I recently gave a presentation called The Wild West of Travel Blogging: Staking Your Claim in New Media to a group of traditional travel writers visiting my area. It was great to connect with the old school writers again and remember where I came from and how hard it was when I first started in the travel industry.

Many people may not realize this, but I’m not a blogger. I’m a writer. I write for magazines, newspapers, websites, and blogs. I even write books (gasp). To me, blogging is just another medium where my words are published. One point I tried to reiterate throughout my presentation is that it’s crazy for all of us. Travel bloggers don’t consider themselves writers, some writers don’t even know what a blog is, and the poor travel industry professionals just want to do their jobs (get people to write about their destination so that consumers book their destination and everyone is happy).

So why is it we aren’t all working TOGETHER to teach each other? I think that travel writers should be mentors to travel bloggers and travel bloggers should in turn teach the writers how to survive in the new media world. The same goes for the travel industry pros - If a blogger comes to you asking for assistance, don’t just tell them no, explain why you can’t assist them and give them a few tips on what information they can provide YOU so that you can give them the answer they need.

I’ve heard more moaning and griping from everyone than actual ideas for a solution to the problem. We can’t feel threatened because there’s a new kid on the block. Instead, we should be asking them to come over and play on our swing set.

The gate to my yard is open. What questions do you have? Let’s try and find a solution and have fun while on the swing set.

The other day I was watching my local news (WAFB) when a story aired that looked at first to be a spoof. It seems that human hair can act as an absorbent for the Deep Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast. It wasn’t a joke. This method was actually used in 2006 during the Philippines oil spill.

When I was first diagnosed with Mr. Miyagi, I made a vow that I wouldn’t cut my hair and would let it grow as long as it was still intact. It grew. And it grew. Every once in a while I’d go through spurts where handfuls would fall out when I washed my hair, but it’s so thick that no one would notice (thank goodness). My hair grew past my shoulders, longer than it had been in decades.

Months later I still have a head full of hair, so I decided to call a local hair salon to see if they were collecting for the oil spill. I had been inspired by WAFB’s news story. Salon 360 in Zachary, LA was able to fit me in and my hair would be sent along to help with the coastal cleanup. So I did a very small thing – cutting my hair. This is just one of the many small ways to assist in helping an environmental disaster that may affect generations. Plus, it’s an all natural solution!

Here’s how you can help, be it with a hair cut or other ways:

Matter of Trust – Encourage your local hair salon to sign up and participate in donating hair clipping to make booms for oil spill cleanup. Take the entire family out for haircuts and know that even a small effort can make a big impact when a large number of people get involved.

Second Harvest – Learn how area food banks along the Gulf Coast are collecting to help families who will be affected by job loss and hardship due to the Deep Horizon oil rig explosion and spill. There is also information in assisting other communities affected by recent disasters.

Volunteer Louisiana – The official Louisiana volunteer site provides updates on how to submit your information for volunteer opportunities.

Oil Spill Volunteers – This website was started by Mississippi Gulf Coast residents who provide a resource for pairing groups with individuals wanting to volunteer. The website does not oversee volunteer activities, but acts as a matching site.

To Report Oiled Wildlife – Don’t attempt to clean oil wildlife yourself as you may do more harm than good. To report oiled wildlife, call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message.

Get your hair cut for the Coast. It’s an easy way to help. Do you know of other resources to volunteer?

In the Beginning

Once upon a time (like medieval times) each grand castle had a bard or storyteller who would regale inhabitants of the castle with stories and legends. Some of the stories were true and were a way to spread current events or tales of faraway lands. The lord of the castle would also receive news through handwritten parchment letters. Not everyone could read at that time, but they sure did repeat what they heard from the bards in the nearby taverns and this instilled wanderlust in many people. This was the original Word of Mouth Marketing.

Hundreds of years later, in The New World called America, politics and news was spread through stump speeches and a crazy thing called the printing press. In parlors and drawing rooms all over The New World, the younger people would hear stories from those entertaining small audiences with their adventures in foreign lands. This inspired the younger generations to visit lands far away and seek adventures of their own. Again, the power that is Word of Mouth Marketing still seems to be around.

Now, let’s step back as recent as the mid-twentieth century, where pictures in magazines of families in cars inspired an entire generation to explore national parks and do crazy things like actually get on an airplane for travel. People would see these images and dream a bit, but the masses wouldn’t act until they heard a story from a friend or acquaintance telling them that “Yes, it was so much fun” or “No, we didn’t die. It was very safe and enjoyable. I highly recommend it.” Again, that Word of Mouth thing.

