Travel Fun and Adventure

While Spokane would never be considered one of the great culinary cities, it does have a  good selection of restaurants offering a wide variety of food. In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we give you our picks for the best places to eat in Spokane, most of which are family and budget-friendly.

No restaurant on this list sponsored this show.

Frank's Diner
1516 West 2nd Avenue

Mary Lou's Milk Bottle (Facebook page)
802 West Garland Avenue

Zips Drive-In   
Multiple Locations

Molly's Family Restaurant
224 S Lincoln

Ming Wah (Facebook page)
1618 W 3rd Avenue

Ron's Drive-In (Facebook page) 
12502 East Sprague, City of Spokane Valley

Mama Mia's Italian
420 West Francis

Tomato Street
6220 North Division

Steer Inn
7920 North Division

Casa De Oro
4111 North Division

Thrifty Scotsman
12024 East Sprage, City of Spokane Valley

Clinkerdagger
621 West Mallon Avenue

Anthony's at Spokane Falls 
510 North Lincoln 

There is our list of the best places to eat in Spokane. Clinkerdagger and Anthony's at Spokane Falls are great date night places and are less family friendly. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

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In last week's episode, we discussed things you could do on a trip to or from Yellowstone National Park. In this week's episode, we discuss towns either near Yellowstone or within a few hour's drive. Some of these towns could be a great base for Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons and others are just good places to spend the night on the way to or from the park as they might be a little too far for daily trips into the parks.

Here are the towns and links to their visitor information (this episode is not sponsored by any town or visitors bureau).

West Yellowstone, Montana

Gardiner, Montana

Cooke City, Montana

Jackson, Wyoming

Livingston, Montana

Bozeman, Montana

Cody, Wyoming

Red Lodge, Montana

Lovell, Montana

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho

Be sure to check out some of these wonderful towns and cities. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

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Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone? Yellowstone is one of the most incredible places you can visit. From the beauty of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to the amazing activity of Old Faithful to the many other sites to see. 

While Yellowstone and its sister park, The Grand Tetons, are awe-inspiring, there are so many things to see and do within a few hour's drive of the parks that you should plan to visit before and after your visit to the parks.

Here are just a few examples of the things to see and do in the area around Yellowstone:

Craters of the Moon National Monument - Craters of the moon, which is located south of Arco, Idaho, and about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the Yellowstone west entrance. Made up of volcanic rock and sagebrush, the monument is an incredible site with many hiking trails and sites to visit.

Waterfalls - There are many waterfalls outside the park to visit, and while they may not have the majesty of some other waterfalls, the best part about them is that they will have fewer people visiting them.

Ghost Towns - The states around Yellowstone are filled with ghost towns such as Bannack and located west of Dillon, Montant, and Interstate 15.

Arco, Idaho - The first town in the world whose power was provided 100% from nuclear and located north of Craters of the Moon.

Beartooth Highway - Called by Charles Kurult the most beautiful drive in America, the highway starts just outside the northeast entrance of Yellowstone at Cooke City, Montana; the 68.7-mile highway that hits an elevation of just below 11,000 feet ends in Red Lodge, Montana.

In Cody, Wyoming, you have the Buffalo Bill Reservoir and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.  The Buffalo Bill Center is actually 5 plus museums in one and is well worth a visit whether you want to know more about the showman and the legendary Annie Oakley, see historic firearms, the nature in the area and the Native Americans that inhabited the land.

Museum of the Rockies - Located on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman, the museum features many exhibits, including great information about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.

Livingston Depot Center - Located in the town of Livingston, Montana, 89 miles north of the north entrance of the park is a great place for anyone interested in trains.

Little Big Horn Battlefield - Located along Interstate 90 south of Billings, Montana.

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

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In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we pit a Super 8 motel in rural Iowa to a Travelodge in the heart of Palm Springs. Yes, they may be in very different areas, but they are both budget-friendly motels that should be a good value for the dollar. 

In fact, both hotels are part of the same parent company Wyndham Resorts. While most Super 8 motels are built in new construction, most of today's Travelodges are rebranded from other hotel chains. 

In the past, we have had good experiences with Travelodges despite it being the low-end brand of the Wyndham chain. Theoretically, the Super 8 will provide you with a boring rectangular building but should be a little above a Motel 6. Travelodge on the other can be almost anything, and in this case, is a former Quality Inn hotel with an abandoned restaurant (the restaurant chain closed its doors at no fault of the hotel) to the classic stucco exterior. 

One thing to remember about our reviews is that we rate the lodging facility by its expectations. We do not expect a Super 8 to compete against a Hilton Garden Inn but instead rate it for what it is and do that we all of our hotel reviews. 

The Super 8 exceeded expectations regarding its Breakfast and did average for most of the other categories we rate for. The Travelodge did really well regarding the hotel's character, but sadly that was its most positive feature because it would garner several grades of F's, including check-in, which turned out to be a major ordeal, its not existent breakfast, and bad wi-fi. 

