The Savvy Traveler » Family Vacations

Americans agree: family vacations still worth the money

Jennifer — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:44:59 +0000

(ARA) – Families that play together stay together – at least that’s the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, Americans agree.

In a national study by Expedia.com, 94 percent of Americans agreed it was worth it to take a family vacation. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds. Nearly 85 percent of those surveyed think the time they spend together as a family is what makes a trip special. The good news is, travel costs have dropped significantly in the last year, making family vacations the most affordable they’ve been in years.

This year, rather than forgoing a vacation altogether, many people are staying closer to home and taking shorter trips. Whether you have a day, weekend or an entire week to get away, trips within driving distance can be fun and help save money. In fact, good old-fashioned road trips haven’t gone out of style. Most people (seven in 10) still enjoy them because they like making stops at family-friendly attractions and seeing interesting sights along the way.

Travel expert Lee Woodruff says online resources like Expedia.com are a great way to help plan a great family vacation on a small budget.

“Expedia has a brand new tool called Drive Getaway. You plug in where you are in the country, how far you want to go on a tank of gas or less and they’ll come up with all kinds of ideas and places that you can go with the kids for one, two, three nights, whatever it may be,” Woodruff says.

Some other tips for getting the most out of your family vacation:

Take advantage of last minute deals – More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) who have been on family vacations feel a spontaneous trip is more fun for their family than one planned well in advance of the vacation date. The good news is there’s still time to take advantage of great vacation savings. Snap up dramatically discounted hotel rooms in top cities and beaches at Expedia.com’s last minute deals page.

Revisit the past – Many of our fondest memories come from family trips. Revisiting favorite destinations that you remember as a child can be a great way to spend time off with your family. Nearly two in three (64 percent) parents who enjoyed family vacations while growing up have taken their own families to destinations they visited as a child. “Sharing a trip from your childhood is a special way to connect with the entire family and relive the memories you created in the past,” says Woodruff.

Don’t over schedule – “Remember, this is a vacation! Don’t over schedule. One activity or site a day is plenty,” advises Woodruff. Trips to larger attractions can be alternated with inexpensive or free activities like picnics in nearby parks to help families stick to their travel budgets.

Involve the whole family –“Whatever you decide, be sure to get the kids involved in the planning. They’ll be more cooperative and have a lot more fun if they feel they have a say,” says Woodruff. Cruises can be a great option for family vacations. They offer activities that are fun for everyone and help families stick to their travel budgets since most cruises are all-inclusive.

Think off season – Booking travel during off-peak travel times can help maximize travel budgets. “While more than half of Americans like to take family vacations during summer, booking travel in the fall after Labor Day weekend can be just as enjoyable. Planning travel for off-peak times also allows travelers to take advantage of travel deals and smaller crowds,” says Woodruff. Booking air and hotel together is another way to save money regardless of when you plan on traveling throughout the year. Travelers can save more than $200 per trip when they book their airfare and hotel together.

The average American who has taken a family vacation at some point in their lives admits it has been five years since they had a truly great trip with their loved ones. There’s no better time than the present to hit the road and have some fun making memories with family and loved ones.

For more information about travel deals and destinations visit www.expedia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Three Simple Tips for an Affordable Family Camping Trip

Jennifer — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:35:46 +0000

(ARA) – When faced with financial challenges like those posed by the recent economic downturn, American families tend to react to their decreased discretionary dollars by getting “back to basics.” They pursue different leisure activities and ones that offer quality time that can bring them closer together.

While the jury is still out on exactly how many families will forgo their traditional, theme park destination vacation in lieu of a “staycation” — the more eco-friendly option that is closer to home — for those that do, they will find plenty of good news. Not only can staying closer to home be fun, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. And unlike the typical blow-out summer vacation, staying close to home takes only a little bit of sensible planning, imagination and budget.

One of the best imaginable staycations for families is a return to the great American camping experience. For those who really enjoy roughing it, there are terrific products out there, but if you are among those who are shedding the conveniences of a hotel room for the first time and are seeking a more comfortable experience, consider these top tips for an incredible camping trip:

1. Pick the right campsite.
Backyard or backwoods? Chances are, your backyard is a wonderland that you’ve never truly experienced, and camping there allows you to do so without forfeiting your creature comforts. And it’s free, making this a great first option. But if you’re in the mood for a little more adventure and the idea of getting away inspires you, check out your local campgrounds and parks at koa.com or reserveamerica.com. Many campsites are available, including prime waterfront sites if the deep woods are not your thing, with basic fees of less than $20 per night.

2. Choose the right gear.
Borrow or buy? If you’re staycationing for the first time, borrowing camping gear from a friend is a great idea. It will allow you to try it out without risk and gain a better idea of what features you like when it does come time for you to buy. If you are ready to buy, remember that although purchasing gear is the most expensive part of camping, it is just a one-time expense and with care, your gear will last for years to come at little or no additional cost.