Today, we have the internet. Sure, some people still read magazines. I know that I’ll browse through one or two during my doctor’s office visits. But, when I walk away, the magazine stays there. Now, with more than 88% of all travelers researching on the internet before making a travel purchase, it only makes sense that a destination would want to be found online when people search for places to visit.

Why You Need Social Media

I read a post by Jason Falls, a marketing and social media professional, which stated some interesting facts about online information (Read: Exploring the Myth of the Repeat Visitor). The post included survey information that tells a very big story if you have a company or destination – a blog can be your best friend. Searchers may not be looking for YOU, but they are looking for information that helps solve their problem, be it lodging that meets their needs or a destination that offers activities they want to experience. If you can provide the relevant information, then you can get the eyeballs, which may turn into visitors to your destination.

I do feel like I’m preaching to the choir, because if you’re reading this post, you’re probably already aware of the importance of social media in the travel industry. Many destinations (including US State governments) get it. But many DMOs (CVB) see Twitter, Facebook, and blogs as time wasters and not worthy of being recognized as legitimate ways to get the word out about their attraction/destination. My own state of Louisiana fails to recognize social media as a viable outlet to be recognized in the travel industry. I won’t call anyone out personally (I don’t want them let go), but I have been told many times by representatives in upper levels of our tourism that they can’t assist me or invite me on press tours because the State is REFUSING to work with social media outlets. Whether print or online media, we’re all still travel writers, we just publish through different formats.

Help Me Help You

I’m giving various presentations to the travel industry over the next few months and would love your comments. As a travel writer/blogger or other travel industry professional – What are YOUR thoughts on working in today’s time of new media? What are problems that can be addressed so that we can solve issues in this new era of Word of Mouth Marketing?

By Pat Woods

Like other homeowners, husband Rob and I like clean floors but hate vacuuming. Our knee joints rebel at cleaning under beds and heavy sofas. We don’t have to–Roomba Rhonda, our vacuuming robot cheerfully cleans floors for us!

Pat’s robot family includes (from left), Roomba, Dirt Dog, Scooba

U.S. manufactured Roomba is the greatest invention since email. Our robots are welcome family member. Unlike a dog, Rhonda doesn’t need walking or vet services. And she does not bark, bite or make messes. Quite the contrary—Rhonda cleans up after us!

My hubby loves Rhonda. “The engineering and programming is incredible!” he said. “This robot is smarter than some engineers I formerly worked with. And Rhonda doesn’t call in sick, take maternity leave, vacation or smoke breaks.”

Intelligent Roombas are engineered to interact with their environment. Because every room is different and changes frequently, sensors enable robots to maneuver around furniture, objects, people or pets. Powerful vacuum and counter-rotating brushes pull out dirt, dust and pet hair.

Rhonda gets out dirt we didn’t know existed. She deftly maneuvers like a miniature all-terrain vehicle over ceramic tile, plush carpet, linoleum, bound carpet mats and plastic chair mats. “Virtual walls” keep the robot in designated areas. Wouldn’t this be great for grandkids?

Rhonda is user friendly–no computer skills needed. We simply press the power and clean buttons and she takes off. To focus on dirty spots, we press “Spot.” Rhonda cleans until her dirt detection sensor says it’s done. Despite her round shape, Rhonda does a good job in corners, closets and under tables, desks and chairs.

Busy working people like Roomba scheduler models that can be programmed to clean when owners are gone, and then return to the charger on their own.

Caveats: Owners must keep robot batteries charged, empty dirt bins and clean filters. Before we turn on our robots, we pick up little objects that have fallen and move small decorative items off the floor. We kept our regular vacuum—Roombas do a great job on floors but cannot vacuum bookcases or furniture.

For his birthday, I gave Rob Dirt Dog, a garage, patio, deck and workshop floor sweeping robot. Rob beamed as he sat on a stool reading the newspaper while “Rex” robot darted around cleaning the garage floor. Rex is the electric train Rob never got as a kid. The robot’s 4-inch height enables him clean under work benches, automobiles and golf cars.

Because we needed a new floor scrubber after Rob injured his leg, we ordered a joint Christmas gift. Scooba Sam washes, scrubs and dries our ceramic tile floors while we read or watch TV.

Sam preps, washes, scrubs and squeegees hard-surface floors. The round, 13-pound robot deftly cleans under cabinet edges, tables and chairs using a Scooba Clorox/water solution, a vinegar/water solution, or plain water. Virtual walls keep Scooba in the designated area.

