I will admit we are big fans of Disney, but really only have knowledge of the North American parks. That is one of the reasons I have enjoyed following Ryan from the Average Traveller, because he has highlighted some great parts of the Disney Hong Kong Park. There are also several other key places that Ryan has discussed that are on my bucket list, so I enjoy living vicariously through them. Please welcome me in joining the Average Traveller!

Back in 2009 we were lucky enough to get a conference rate at the luxurious Grand Wailea on Maui. Whenever we check into a new hotel we first take pictures of the room while it’s still clean because the room will never look quite as nice once the kids unpack. The second thing that we do is look through the amenities in the hotel binder usually found on the desk or nightstand. Part of that review always includes a scan through the room service menu.

Everyone knows that room service menus are usually very expensive because those who order from it are either business travelers who have expensed meals, have more money than they know what to do with, are too tired to go out, or are just plain out of better options. At higher end places it’s not unusual to see $20 sandwiches and $10 juices from room service. On top those inflated prices you usually also have to pay all sorts of taxes and fees plus tip whoever brings your food. I could understand why many people write off room service altogether, however, from time to time there are some deals to be had. In the case of the Grand Wailea we noticed a keiki (kids) menu that included breakfast dishes for $5-$8.

Ordering off of the keiki menu was cheaper than driving out and finding a cooked breakfast even with the service and delivery charges included. As we’re usually pretty light morning eaters and the serving sizes were large, we found that 2 kids breakfasts were good enough for the 4 of us to eat for under $20. Best of all, on our second and third mornings they even brought us an extra table cloth so that the kids could eat breakfast picnic style on the lanai. Just try beating this view!

Since that trip we’ve always kept on the lookout for kids items on the room service menu and often find that it’s worth looking. You don’t have to be at a super fancy hotel for this to work. Of course it is always cheaper to bring in your own muffins and juice but this is a nice way to get a little extra splurge without a lot of extra cost.

If you want to order exclusively off the kids menu then you should probably actually have kids with you in the room. Sometimes when traveling without the kids we’ll check the menu to see if it says that the kids items are for children only. If it there are no restrictions and we’re feeling lazy we’ve been known to order one normal item plus a kids item to average down the cost of the meal.

To read some more excellent tips on traveling, please visit the Average Traveller.

If there is one State I have always wanted to visit, it is the State of Texas. So I should have known I would be drawn to blogs discussing the Lone Star State. That is why I am excited to welcome Becca from RWeThereYetMom to highlight some of the terrific benefits within her home State.

Texas, ah, how I love thee.  I don’t think you can come cross a Texan who doesn’t love their state. We love our land, our culture, our history, our food…so what if we are known for our big hair and our even bigger attitudes, Texas is best in our minds.

And maybe it is a pride thing…or simply a state of mind. Regardless, if you haven’t been to Texas, here are 4 reasons you should plan a trip soon!

1. Land: Texas is the 2nd largest state (only behind Alaska). Within those 268,000 square miles, there lies some very different regions. From the Gulf Coast waters, giving us fun beaches to play on, to the gorgeous Hill Country with rolling hills for miles. The East Texas Swamps and Piney Woods to the flat, desolate West Texas miles – driving across our state will make you think you have driving through 4 different countries.

I personally love our Texas Hill Country.  Covered in wildflowers in the spring and filled with boaters during the summer, many Texas escape to the hills for fun. Where else could you find this amazing monolith, uniquely named for it’s windy whispers? Enchanted Rock is a popular destination that one can enjoy all year round!

2. Culture: I’m guessing the first thing that pops into your head when I say “Texas” is cowboys…am I right? Ok, so we do host the world’s largest Rodeo each winter in Houston…

But when I say culture, I’m talking about the vibrant music scene in Austin…otherwise know as the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin boasts more music venues per capita than any other city. But not just music, Austin is filled with amazing film & art opportunities. One of our favorite “art museum” lies just south of downtown Austin at the Cathedral of Junk – 2 tons of donated junk built into a 3 story structure you can explore – yes, we call it art!

3. Food: Nothing beats the food in Texas – ok, maybe I’m a little biased. While every region has their own type of BBQ, nothing tastes quite like a good smoked Texas Brisket. There is an influx of BBQ restaurants to try – but none that have a better story behind it than The Salt Lick, located in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Texas also has amazing Mexican food, or what we loving refer to as “Tex-Mex” – heavy on the melty cheese, meat, beans, and spices. Some more popular Tex-Mex inventions are the chili con carne, chili con queso, fajitas, and nachos. You’re welcome!

4. History: We Texans are so very proud of our history and no story explains our pride better than the Battle of the Alamo – a 12 day stand off with fewer than 100 Texans fighting a 1500-men strong Mexican Army, we lost the battle, however, it inspired many a Texan to “Remember the Alamo” and help defeat the Mexican army later that year.

We all remember the Alamo, and you can too by visiting it in San Antonio – it has become one of the world’s most visited shrines.

Lastly, please remember that Everything is Bigger in Texas! That includes our tourist spots, our pride, and our attitudes. But please don’t let that stop you from coming on down and visiting! We’d love to see ya!

Rebecca, momma of 3 sassy Texas kiddos, writes a blog dedicated to family travel at R We There Yet Mom?. Although she swears she is not crafty, this momma never lacks in creativity and enthusiasm – her ultimate goal is making exceptional memories for her family. Follow her memory making at R We There Yet Mom?, on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.