Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Luxury Hotel Review: Rancho Valencia, San Diego

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 23, 2017 | 0 |

Did you know you can experience luxury and family friendly at one place? The ultra-luxe Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa has all the hallmarks of a five star, five diamond resort. Then it adds family-friendly touches. Oh, and it takes dogs. Vegetarian TravelingMom Judy Antell found the fitness classes challenging, the food healthy and delicious, and the rooms, with private outdoor hot tubs, over the top spectacular. What is better than an ultra-luxurious resort? Staying at one for free. I was invited by Mazda to test drive the new Mazda Miata and CX-5, and had time over two and...

The Yin and Yang of Mazda: A Convertible and an SUV

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 16, 2017 | 0 |

When Mazda invites you to test drive two of its newest cars, it’s hard to wipe the grin off your face. Vegetarian TravelingMom had an added bonus, a couple of days at the sweet Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, near San Diego. She drove the 2017 Mazda CX-5 and the 2017 Mazda Miata RF. Along the way, she learned about the Mazda design aesthetic and emphasis on fun. Many of us parents see ourselves as two different people: moms and our ‘old’ selves. Mazda has cars that fit this duality, but it turns out, the difference between the cars isn’t...

Westminster Luxury Hotel Stay: Conrad London St. James

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Jun 13, 2017 | 0 |

To prepare for a bike trip in Italy, you need to take several long bike rides. You should also spend a couple of days in Europe, acclimating to the time change and relaxing. Stopping in London on the way from the U.S., you can break up the trip, rejuvenate and spend a few days touring the city. The Westminster luxury hotel Conrad London St. James is the perfect spot. Westminster Luxury Hotel Stay: Conrad London St. James On a recent trip to London, before a bike trip in Italy, our main requirements for a hotel were comfort and...

Free in New York City: Swimming Year Round

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | May 26, 2017 | 0 |

Love the water? In New York City, you can find plenty of places to cool off, year round, for free. There are even free swimming programs, best suited for residents. But visitors to New York can go to free city beaches (they are clean!) and free public pools (also spotless) throughout the five boroughs. So pack your bathing suit when you come to the city. In NYC, you can buy a day pass to swim at Le Parker Meridien for $100 or you can swim in one of the seasonal outdoor pools for free. I say, save the $100...

What’s New in London: Free and Inexpensive

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | May 25, 2017 | 0 |

London is the kind of city you can visit over and over again, and find new things to do each time. Even better, some of those things are free. And with the dollar almost at parity with the pound, prices have never looked better – even when you have to pay! Here’s our TravelingMom guide to what’s new and free in London. Fit for foodies and free to taste Borough Market is a kind of indoor / outdoor food extravaganza that will have your Instagram account buzzing. The market, near London Bridge, has been in operation for over...

A Mom’s Marathon Training Plan while Traveling

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | May 21, 2017 | 1 |

Running a marathon can be difficult enough without taking into consideration what to do when you are traveling. You can’t just put your marathon training while traveling on hold, so how can you keep yourself on track through long travel days, with unfamiliar foods and strange hotel noises? Training for a marathon? Good for you! As someone who loves to travel, and to run, I guarantee that you can do both and neither will suffer. These tips can help with your marathon training while traveling. 9 Tips for Marathon Training While Traveling 1. Carry on your running gear Most...

Active Travel: Biking for Pasta

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | May 19, 2017 | 1 |

If your idea of a vacation is conquering the nest mountain, Backroads is for you. This luxury company arranges biking, hiking and multi-sport vacations around the world, for families and adults. We spent six days cycling through Italy, gorging on pasta, wine and desserts, and didn’t gain an ounce. Plus we explored small towns, vineyards and farms in Umbria and Tuscany, for a unique perspective on the foodie culture. Some people dream of spending their vacation in a lounge chair, sleeping late and reading books. This is not us. My family likes to ski, bike, hike and explore,...

Making a Green Travel Choice: Driving a Prius Prime

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Apr 21, 2017 | 0 |

Travelers who worry about their carbon footprint can breathe easier – literally – with a Prius Prime. The sedan gets 25 miles on an electric charge, and over 60 miles per gallon with the gas engine. We drove from Brooklyn to Washington, DC, with a detour in Pennsylvania, on a couple of charges and about $6 in gas. Going green is not only a no-brainer, it saves you money! Green travel doesn’t have to be punishing. We drove a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime for a week and it was extremely comfortable. Though it is far from luxurious – we...

New Cars & Family Fun at the New York International Auto Show

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Apr 14, 2017 | 0 |

The New York International Auto Show, zipping through New York City April 14-23, is an extravaganza of new cars and fun. If you love to travel, you are likely in different cars around the world. Here you can get up close and personal with shiny new vehicles – and see lots of gorgeous vintage ones, too. Plus there is a ton of interactive family fun, from rides in a Jeep course to virtual reality. Best of all, you can win a new designer handbag! The annual New York International Auto Show is here. Running April 14-23, the show has something for...

Choose Your Poison: Free in New York or Priceless Views

Posted by Judy Antell, Vegetarian TravelingMom | Mar 31, 2017 | 0 |

You can have it all in New York City: a vista that extends over three states from the tallest building in the city, to free events throughout the day.. and all in the same place. Downtown Manhattan is the latest destination, with free attractions like FordHub and programming at Brookfield Place. The new One World Trade Center Observatory charges for the view. NOT Free in New York City: the View From the Top As a lifelong New Yorker, it is bred in me that I am not supposed to go to the touristy observatories. I never went to the top...