easy relaxing some of the boundaries, recognizing that house rules created when the kids were 10 years old might not so much apply to a 17 year old. Whatever friction we experience with our kids in their later years at home often is caused by the parents and kids having very different ideas of how to redefine those rules and boundaries. Parents, we all need to give ourselves grace, and recognize we aren’t going to get everything right and neither are our kids. In our family, our son Daniel was the oldest, and he would sometimes suggest that we were more lenient with our daughter Victoria than we were with him, especially involving rules like bed times, curfew times, and what contributions were expected around the house. Although we couldn’t see it at the time, perhaps we did treat our two kids differently, maybe in part because our first child gave us the experience that allowed us to make more effective decisions with the second child. If we had it to do over, perhaps we would do some things differently, but at the same time, we have to recognize that as humans, our parenting will always have some flaws, no matter how hard we try, and that’s normal. All we can do is follow our hearts and parent the best we can.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about the changing relationships between parents and children as they get older is that listening to your children is an important part of the communication process. Sometimes the answer to our challenges might come from something that’s on their heart, and making sure they feel secure in sharing their thoughts with us will keep the lines of communication open. In my experience, communication, support and love are vital to healthy parent/child relationships.
3. What advice do you have for parents who may be struggling to connect with their adult children?
Never stop trying. There will be seasons in all of our lives where there are disconnects. Our adult children are forging their own identities, values and traditions, and sometimes we may discover that those values and traditions may not fall completely in line with our own. Matters of religion, finance and relationships are now theirs to decide. These differences could make us feel like we have come up short as parents, because our hope was that all the examples we set, all the values we instilled would be forever present in our kids, but have somehow been lost over time. The reality is that our kids carry with them everything we instilled in them, and ultimately they will shine in their own way. It’s only natural that they want to establish themselves as adults, apart from us, and this can be a confusing process. I have learned that patience, kindness and love are important virtues when maintaining relationships with adult children. Expressing your disapproval or disappointment can cause them to back away. It’s best to celebrate and embrace their choices and decisions. When our children lived at home, it was our job as parents to guide and teach them so that they would have the tools to become healthy adults. Now that they are adults, our role is one of support, encouragement and offering advice only when it is asked of us. Unless your child is exhibiting behavior that makes you fear for their safety, health or well being, I believe it is best to give them the room to live their lives. When they need our advice, they will ask. With both my son and daughter, I tended to offer lots of advice early on, sometimes unsolicited, and I realized that I was smothering them as if they still lived under our roof. Once I learned to let go a little more, listen a little more, and watch their amazing journey unfold, our relationships have grown and developed in a very positive way.
4. Are there any specific communication strategies or techniques you recommend for fostering strong relationships with adult children?
We are texters. Texts work well for our family because we can all answer them as we have time, and we can update each other on what’s happening in our lives. Our family text chain includes our children and their spouses. My son jokes that when my wife or I call him on the phone, his first assumption is that we are calling with bad news. If I want to talk to him on the phone, I’ve learned to text first. “Hey, is this a good time to call? Nothing is wrong.” This avoids triggering his anxiety. Lately, he has become the one who calls us more regularly, mainly because he needs advice on whatever home project he is working on with his wife that day. When we begin to find balance in our relationships with our adult children, in addition to hearing from them more often, we will begin to realize that their generation knows a lot of things we don’t, and we can ask for their advice too. Our kids love to share their knowledge with us, and asking them for help gives them an even stronger sense of their own role as adults. I would have never learned to use Venmo, figured out how to connect my wife’s Apple Watch to her phone, or learned how to upload a video to YouTube without my kid’s help. Advice and support between adult children and their parents works both ways.
5. Your daughter was recently married! Congrats! What advice do you have for other parents who may be preparing for their child’s wedding day, based on your own experiences and insights?
Weddings provide so much potential for conflicts, and we are thankful that my daughter’s wedding was overwhelmingly joyful and positive. We are so fortunate with both of our kids, that the partners they chose are wonderful people and their extended families are a perfect fit for our family dynamics. One rule my wife and I chose to follow after my daughter’s engagement was that this was her wedding, and we would support her choices, decisions and plans. Taking this stance allowed our daughter and her fiancé the freedom to plan their special day the way they wanted, without worry that the plans would draw criticism, disapproval or unwanted advice. She created a beautiful day that we will all remember forever. But even doing our best to stay out of her wedding planning, except when asked, there was one decision that concerned my wife and I, and we feared that sharing our feelings might cause distress or hurt. My wife and I decided we needed to be honest with her, and find a way to share our concerns that would not make her feel unsupported or questioned. We decided to meet her for lunch, and we brought up the matter that we disagreed with. Most importantly, we told her very clearly why we felt how we did, and what we believed might be the impact on the family members attending the wedding. We closed our lunch meeting by saying that we would fully support her final decisions regardless, but asked if she would at-least consider our position, discuss it with her fiancé and consider whether there was a satisfactory alternative. She was very open-minded to our input, and called a few days later to say that she and her fiancé had decided to reverse their position based on our recommendation. We are thankful that we communicated with clarity, honesty and love. Did we manage to stick to our rules and stay out of the way the rest of the time? Well, you’d have to ask her, but we can honestly say the wedding was amazing!