“I could never get 700-square–feet of ceramic tile this clean with a mop!” said a smiling Rob. “This dream machine picks up an incredible amount of dust, dirt, grime and fuzz—and it stays off the carpet. Scooba’s engineering is incredible!” 

Although Scooba’s $300 – $450 price sounds high, it costs less than hiring a cleaning person. Our robot investment is a fraction of a weekly cleaning service for a year.

Our robots are much-loved family members who cheerfully work for us and play a happy tune when turned on. Robot wrangler Rob built a 3-tier charging station for our robot family.

Buy floor-cleaning robots from www.iRobot.com, Fry’s Electronics, Costco, Target, Sears, Kohl’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond — or call 800-727-9077. U.S.-based iRobot’s tech support is very helpful. Read robot reviews and get where-to-buy tips at www.roombareview.com. iRobot also makes pool and gutter-cleaning robots.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Kissimmee Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

My family is in vacation planning mode with requests from the younger members of the clan coming in daily. I’ve heard “I want to ride a zip line!” to “When is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter going to open?”

Never fear, this traveling mama is ever ready with the perfect destination for every family to dream about – Kissimmee.

The kids and I decided to check and see just what attractions and places to stay looked like fun places for families to spend their time. We went online at VisitKissimmee.com the official Kissimmee planning site. Here’s where we’d go and what we’d do if we decide to spend our summer family vacation in Kissimmee:

Affordable Family Hotel – We’d possibly choose a vacation home rental with swimming pool, but if we decided to watch our dollars a bit more we’d opt to stay at Seralago Hotel and Suites which offers kid suites, in-room mini fridge and microwave, two heated pools and shuttle service to area theme parks.

Luxury Family Lodging – I’ve experienced the legendary hospitality of two Gaylord properties and I have yet to stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. These resorts are such an experience that they become a destination in themselves.

Attractions – Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Seaworld….Need I say more? Theme parks aren’t the only activities in Kissimmee, though. There’s zip-lining for the entire family, golf for links-lovers, and spas (my favorite). Gatorland is a family attraction that is often overshadowed by the major theme parks but offers a more dangerous kind of adventure – Alligators! And don’t even get me started on all the fun events.

Family Fun – No matter where you choose to stay or what activities you like, Kissimmee has tons of family fun for vacations and holidays. Be sure to consider Kissimmee as your destination when visiting the Florida area for your summer family vacation.

I was nervous. I had dreams (nightmares) the night before about traction and leg casts. My first day of heading out to the slopes at Alta Ski Resort was a bit daunting. I lodged at Alta’s Rustler Lodge, a surprisingly comfortable and unassuming hotel with a relaxing, family atmosphere. This is a ski-in/ski-out property where guests are assigned lockers for their equipment. I was so nervous at the start of my morning that it took me 10 tries to open my locker and reach my gear. I carried my skis and poles with both hands while my boots were hanging over my shoulder. I was off to Alta’s Ski School.

My instructor, Andy, was a very patient man. He showed me how to put on my skis and we went through various exercises, included sliding around on one ski at a time. I learned how to walk sideways up or down a slope and I finally put on both skis at the same time. I had no trouble with the beginnings of learning how to stop with my skis pointed in a V. No falls so far! So we were off to the next step, an actual slope where the preschoolers were learning to ski.

I stood at the top of the slope with Andy waiting halfway for me, encouraging me to start slowly sliding down. I looked around at all the preschool kids skiing in arcs and zooming down the slopes. A few were working in groups, holding on to a hula hoop while their instructor pulled them around. I looked back at Andy and began to slowly shuffle until I started to slide.

Gravity can be a wonderful thing, but for a fluffy 36 year old mama with limited coordination skills, gravity can be your worst enemy. I did start to ski. I went faster and faster, which was fine…..until it was time for me to stop. The awesome stopping skills I mastered earlier in the morning were no challenge for the incline. My right ski had no problem with assisting me; however the left side presented a problem. I have a loss of strength in my left side due to Mr. Miyagi, which I found out during my ski lesson has effected not only my left arm, but my entire left side. No matter how hard I tried to stop with my left leg, it just wouldn’t cooperate – and I fell.

I fell five times.

I didn’t hurt myself. I didn’t even bruise my pride because I embraced my inner spasticity a long time ago. What cut me inside was this brutal reminder that I am fallible and I can’t control what’s happening to me physically. I’ve been positive. I’ve been really, really positive.

When I left my lesson and returned to Rustler Lodge, instead of crying, I reminded myself about celebrating every day. I put on a bathrobe and went downstairs to the bar and ordered a glass of champagne. I sat in a comfy couch with a beautiful view of the slopes and thought about how lucky I am to have these moments and experiences. I decided that I wasn’t going to give up on the ski lessons. Instead, I’m going to find a way to compensate for my left side weakness. I am going to learn to ski. If I fall, I’ll just get back up again.

