First off, I owe all of you a HUGE Thank You. I had a guess that the topic of family travel based in reality had an audience, but I’m blown away by the response, including speakers (on their own dime) and readers willing to come from across the country to share and learn from each other.
With your support, I’m so happy to announce that “Family Travel For Real Life” is live! FT4RL will be held August 23 at the Hyatt House Dulles Airport in the Washington DC suburbs. Registration will begin at 9AM and sessions will run from 10-5:00) with a lunch and afternoon snack break included in admission.
As this is a labor of love, I’ve worked with the Hyatt House to keep costs as low as possible. I’m thrilled we can offer the first 25 tickets for only $49, with tickets after 25 going for $59. At the moment we are capped at 50 attendees, but I will consider renting a 2nd ballroom if demand is through the roof.
Hyatt House also offered me a group room rate of $85 (pre-tax), but I’d keep an eye on prices as weekends tend to go lower. I’ll have a booking link soon. If you’ve never stayed at a Hyatt House, you’re in for a treat! All rooms are full suites and breakfast is complimentary and includes fresh omelettes. I’ll definitely be there Friday night and will be happy to co-ordinate a dinner or happy hour for any staying over.
I’m SO grateful to our speakers who are volunteering their time (and getting here from across the coast to coast on their own dimes). It shows how much we all really care about the topic and want to share their knowledge with you.
Confirmed Speakers and Tentative Schedule:
- 9:00-9:45: Registration and meet your fellow travelers
- 9:45-10:00: Welcome from The Deal Mommy
- 10:00-10:55: Shawn Coomer, Dad, from Miles to Memories on the topic of extended travel with your kids (with an assist from The Deal Mommy on Camp Mom).
- 11:00-11:55: Phil, Dad of 2, from Miles Abound on how to earn miles without opening 10 credit cards in one day or spending 20K a month and which programs are best for families.
- 12:00-12:55: Lunch (be sure to use this time to meet new friends and chat travel!)
- 1:00-1:55: Jason Steele, Dad of 2 and well-known points expert, on booking award tickets for families.
- 2:00-2:55: Susan DeBruhl, Mom and Grandma, from Carolina Travel Girl on lodging options when a regular hotel room just isn’t gonna cut it. I’ll have lots to share on this topic too!
- 2:55-3:10: Afternoon Break and snack
- 3:10-4:05: Debra Schroeder, Mom of 2, from Traveling Well for Less on how to keep saving once your get to your destination.
- 4:05-5:00: Ask the Speakers session. Make sure to bring your specific travel dilemmas!
And I keep forgetting to mention: Awesome Door Prizes!
And finally (drum roll), here’s the link to register!
Family Travel for Real Life Ticket Sales
And as a reminder, here’s the original post and concept:
“We need not wait to see what others do” Gandhi
I’ve noticed more and more a huge gap in the travel community: real life advice for “real families”, especially those with school aged children. I’ve asked for three years for more family seminars to be included in FTU and Chicago Seminars, but after the success of the recent “Mile Madness” event in Charlotte, I can’t help but think it’s time to create what I think many want to see.I envision sharing topics such as:
- Scheduling around a school calendar
- Saving money without relying on only credit card bonuses
- Hotel room alternatives for families, even overseas
- Booking award tickets when you need more than 2
- Destination Planning for families
- Camp Mom: traveling with your kids for less than camp
- How to Save on Theme Park vacations
But mostly, I envision finding a group of like minded people and helping each other.
I’m intrigued and want to hear more! Not sure if I can make the cross-country trip to attend (especially since my older child starts kindergarten the following Monday), but we shall see!!!!
just signed up… FYI current AAA rate for 8/22 is $71
I saw your original announcement and am glad to see this going forward! Do you have anywhere that you are posting a formal list of topics, speakers, ticket sale status, etc. as these become known? I’m local and will try and attend but am getting back from Europe the night of the 22nd.
Hi there,
For the ticketing info, check out https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-travel-for-real-life-tickets-11859928365. I’m going to make a page on my site for all of the info in one spot. Thanks for your interest!
Good luck! My kids are starting school that week, so I don’t think I’ll make it, but I’ll run a notice in tomorrow’s blog post.
Thanks for the support.
Thanks for organizing this! Sounds like a great event & I just got my ticket. Looking forward to it!
Thanks! Appreciate the early support.
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I’m booked! This should be a lot of fun. And yes good choice with Hyatt House they have a great brand. Let me know if you want me to talk about MS from a family perspective… I spend a lot of time maximizing and leveraging family accounts 🙂
Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it.
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I’ve never attended any travel conference because, frankly, none of them ever seemed all that interesting or relevant to my family’s travel goals, but I want to attend this one so badly! Unfortunately, it is the weekend before my kids go back to school so logistically I just can’t make it work. I’m hoping this isn’t just a one time event.
Me too! I’m more than happy to take the show on the road if it works.
Ghandi should be spelled correctly as Gandhi
Family Travel for Real Life Ticket Sales
And as a reminder, here’s the original post and concept:
“We need not wait to see what others do” Ghandi
Thanks for the catch.
Hi,
Thanks for organizing this. I am trying to work it into my schedule.
I don’t think it would be possible to make it Fri night. Will there be any dinner/happy hour Sat night?
Also, can you suggest the best way to get there from CMH?
I’ve plenty of AAs and URs. The best I found so far is United for 35K RT.
Thanks,
Bill
Hi Bill, I don’t have anything officially planned, but at least 4 folks are staying over so I’m sure you won’t be lacking for fellow travelers. As we get closer and I have an eye on #s, I’ll announce more on the site.
And about tix, try Dayton if you can? Avios (from UR) will def. be the cheapest if you go usairways exp. nonstop.
I checked DAY, CLE, CVG as well but no direct flights nor availability to IAD that weekend.
There are plenty from CMH to DCA though. Is there public transportation from DCA to IAD?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. Car rentals shouldn’t be too bad.
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How can we find out about similar, fantastic events for the sing traveler looking to strategize short and long-term goals for both hotel and airline rewards via credit card programs? thank you
Hi Sabata,
There’s no reason you can’t come to FT4RL! But if you’re looking for other events I would suggest following Saverocity. They do a couple of good ones a year. The other 2 big players in this space are Frequent Traveler University and the Chicago Seminars. I’ve been to both and the content is near identical. Hope this helps!