Whether you’re going to be staying at a local campground or in your own backyard, choosing a quality tent is key. Resist the temptation to buy an inexpensive one; with tents, you typically get what you pay for, and if your bargain tent ends up leaking during a sudden storm, you’ll regret the entire experience and be less likely to camp again. To be safe, avoid discount stores and choose a tent from a well-known manufacturer. When shopping, remember that size is very important, too; manufacturers typically list tent sizes according to how many sleeping bags or camp pads can fit inside, so if you need to store extra gear, you’re better off choosing a tent that sleeps more people than you need or that includes added storage space. Consider the Eureka! N!ergy tent — it incorporates a 12-volt wiring harness and when used with the E! Power Pak (sold separately); it powers 12-volt accessories like lights, fans, radios, and cell phone chargers inside. Available in three sizes, it sleeps anywhere from four to 10 people. Visit www.epowertent.com for more information.

Sleeping bags go a long way to bring added comfort and convenience to a camping trip. When purchasing, look for bags that are rated to the lowest temperature you’re likely to see and let the kids take part in the selection; there are several fun and colorful sleeping bags sized just for them on the market. To make the campsite more user-friendly and comfortable, consider adding camp pads beneath your sleeping bag and additional furniture such as tables, folding hammocks, cots and chairs. Visit www.eurekatents.com for more information.

3. Bring the right essentials and be creative.
With the destination set and the gear selected, the rest of the essentials can be quite simple for a brief weekend trip, and often they’re items you already have at home. So, be creative. For example, because camping makes even the most mundane chores fun, even the kids will want to help, so make cooking a family affair by bringing your own portable grill and easy camp recipes from the Web. Let the kids share in the cooking fun by toasting marshmallows and making s’mores for dessert. For personal care, most family campgrounds offer basic amenities, although sometimes they can be limited, so stick to bringing the basic toiletries but skip the extras, like blow dryers. Lastly, remember to bring these inexpensive items that become absolutely priceless in the outdoors: first aid kit, flashlight, pocket knife, charcoal and starter fuel, trash bags, dish soap and for the kids — cards, books, board games and ghost stories for having fun no matter what the weather brings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Get the Most Out of Family Road Trips

Jennifer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:36:02 +0000

Get the Most Out of Family Road Trips

School is back in session, but there’s still time to sneak in a weekend road trip to enjoy the autumn weather with the family. Take a look at your area on a map and find a creative route within three hours of your house – close enough to explore without spending all your time in the car, but still far enough to be a mini vacation getaway.

The majority of Americans are realizing that domestic road trip travel is easier on the wallet than expensive airline tickets and overseas accommodations – even with high gas prices – and are opting for driving-distance destinations. According to the Travel Industry Association, 59 percent of Americans who are currently planning a road trip will not change their travel plans despite rising gas prices. So consider exploring the surrounding museums, amusement parks and state parks that tourists from all over world come to see but you haven’t taken the time to visit.

Here are some tips to help make your next road trip memorable, easy and cost effective:

Car Time is Quality Family Time

Everyone needs a little relaxation and fun with family and friends, as well as entertainment to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time with those you care about — sing your favorite songs, share stories and play your favorite road trip games like I-Spy, 20 Questions or Name that Tune.

Whatever entertainment your family shares – traditional road trip games, watching videos, browsing photo albums – you’ll want to schedule taking turns. Not only will this keep the peace between siblings, but it will help everyone pass the time by having fun together. Also, make sure to keep a cooler stocked with favorite beverages and snacks to keep the whole family happy and full along the way.

GPS with Media Entertainment is Fun for Everyone

Now imagine being able to finally throw away all of those cumbersome maps, shushing the opinionated back-seat driver who is always telling you where to go, and just being able to enjoy the open road chatting about the fun places and things you’re going to see. With the latest combined portable GPS and media entertainment devices, such as the 605 WiFi GPS from ARCHOS, you truly get the ultimate road trip companion that not only guides your vacation while on the way, but gives you and the kids instant entertainment when you arrive. Enjoy reaching your destination with ease with turn by turn directions, listening to music, watching movies on a 4.3-inch touch screen, browsing the Web, looking through your photos and more — all with one pocket-sized device.

Get the Most out of Every Tank of Gas

Few things have the potential to derail your road trip enjoyment like high gas prices. To ensure the adults relish their road trip, it’s more important than ever to improve gas mileage and reduce pain at the pump. Here are a few simple, helpful tips to help you get the biggest bang out of each gas dollar:

* Avoid jack-rabbit starting on acceleration. Stomping on the gas pedal uses about twice as much gas as a modest, gradual start – so leave the lead foot at home.

* Use cruise control whenever possible. This is particularly great for long distance drives, because consistent speeds and less fluctuation in acceleration really help stretch your gas dollar further.

* If you have removable roof racks on your car and you aren’t using them for your vacation, then be sure to take them off. Roof racks affect your car’s aerodynamics, dramatically decreasing your mileage.

* Use your air conditioning as needed – turn it on and off throughout the drive so that it’s not constantly running and sucking the horsepower and gas that your engine needs to run efficiently.