6. Can you share a lesson or piece of wisdom that you’ve gained from witnessing your son and daughter embark on this new chapter of their life?
Let me just say that now that both of our kids are married, my son, daughter and their spouses amaze me every day. My wife, Janice and I have been very fortunate to have had a loving marriage for 35 years. There is nothing more satisfying than to see my children in the beginnings of a similar marriage. They respect each other, make decisions by communicating their wishes and vision. Their love for each other is visible in everything they do. Every marriage takes work and effort, and it is beautiful to see their relationships are developing and growing with each day they spend together. Hopefully, the examples we set for our children, and the values we instilled in them, along with the examples and values their spouses parents instilled in them are tools they are able to use as they embark on their lives and future together. The biggest piece of wisdom I can share now that my children have left the nest is that parents are parents forever. I look at my own 89 year old dad, and my relationship with him. He is still parenting, even now. He is there for advice, and he worries if too many days go by without hearing from me. He also relishes the role of being a grandparent, something else I hope to experience one day. Once you have children, as the years pass, you discover that it’s the role of a lifetime! Your important work is never done. Who could ask for more than that?
Growing up, I had moments where I wanted to be a sportscaster, a teacher, or work in the fitness industry. I also spent many hours playing “radio” with my Winnie the Pooh record player and recording pretend interviews with my dad. I should have known radio was in my future!
How did you get into radio?
My desire was to go into sportscasting on TV. I did my internship with Greg Wormoth at WFTV (Channel 9) in the sports department. I loved it. Someone had told me that radio was a great stepping stone to get into television. I went to a radio school and fell in love with it!
What does a typical morning look like for you?
I wake up early! Thankfully I don’t take much time getting ready. Coffee, time in the Word, pray over my kids, throw my hair in a ponytail, and I’m out the door. Once I’m up, it’s usually non-stop most days with work, homeschooling our girls, our church, and coaching volleyball.
How is it being a mom, homeschooling, coaching, and working full-time?
Life is full right now, and most days are exhausting. However, the things that generally take my time are lined up with the passion and the calling God has given me. I don’t get as much sleep as I should. I could take better care of myself. (I’m working on it.) But my days are filled with laughter, joy, and special moments with my family. It’s worth it.
Giving ourselves grace in the busy seasons is important. How do you handle those seasons of your life?
I have had to learn to say no to things I should…and to give myself grace. I can’t always be everywhere I desire to be.
Most of my decisions are filtered through what’s best for my family. I’m hanging onto every moment of our kids’ childhood. I don’t want to miss it. We also make sure we set time aside to rest and take breaks. Knowing a break is coming helps us get through a busy season. We love our vacation time together!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the power of how God can use a song at the right moment to bring hope and encouragement. I love hearing your stories too! Plus, it’s just so fun! Radio connects us to one another. I feel like we are friends just going through life together! Of course, working with Ellis and Producer Sierra every day is also a plus! We laugh all morning!
What is something you want those who listen to the Z to know? What’s on your heart for them?
No matter what season you are in, God knows what He is doing. He has not left you. He sees the struggle. Invite Him into the mess! I promise the peace and love you experience when you move closer to Him will make a difference in your life.
Is there anyone that inspires you in your career?
There is a list of people that have inspired me and encouraged me in my radio journey, friends in the industry that I love! But, no one inspires me more than the kids who listen to the Z every day! Some of them have grown up and have kids of their own now, listening to positive music on the Z! Miss Tyler loves you!
What is at the very top of your bucket list right now?
I’ve been writing a devotion book for probably ten years now. Some of it is in my heart. Some of it is on paper. All of it is from the Lord. I know when and if the time is right, God will give me the courage and open those doors. You will be one of the first to know! 💗
What is your life verse and why?
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
Our words matter. The ones we say to others, the ones we say on the radio, and especially the ones we say to ourselves. May God guide us and our words well.
I have often found that the best time to book a flight is as soon as I know I’m definitely going. Get in before the planes get full, because as the planes fill up, they tend to raise the prices. I will also check the price several times during the course of a day because prices tend to fluctuate. I’ve found that the best time to look is normally in the middle of the night. Somewhere between 1am and 7am seems to be the lowest prices most often. So, it might be worth checking because normally planes will let reservations go around midnight, which opens some seats up and may save you a few bucks.
Any tips for travelers trying to make the most of their budget during spring break?
Sadly, spring break is one of the most expensive times to travel because they all know that your kids only have a limited time to travel and spring break is one of those times. Prices tend to get jacked up. So, if you’re going to try to do spring break, try to go places that most people don’t think of going, things that are less popular. Everyone is thinking about going to Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Maybe you could go some place else, like Crystal River or anywhere that you don’t think about at first. Those places will normally be less busy and you’ll have a shot at saving some money.
How can you pack light for your trip?
