Sherman's Travel

Making sure the kids (and adults) are entertained while on a summer road trip can really make or break your vacation. The new book What’s Great About . . . I-95 by road trip expert Barbara Barnes offers a fun and educational way to pass the time while cruising down one of the U.S.’s most-traveled stretches of highway.

“It really does make [the ride] go faster,” says Barnes of the book. “It keeps the driver alert, and it makes the drive more fun.”

With sections broken down by state and points of interest designated by mile marker, Barnes maps out all 1,925 miles of I-95 from Houlton, Maine to Miami. The book highlights sights to look out for from the highway (like the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Pennsylvania and the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia) while providing little-known facts about notable people and places (The first woman to run for president? Victoria Woodhull, in 1872).

Now that you’ve got the car ride entertainment covered, we asked Barnes for her advice on planning the rest of your vacation. Here are five tips for the perfect I-95 road trip:

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Stay at a luxe New Hampshire mountain resort and ski for free this year! Book a “Stay Here, Ski Free” package at the historic AAA 4-Diamond Omni Mount Washington Resort and then hit the slopes at Bretton Woods, the state’s largest ski area (recently voted number 1 in New Hampshire by Ski Magazine). Packages start at $99 per person, per night. The resort offers a full-service spa, fine and casual dining, indoor/outdoor pools, and a complimentary resort shuttle. Stay through April 15, 2012.

THE VALUE: Even for resort guests, two à la carte lift tickets would cost at least $116 ($58 per adult midweek) – more than the cost of the room and tickets with this offer.

THE CATCH: Blackout dates apply.

THE DETAILS: Visit the Omni Mount Washington site for more information and to book.

WE’VE GOT MORE: See our Bretton Woods Travel Guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, hotels, packages, and more travel deals.

The home of Dartmouth College and a cultural hub for the region, Hanover, N.H., makes an ideal getaway from Boston, and it’s doable for a short jaunt from New York City. We’ve put together the perfect 1-2-3 Weekend – 1 hotel, 2 restaurants, and 3 things to do – to showcase the top offerings in the greater Hanover area.

1 – Hotel

The history of the Hanover Inn dates almost as far back as that of Dartmouth. Founded as a tavern in 1780, the hotel moved into its current location in 1903. And it certainly is quite a location: The inn sits on the Dartmouth College Green and within easy walking distance of charming downtown restaurants and shops (as well as national chains like the Gap). Ninety-three rooms and suites sport a classic décor – some have four-poster beds – while offering modern perks like free Wi-Fi. The hotel has two restaurants and a seasonal terrace, but you’ll generally find less pricey fare in town. Rates from $249/night in August. Main Street; 800-443-7024; www.hanoverinn.com

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Escape to the romantic island of New Castle, New Hampshire this fall and relax before New England’s majestic transition to fall. The Wentworth by the Sea is offering a fall foliage package that includes a two-night stay, breakfast for two each morning, $50 spa credit at the full-service Wentworth spa, and complimentary dessert for two with purchase of an entrée ? all for just $478! The historic Wentworth is situated directly on the harbor and just outside of Portsmouth, and offers additional amenities including waterside dining, tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor pools, and a marina!

THE VALUE: With the Fall Foliage package, rooms start at $239/night ? up to $80 cheaper than standard rates.

THE CATCH: Taxes and gratuities are not included.

THE DETAILS: This package is valid through November 24 and can be booked at www.wentworth.com, using the promo code FLP.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find great flight deals to the Northeast using our Travel Search price comparison tool.

Use our New Hampshire Travel Guide to help plan your weekend getaway.

Visiting coastal New England during the late fall and early winter can mean fewer crowds and bigger savings. If you’re looking to experience the allure of the Northeast but don’t want to break the bank, consider staying at the stylish and contemporary Ale House Inn located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on the banks of the Piscataqua River. This urban boutique inn, located in the historic Portsmouth Brewing Co. building, is offering an exclusive deal for ShermansTravel.com readers from November 1 through December 30 which will grant guests a third night free with any 2-night booking. Nightly rates start at just $179 and each room features an iPod docking station as well as a 32-inch flat screen television. Be sure to mention “Sherman’s Travel 3rd night free” when booking over the phone. For more information, visit www.alehouseinn.com or call 603-431-7760.

Located minutes from Weirs Beach in New Hampshire’s picturesque Lakes Region, the historic Lighthouse Inn Bed and Breakfast is the place to come for a romantic weekend.  Surrounded by three functional lighthouses, this country inn offers five cozy guestrooms with private baths, featherbeds, and working gas or electric fireplaces. Starting at just $162/couple, the B&B is offering a two-night Romantic Getaway package for two from now through June 1.  This special rate covers accommodations, complimentary champagne and chocolates, and a full hot breakfast both mornings of your stay.