Right now I’m on a Delta flight enroute to Salt Lake City, Utah. GoGo Inflight Wifi is how I’m writing this post (gotta love technology). I was invited by Ski Utah for a visit to area ski resorts. Why’d they ask me? Well, they knew it was on my list of things to do in my life.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’ve never put snow skis on my feet. Ever. Heck, locating the proper gloves was an issue, but fortunately, a local adventure gear store – The Backpacker – had a winter gear sale. I’ll be sporting boy’s ski gloves that were 1/2 off as I take my beginner ski lessons.

I really thankful that I’ve been invited, as I’ve always viewed travel writing as a priveledge. I’ve had the most amazing experiences and now I get another!

So how’s Mr. Miyagi? I’ve had some emails come in asking how I’m doing. Well, my latest CT scan showed no growth. The doctor said I don’t have to come back for three months. Woohoo! So I’m living life out loud and plan on having a blast.

Mama Guilt – I did have just a little guilt over the weekend. The kids and my hubby have been fantastic, assuring me there will be no problems while I’m away. I know they miss me when I’m gone, as I miss them greatly.

I’m really lucky. ‘Cause I’m about to learn how to ski.

Follow my adventure on Twitter: @Cajun_Mama and I’ll be publishing a few stories on TravelingMamas.com while I’m on location (yes, it’s still there and is going strong, contrary to popular belief).

People forget that social media is all about being social, and I have to admit that I find that I forget myself. I’ve been very active on Twitter and writing blog posts for all my other outlets. Plus, I work a full time job (as many of you do, too). One thing I find myself doing is not being social in my own local community.

Not everyone is on Twitter. Not everyone has a Facebook page. We forget this sometimes. We get active in online discussion in our favorite forum, but we don’t step outside and talk to our neighbors. Heck, no one even picks up the phone anymore. The last time I got an invitation to a relative’s shindig, it was through Facebook. I find this a little bit disturbing.

The other day I stepped outside to check my mail and a poodle ran over and started barking. I had never seen this animal before in my neighborhood, so I checked the collar and called the number provided on the tag. Come to find out, it was the poodle from across the street. These people have lived there for 4 years. My daughter plays with their daughters and I had NO IDEA they owned a poodle.

I made a decision to catch up with my neighbors and even venture out into my local blogging community. I started the other morning with a visit to Community Coffee to catch up with their social media team because, well, they’re nice people to chat with. Then I met some fabulous area bloggers at a meet and greet hosted by VisitBatonRouge.com. This was exciting because I normally network in the travel community or social media peeps at out of state conferences, but I forget what’s right here under my nose. I was really impressed by the personalities and passion for social media that is right here. I can’t wait to see what awesome projects are going to develop here in Baton Rouge, LA.

I’d like to challenge each of you to step away from the computer and step out in your local community. You just might be surprised by what (and who) you’ll find in your own backyard. Be social!

Want to join the conversation? Get in touch with VisitBatonRouge.com and join our facebook group (Baton Rouge Social Media). We’ve got some great events and meetings planned – even a few field trips!

This past Carnival Season has been super busy for me. I joined a local Baton Rouge Krewe (Artemis) and took part in a social media experiment put together by Tom Martin of Zehnder Communications. The experiment, My Mardi Gras Experience was sponsored by Tabasco, Sheraton New Orleans, and Bebo. A few bloggers were brought in to experience the real Mardi Gras that’s celebrated in New Orleans. The purpose was to find a way to change the stereotype of Mardi Gras from drunken debauchery to what it really is – a family gathering that celebrates the spirit of community and giving – all by livestreaming, tweeting, and blogging.

One person that was part of our group was Peter Shankman, former public relations pro and the founder of Help a Reporter Out (HARO). If you aren’t already familiar with HARO, you should go check it out. I’ve used his service successfully for sources to include in cruise articles, gift guides, and most recently my latest book. I finally was able to observe how THE master of marketing works and what makes people love him so much. We chatted and we laughed and I learned a few things that I thought I would share with the masses:

1. Laugh a whole lot – One thing Peter Shankman does is laugh. A lot. I like to laugh too, so I was able to have a good time even while standing in a hotel lobby.

2. Get an air card – We’re mobile people and social media is instant. Peter has an air card so that he doesn’t have to depend on local wifi connections. He admitted that it paid for itself the first three days he used it since he would’ve been charged upwards of $20/day for hotel internet access. I’ve personally had too many nights in a hotel falling asleep with a laptop in the bed and the upload bar still going in circles. Slow connections be damned! I’m taking it to Shankman level.