What do you think the final grades will be? 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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Like all the major hotel brands, Marriott has been creating new ones like their competition. In addition, they had acquired brands, such as in 2016 when they bought out Starwood Properties. In this episode, we go over the major brands of Marriott so that you can get a better idea of what Marriott has to offer.

Marriott

Also, thanks to The Points Guy for additional information on the brands.

They have several luxury brands, including the Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and Edition.

However, we focus mainly on their non-luxury brands since our podcast focuses on finding you the best value for the dollar.

Premium Brands:

Marriott - Like many of its competitors, Marriott seems to be forgetting its namesake brand. While there are some good Marriott hotels, there are also many of them that are very tired despite often being more than the completion.

Westin- Westin, which came from the Starwood acquisition, is now focusing on wellness, including having healthy menus and quality fitness centers and featuring Heavenly bedding.  Westin was well known for their signature properties that included round buildings such as in Seattle, Los Angeles and Detroit although the Detroit one is now a Marriott and the General Motor's headquarters.

Sheraton - Also acquired in the Starwood acquisition after being acquired by Starwood in 1997. While there is still over 500 Sheratons still out there, it seems to have taken a backseat since the acquisition.

Autograph Collection - Properties that are more boutique in nature.

Le Meridien

Tribute Portfolio

Design Hotels

Renaissance Hotels

Delta Hotels - Another Marriott acquisition came a year before the Starwood acquisition. Delta has a few properties in the United States but are mostly in Canada.

Marriott Vacation Club

Gaylord Hotels

Select Brands:

Courtyard by Marriott - the Courtyard by Marriott is comparable to the Hilton Garden Inns and, in fact, was probably the reason Hilton started opening the Garden Inns. They are more business-oriented hotels that have a restaurant.

Four Points by Sheraton

Springhill Suites

Fairfield Inn

AC Hotels - One of the new brands that Marriott has been opening lately, such as the one in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Aloft Hotels - I reviewed Aloft Bricknell Miami in a previous podcast and gave it a great review.

Moxy Hotels

Protea Hotels

Extended Stay Brands:

Residence Inn - While they tend to be a more upscale extended stay, I have found some great deals at Residence Inn although some of their older properties such as in the Seattle area are getting

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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Does the thought of booking a flight make you nervous or even break out in hives because  the choices confuse you? Well, on this week's episode, we discuss our best tips for booking a flight.

1. Nover book with a third-party app - This could lead to disaster if something goes wrong, whether the flight is canceled or you can't make your flight. If you go through the third part app, you have to go through them to solve any issues, and you are behind the passengers that book directly to get your issues solved.

2. Join the airline's frequent mileage program - No, we are not telling you to play all the credit card games to get airline mileage. What we are telling you to do is join the program because you will have an easier time getting things solved if you have an account with the airline.

3. We will go over the basic booking categories such as basic economy, economy, refundable fares, regular fares, light fares, and all the other types of fares the airlines will throw at you.

4. There are many types of seats on the plane, including economy, extra-leg room seats, premium economy, domestic first class, business class, and international first class. We will give you the basics.

5. Is there a best day to fly?

6. What are some ways to find the best flight?

7. What about children flying alone?

8. Is it cheaper to fly with connections?

In this episode, we also recommend you check Seat Guru to find the best seats on the particular kind of aircraft you are flying. It will tell you if the row of seats you are sitting in has no window, limited recline, is too close to the restroom, etc. It is an excellent source of information, and this podcast is not sponsored by them. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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LAX does not have an on-property hotel, but on nearby Century Boulevard, there is many chain hotels. In this episode, we make an honest comparison of the Hilton and Holiday Inn Hotels that are along Century Boulevard. Here is some of the grades the two hotels received; listen to the full podcast to get all the ratings and why we rated them that way. 

                                                                       Hilton              Holiday Inn

Check In                                                         D                      B                         
Room – Maintenance                             A                       A
Room – Cleanliness                                  A                      C
Room – Quality of Furnishings          B                       D
Restaurants on site                                   C                       C
Parking                                                              C                      D
Pet-Friendly                                                   B                       F
Family Friendly                                             C                      B
Value for Dollar                                            B                      D
Check Out                                                        A                      A

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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In Episode 51, we went over some bucket list trip ideas to do with kids from ages 5 to 12, so in this episode, we go over some bucket list trip ideas to do with the teenagers. 

Among the ideas we share: 

A trip to Cedar Point Park - (full disclosure we own two shares of Cedar Point). The reason we recommend Cedar Point is its emphasis on thrill rides. 

Discover your roots - If you live someplace other than where you grew up, take the kids to see where you grew up. Or another idea is to head to wherever part of the world your family originally immigrated from. 