With as much as they are charging these days to check a bag, I don’t check one anymore. I only take what I carry on the plane. So, I examine every single item I bring, and the question I ask myself is not, “Will I use this at my destination?” But “Will I use it enough to justify bringing it?”
If I’m going away on a seven day trip, I’ll bring enough clothing for about four days. And I will just wash it halfway through the trip. Even if I have to just wash it in the sink in the hotel room, I’ll do that just so I can pack as light as I possibly can. And also remember, you don’t have to bring everything. Unless you’re going on a trip in the backwoods somewhere, there’s going to be a store where you can buy anything you end up needing.
What are some of your favorite staycation ideas for Central Florida?
One of the great things about living here is that there’s always a beach nearby. So, when I plan a vacation, I’ll do one of two things. First, I’ll do a beach getaway…maybe Daytona or Melbourne, or sometimes driving over to the west coast and going to Indian Rocks Beach or Clearwater. The other thing I love to do for a staycation is go camping. One of my favorite places is a place on the southern tip of St. Petersburg. It’s called Fort De Soto Park. There’s lots of campgrounds, and if you can get one, they even have campsites right next to the water! It’s just so chill. If you want to fish, you can do that right from your campsite.
How can you support local businesses when traveling?
Oh, I love this question! I often go out of my way to try to find local businesses in order to help them but also because you just get a more authentic travel experience with the mom and pops than you do with the big corporate restaurants and businesses.
Let’s say you’re on a cruise, many times, you’ll find the big corporate places all around the port. So, I will try to walk away from the port, maybe see if I can go three to five blocks away and just find little restaurants and little mom and pop shops and try to eat or shop at those places. This will give you a much more local experience. Just walk a little bit, because all the big corporate places will be the first thing you see.
What is your go-to vacation activity?
I think I’ve changed over the years. For so long, my go-to vacation idea was going some place to see how people live and see the differences between their lives and mine. It gives you a better perspective of the world. But here of late, I think my go-to vacation activity has been cruising. There’s something really cool about jumping on a cruise ship and letting someone else cook for you, clean your room, and take care of you. And here in Florida, we’ve got so choices of ships and so many ports we can leave from, so these days, that’s my go-to.
Do you have any tips for making the most of your trip with a time limit?
I would say, do your homework! One thing that’s great about the internet is that you can easily learn about an area from people who live there and people who have been there. There’s lots of websites you can go to and even Facebook Groups that will help you learn about an area. Also, take the time to watch videos on YouTube about your destination. You’ll get tips from those who know and those who have been. By knowing what you want to do when you get there, you’ll take yourself out of the position of getting there and wasting time trying to decide what to do.
How can families save money on meals and dining out while on vacation?
I love this! This is really one of my favorite tips. Go to the supermarket. First of all, if you can buy some food that you can make in your hotel room or wherever you’re staying, you can save a lot of money. But, something else you can do at many supermarkets is buy prepared foods. So sometimes I’ll just buy some prepared foods, find a nearby park, and then just have a nice picnic. It’s a great experience, and it’s a chance to try to some local food while not breaking the bank.
Do you have any advice for avoiding the crowds during spring break?
Yes, I do! Go where people aren’t going. Everybody picks the same great vacation spots. So, what you may want to do is find a place that’s in offseason and isn’t as popular. Find a small town that looks like it’s got some small town charm or maybe just a quiet beach town where there’s not a lot going on. Try going there! While everyone else is going to south Florida, maybe you can go up to South Carolina, find a special place, and avoid the crowds!
Do you think travel insurance is ever worth the cost?
Yes! If you’re traveling with someone who is maybe a little bit older who could end up being sick or have some reason they might not make the trip, it might be a good idea to have travel insurance to cover that person or even the whole trip to make sure nothing goes wrong. Or, if you’re traveling at a time when things could go wrong, like we have here in Florida with Hurricane Season, it might be a good idea just to have that insurance to be safe. But if you’re younger and healthy and you’re going to a place where you’re sure there won’t be a problem, then you may not need it. It really depends on your situation.
What would you suggest for families just looking to do a day trip during spring break?
This goes back to what I said before, try to go some place where people aren’t going. The theme parks are going to be packed. The beaches will be busy. So, try to find some place that people aren’t really talking about…maybe a nearby town you haven’t explored or a beach that isn’t as popular. Try to go to places people aren’t going so you can avoid the crowds. That said, it can be really difficult to avoid the crowds during spring break.
Where was your favorite spring break destination?
You wanna know the truth? I don’t have one. That’s because I go out of my way not to travel during spring break. Now, this is easy for me because my kids are around 40 years old so I can pull this off. I try to go before spring break or after so I can avoid the crowds and get better pricing because that’s when people aren’t traveling.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known attractions around town that would suggest?
Finding lesser-known attractions is a great way to try to avoid some of the spring break crowds. Here are a few of my favorites in central Florida.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
Safari Wilderness in Lakeland
Silver Springs State Park in Silver Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka
Exotic Animal Experience in Orlando
Renninger’s Flea Market & Antique Center in Mount Dora
