Coin operated fun in San Francisco...

Musée Mécanique is a private collection consisting of over 300 mechanically operated musical instruments (think player pianos) and antique arcade machines from the 1800's through present day video games. Admission is free and most of the machines can be played for 25 cents. I took my young son and for $10.00 we had two hours of fun - playing the games, listening to old music (on one occasion, dancing) and having our fortunes read. Musée Mécanique is a wonderful hidden gem. If you find yourself in San Francisco, with kids or without, make your way down to Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 45 at the end of Taylor Street) and spend a few hours going back in time. Website: www.museemecaniquesf.com

Sharon DeVellis blogs about life and is the editor of the Yummy Mummy Club. Website: http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/the_inside_scoop Twitter: http://twitter.com/SharonDV

5 quick tips for baby's 1st big trip...

New momma? Get ready for the first trip of your new life!

1) Separate your belongings amongst your luggage. If a bag gets lost, it’s not the one with ALL of baby’s things.

2) Get baby accustomed to room temperature bottles and food. Saves the hassle of heating while you’re en route.

3) Pack baby’s bedding from home. The familiar feel and scent will help with sleeping in a new environment.

4) Don’t begrudge baby’s naps. Plan your outings around them and take the opportunity to rest yourself.

5) Prepare yourselves for the rock star treatment. In some cultures, babies are absolutely fawned over. Shy babies may not like the attention, but some can’t get enough!

Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel – your guide to family travel with babies and toddlers. Twitter: http://twitter.com/hvbabywilltrvl

Find a balance between adventure and safety...

Undoubtedly, some of your most memorable travel experiences will come from venturing off-the-beaten-path, but it’s important for women to find their own balance between adventure and safety. When I visit a new place, I always ask my hotel concierge or a trusted local to mark 'no-go zones' on my map, so I’ll be aware of dodgy areas that I should avoid. I also keep a couple of hotel business cards with me. This way, I always have the address on hand, which is especially helpful when traveling in foreign countries. You can show your cab driver the card, so there is no confusion about where to go.

Jennifer Gaines is the Travelocity Contributing Editor, www.windowseatblog.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenngaines

A rain poncho for your camera...

Some of my best photographs have been taken in the rain. That said I'm always figuring out ways to protect my camera from getting very wet. If you should find yourself trying to take photos in the rain with your DSLR camera (and no camera poncho), you can make one from scratch using a gallon Ziploc bag. Just cut out the bottom corners to slip the camera straps through and shoot through the opening. When not shooting zip the bag for extra moisture-proof protection. It works for me!

Gray Cargill is the travel blogger behind SoloFriendly.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoloFriendly

Checking out the night life...

Many solo travellers are concerned about going out in the evening. I have found a couple of ways to do so safely and have fun. When going to a bar or small club, arrive early and sit at the bar. This gives you a bird’s eye view of the place which is both entertaining and good from a safety perspective – it puts you in the power position. Subtly let the bartender or your server know that you are alone – they will likely protect you from unwanted attention. If you are going to a larger club and there is a line-up outside, look for other tourists. They are often easy to spot. Approach those who look safe as if they are friends you were going to meet and ask if you might join them just so that you can get inside and determine if this is a place where you feel safe. Any time you go out in the evening limit your alcohol and be choosy about who you speak with.

Janice Waugh is the editor of Solo Traveler Twitter: http//:twitter.com/solotraveler

BONUS TIP -- Cheerful at Sheraton Heathrow Hotel...

I recently travelled to Wales which required a late arrival in London Heathrow Airport. That meant a sleepover near the airport in order for me to continue my journey early the next day. I chose the Sheraton Heathrow Hotel which is less than a mile away from the airport's Terminal 5. Transportation to the hotel cost me just £4 with the airport's Hotel Hoppa service and the transfer was extremely easy. Ask at the airport information desk where the bus stops are located.

After a long flight it was a pleasure to take a long hot shower in an immaculate bathroom and get into Sheraton's trademark Sweet Sleeper Bed. And ...I can vouch that my 'sleep' was indeed 'sweet.' I left early the next morning and had breakfast at the airport.

What I appreciated most about my stay? It was the welcoming atmosphere and the prompt, cheerful service delivered with a very BIG smile. Bravo Sheraton!

P.S. If you book in advance room rates are discounted. Website: http://www.sheratonheathrowhotel.com/

P.P.S. The Sheraton Heathrow Hotel also recently opened the Link@Sheraton, which is located in their lobby and allows 45 minutes of free internet access per day, either via the terminals provided, or with your own laptop using the ethernet cables that are provided at the Link.

(Source: Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman Editor)