Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Traveler and author of 100 Places that Can Change Your Child’s Life live from Zoo Miami. He shared some really great information with me including how to get free tickets to over 135 zoos across the country, tips for families to get more out of their summer plans and why the zoo is a great place to visit. Watch the interview in the video above for some great advice (Please excuse my nervous-ness — it was my very first interview!)
In a partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and National Geographic, Travelodge has a new promotion that allows families looking for a summer adventure to get children into a zoo for FREE just by staying at a Travelodge Hotel. They’re calling it Zoocation! You can find more information and a list of participating zoos at www.aza.org/zoocation.
About Keith Bellows
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Keith Bellows has launched 30 magazines, television and radio properties and has lectured around the world. He is editor in chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine and senior vice president/editor in chief of National Geographic Travel Media. A graduate of Gordonstoun School in Scotland and Dartmouth College, Bellows has appeared on NBC’s “Today” show and ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Feeling lucky? Enter to win 2 free nights at a Travelodge in the form of Wyndham Rewards points which includes 2 free children’s tickets to a participating zoo when redeemed during the Zoocation promotion.
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This giveaway is open until July 1, 2013 at 12:01 am EST to U.S residents.
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A complimentary product/service was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.
Candice says
I liked the advice about slowing down on vacations. I am guilty of having lots of plans and an agenda, so it’s great to just think of enjoying the moment more.
holly says
I thought that was the best piece of advice too! Along with involving the kids in planning
Natalie J Vandenberghe says
Try to know child’s personality…and not impose my desires on them. Slow down.
Sunnie says
I like how he said you can still have fun family time without spending a lot of money. And that kids need to be out in nature more, I agree!
Sarah C says
I think the part about involving the kids in the planning was good.
Vanessa says
Zoos are a great way to combat Nature Deficit Disorder!
betty wojnar says
You don’t need to spend alot of money to have fun
tina reynolds says
I like including kids in the plans I do with mine and they love it
Ellen B says
you can have fun and not have to spend a ton of money
ELIZABETH C. says
Wonderful advice and I Definately agree with it.
Katie K says
Including all the family. including kids in planning!
Kimberly Schotz says
Involving kids in the planning is a good idea
Amy Tolley says
love how you can stay some where within their travellodge and get free tickets to a zoo so kids can learn and connect with wild animals…and enjoy the experience without if costing a lot of money…
Karen says
Planning your trip/activities and to have a lot of fun you don’t have to spend a lot of money that you don’t have.
Caycee Bregel says
Getting kids ideas when planning a vacation
Jay Gillespie says
you can have fun and not spend a lot of money
Serena Powell says
I loved that he said you can have fun and save money
renee walters says
I liked the advice about slowing down on vacations.
PF Sweepstakes says
The best advice was probably to take it easy and slow down while on vacation. I am so guilty of trying to do it all.
Jennifer says
I love the advice on getting the kids involved in planning!
sandra says
get kids exposed to nature
crystal smith says
I like how he pointed out that kids now are growing up with a “nature deficit disorder” I thought that was a neat term for a valid point- and that a fun zoo trip would be a great way to combat this problem 🙂
Angela Tyler says
“Getting kids exposed to wild creatures”, “It is a safe experience.”
amy deeter says
involving the kids in the planning
Jacob says
There are a lot of fun options that are cheap or even free!
Sharon Kaminski says
great advice about getting free tickets to local zoos around the country, would love to win, thanks.
Linda G. says
Get the kids involved in your trip planning
sarah hirsch says
i like the idea of having the kids help out with the planning
Gena says
Let the kids be involved in planning and they will be more excited to do whatever you’re doing
Mary Happymommy says
Have the kids be involved in the planning.
Miz Vickik says
That you don’t need a lot of money to have fun!
Brandon Bethea says
I like his idea about more things in nature and enjoying vacation time more, without having to spend more.
Timmy deeter says
involving kids in planning
Geoff K says
I thought Keith’s best tip was to gear vacation ideas to your children’s personality and interests, and to slow down and savor the experience while on the trip!