Take them to an island - Take them to an island, but it has to be one with something more to attract them than just beaches. Take them to Hawaii or the Canary Islands, someplace that has not only great beaches but also other activities to get them excited. 

Take a Cruise - Several cruise lines have areas of their ship dedicated to teenagers. If you have kids that are both teenagers and younger kids, a Disney cruise may work well for you since Disney does offer activities and places just for teenagers. However, if all the kids are teenagers, you will probably want to look at a cruise line like Carnival that will not have so many younger kids running around. 

Travel to a major urban area - Consider taking the teenagers to a major urban area such as New York, Miami, Seattle, or any major urban area they have not been to and would be excited to explore. 

A place where they will be immersed in a new culture - Take them someplace where they will be able to encounter a new culture, such as Quebec, Mexico, or any other place around the world where they can experience a new culture. 

Major Ski Resort - If your family is into skiing, then take them on a trip to a resort that you have never been to, such as Park City, Utah; Whistler, British Columbia; Aspen, Colorado, or any other ski resort that is different from where you would normally travel. 

Visit a place in another country, such as Porto, Portugal, that has a very low crime rate, and you can give your teenagers some freedom to do things on their own where you don't have the worries you would in some other places. 

Volunteer Vacation - Take a vacation where you volunteer to help those in need. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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Planning a trip to the North Oregon Coast in the cities of Astoria, Seaside, or Cannon Beach? In a previous podcast, we went over our favorite places to eat on the Oregon Coast, and in this episode, we go over some are favorite activities on the Northern Oregon Coast, including:

Movie Locations: There has been a number of great movies filmed probably the most famous being "The Goonies". There are several sites to see from the movie, including the Goonie's home, the jail that the gang breaks out of, and several others.

Astoria Column:  Even if you are not up to climbing the actual tower, the views from the tower parking lot are incredible and worth a visit.

Columbia Maritime Museum: The museum is a must-stop and provides a fantastic history of the dangerous waters where the Columbia and the Pacific meet.

 Astoria Trolley: For something on the relaxing side, take a ride on the historic  Astoria Trolley. The trolley runs along the Riverfront along tracks that used to see freight trains taking seafood products from Astoria to the entire country and bringing weekend tourists from Portland.

Historic Buildings: If you are into historic architecture, then Astoria is a great place to get your fill of both residential and commercial historical buildings. You will also find some in Seaside and Cannon Beach.

Seaside: Seaside has plenty of attractions, from the Seaside Aquarium which is a great value for the dollar despite its small size, the promenade to the huge arcade where kids will spend hours, to the bumper cars and tilt-o-whirl.

Fort Clatsop/Lewis And Clark National Historic Park: Explore the area where the famous explorer's Lewis and Clark stayed at on as they reached the farthest point on their journey across the then-European unexplored country.

Fort Stevens State Park: From the wreck of the Peter Iredale to the cannon positions to wildlife viewing areas and many trails, the park has something for everyone.

Ecola State Park: The park sits just north of the town of Cannon Beach and has many walking trails, including a hike that gives you the best view of the Tillamook Rock lighthouse; sits on a rock base a mile offshore that was nicknamed Terrible Tilly.

Waterfalls: While there is not as many waterfalls in the area as there is south of here, there is still three waterfalls, Umbrella Falls, Youngs River Falls, and Fish Hawk Falls that are within an easy drive.

Beaches: Of course, who can talk about the coast without talking about the beaches and the North Oregon Coast does not disappoint. 

For more information, here are links to the visitor bureaus in the three main cities. I have always had the one in Astoria to be the most friendly and helpful of all three but they all are very willing to help you out (these agencies do not sponsor t

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

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Looking for good places to eat in Miami? Here is our list of the best places to eat in the Miami area.

First Hong Kong Cafe
117 SE 2nd St, Miami
(305) 808-6665

The Empanada's
230 NE Fourth Street, Miami

Chicken and the Egg
228 SE 1st Street. Miami
(786) 803-8329

Burgermeister
425 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
(305) 534 0070
1111 SW 1st Ave, Miami
(305) 500 1424

Jimmy's Eastside Diner
7201 Biscayne Blvd, Miami
(305)-754-3692

Versailles
3555 SW 8TH Street, Miami
305-444-0240

Old Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
1442 SW 8th St, Miami,
(786) 518-2196

China Moon
1540 Alton Road, Miami Beach
(305) 532-8758

Burgers & Shakes
7401 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 866- 1145

Sweet Dogs
4749 SW 8th St, Miami
(305) 448-4900

Arbetter's Chili Dogs
8747 Southwest 40th St., Miami
(305) 207-0555

Clutch Burger
146 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables
305-400-8242
As recommended by:
David's Been Here Youtube Channel

Wagon West Restaurant
11311 S Dixie Highway, Miami
(305) 238-9942

Spiga Ristorante Italiano
1228 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 534-0079

The Frieze
1626 Michigan Ave, Miami Beach
(305)538-0207

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y