3. Share a few things that you’ve learned – I may know some things but I don’t know everything. Peter suggested I take advantage of BlackBerry Messenger and was nice enough to set it up for me. Now I have one contact – Peter. LOL!

4. Know your worth – He’s smart. Peter charges for appearances, he charges for coverage and he doesn’t give many things away. People will only value you as much as you value yourself. Want to make money? Don’t give your work away.

5. Fedex your dirty laundry – I caught up with Peter in between trips. He flew directly from Australia and would be setting off for India after the festivities. Why carry around dirty clothes? Sure, you could get them laundered at the hotel, but he said it was only $8 to FedEx compared to the price of laundering. Plus, it was less to pack for the last leg of his journey.

6. Have a blast – This goes along with laughing. Peter is definitely living the moments that come his way and to all outward appearances, he’s having a blast. We could all lighten up a little, so I’ll take a cue from ole Shankman and follow his lead.

7. Don’t filter yourself – Peter says what he thinks and doesn’t have a filter. Sure, in some company this may not always work, but it got me to thinking of all the times I bit my tongue and didn’t verbalize what was on my mind. I’m loosening my filter and there’s no telling what I will say.

8. Work your behind off – This is the entire reason Peter Shankman is Peter Shankman. He may laugh, he may be having a blast, but he’s definitely working his behind off. While at a private party during Mardi Gras, Peter Shankman not only enjoyed the food and drink of our host, Kevin Kelly, but he brought along his laptop to work for that instantaneous social media that we all live for. He took video and photos, edited, uploaded, and tweeted everything out, just so anyone following along could enjoy his experience vicariously through the tweets and updates.

Peter Shankman, it was a pleasure, sir. Thanks for imparting your words of wisdom on this Louisiana Traveling Mama. It was fun, and it was real.

Want to hear Peter Shankman speak? He’ll be at SxSw in March or you can check out his schedule on Shankman.com. Follow him on Twitter: @skydiver or on Facebook: PeterShankman.

The first time I stepped foot inside what is now the Hilton Capitol Center Baton Rouge, I was a little girl. My mom and I were walking in downtown Baton Rouge when a friend of my dad flagged us down and wanted to show us his newest investment, an old run down building. He was so excited. The building used to be the old Heidelberg Hotel which had been abandoned for years. What he discovered when he started renovating was the entrance to an old tunnel. It seems that former Louisiana governor, Huey Long, had built tunnels under the city of Baton Rouge so that he could visit certain places and people without being detected.

Years later, when I heard the building would reopen as a hotel, I giggled like a little girl. I would finally get the chance to check out this historic hotel that is open once again to visitors. 

This year, I joined a local Mardi Gras krewe (Krewe of Artemis) and the annual soiree was held downtown, providing the perfect excuse to have a romantic evening downtown with my husband while we dance the night away. Plus, we would be just steps away from our accommodations and won’t have to worry about having a designated driver.

Valet parking is only $16 overnight (with in/out) and the check in process was fast and easy. The lobby is open and has a romantic historic ambiance that exudes southern elegance. Our room, 432, was clean and passed my inspection test. Don’t look for a closet here, as it is an historic property when closets were an extravagance and taxed. No worries though, as there is a good size armoire for hanging clothes. The bathrooms are also intimate with a shower and no tub, but oh what a shower! And I totally loved the Art Deco furnishings.

The river view rooms have balconies that overlook the pool and the Mississippi River. When we peeped outside, the Mississippi River Bridge was hiding behind the fog, making the evening feel gothic and spooky. It almost felt like it should be Halloween instead of Mardi Gras! We opted to explore the hotel until time for the Saints football game, when we meandered into the Executive Lounge to join the crowd that was already forming. Big kudos to the staff in the Executive Lounge, especially Tracy, who made sure I had Champagne in my glass to celebrate the Saints win. Now That’s attention!

We danced the night away and even snuck into the Apollo ball next door, which was emceed by the one and only Elvira! The night had turned a bit chilly as we walked back to The Hilton Capitol Center and snuggled up in the comfortable bed. It was so nice to enjoy a romantic evening and even better that this historic property is in our own city.

Special thanks to Hilton Capitol Center for hosting our stay. This story is illustrated with pictures taken with my phone and sent through Twitter during the night’s event. Want to know just what goes into preparing for a Mardi Gras parade? Check out TravelingMamas.com and read Those Plastic Beads Aren’t Cheap.