* Finally, make sure to plan ahead and know where you’re going. With GPS devices, such as the ARCHOS 605 WiFi, you will be sure to save gas because you won’t be dealing with getting lost and driving around in circles.

So take some time to brush up on your Name that Tune skills and get ready for some fun, stress-free road trips because great times are just a drive away.

For more information about ARCHOS and its products, visit www.archos.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

As Outside Temperatures Cool, Take Family Vacations Indoors

Jennifer — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:33:30 +0000

Vacation weather forecast? Although there used to be a time when rain or cold could ruin a vacation, a new getaway concept is making a big splash with families no matter what the climate. Amenity-packed indoor waterpark resorts are combining innovative water fun, thrilling amusement park attractions and tropical indoor environments to deliver the ultimate year-round family getaway.

Major advancements in waterpark technology and their ability to provide four-season vacation experiences are translating into a booming indoor waterpark industry. According to industry experts, only 24 waterpark resorts existed in the U.S. in 2000. Today there are more than 140, with more than 30 additional parks soon to open.

Indoor waterparks, which originated in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., in 1994, have helped create thriving year-round travel destinations throughout the U.S.

“We are big fans of indoor waterparks. It’s an easy-to-plan, no hassle getaway that is as much fun for my husband and me as it is for our daughter,” says Natalee Mueller of Sheboygan, Wis. “Not only are they packed full of fun rides and entertainment, you never have to worry about the weather ruining your plans. Summer, winter, rain, snow, whatever … at an indoor waterpark, it doesn’t matter.”

Although most new indoor waterparks usually measure between 30,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet, some resort owners are going bigger to accommodate more amenities and enable even grander creative visions. Kalahari Waterpark Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., currently home to the largest indoor waterpark in the U.S. at 125,000 square feet, is in the process of building a 173,000 square foot waterpark at its Kalahari property in Sandusky, Ohio for those very reasons.

“When it comes to creating a fun and memorable atmosphere for our guests, our motto is go big or go home,” says Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts. “It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and ingenuity to create an exciting waterpark. We believe travelers will continue to choose resorts that really ‘wow’ them and that take pride in making their getaway experience a big deal.”

And while the indoor waterpark resort business booms, so do the attractions which are making indoor waterparks some of the most exciting indoor/outdoor waterpark vacation destinations in the country. Water coasters are taking riders to entirely new levels, with rides like the Master Blaster shooting raft riders up and down hills at speeds averaging 20 mph. Even exotic water sports like surfing now live indoors with the FlowRider surf ride that jets 50,000 gallons of water each minute to simulate a five foot wave.

“People work hard for their vacations and deserve for them to be spectacular,” Nelson adds. “A waterpark is the ideal way for them to get away to a fun, exciting environment where the weather is always perfect, albeit a little wet, 365 days a year.”

If you’re planning a getaway to an indoor waterpark resort, the following are tips to help jumpstart your trip:

* Look for waterparks with features appropriate for your family. If you have little ones, look for toddler friendly play areas with less than one foot of water. If you have teenagers, you want to make sure there are high-octane rides to keep them engaged. There are resorts out there that offer rides to please the entire family.

* Plan your time outside the waterpark. During family downtime, top resorts employ special event staff to offer fun activities from cooking classes to scavenger hunts — review Web sites to check event calendars before you go.

* Pack extra water supplies. Include water shoes that make it easier to navigate the pool decks and swimsuit cover-ups to keep your family cozy on the way to and from the waterpark.

* Don’t forget about the adults. Parents can have fun too by seeking out resorts that feature amenities adults can enjoy such as on-site spas and golf packages.

To find a waterpark in your area, visit: www.waterparks.org. For more information on Kalahari Waterpark Resorts visit: www.kalahariresorts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Family Travel Makes a Meaningful Holiday Gift

Jennifer — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:52:32 +0000

If you’re trying to figure out a great gift for your family considering thinking beyond the latest gadget or today’s hot toy and giving an experiential gift like a great a family vacation. The gift encourages families to spend time together and creates memories that will last forever.

With adventure travel taking the industry by storm, you’re sure to have lots of options that will get everyone excited. Do you see your family sitting on the beach trying surfing, maybe whitewater rafting in the mountains or soaring over majestic scenery in a hot air balloon?

“The idea of the ‘family vacation’ is changing,” says Scott Seed, director of resort marketing, Hyatt Resorts. “Families don’t just travel for some rest and relaxation — they now travel to create memories of unforgettable experiences. And with all their energy, they’re looking for something that will really knock their socks off. What would make a better gift during the holidays?”

Want to give the perfect family vacation with a little adventure, but don’t know where to start? The best vacations allow travelers to develop their own adventure itineraries, with activities that best fit their families’ personality, but also allows them to experience the local culture and geography of a destination they are visiting. Several Internet sites, including HyattAdventureChallenge.com, let would-be travelers get a firsthand look at some of the adventures that other families have enjoyed.

Consider some of these ideas:

A tropical getaway with a twist:
Kauai, Hawaii, is known as one of the most breathtaking of all the Hawaiian Islands. With its pristine scenery and warm, sandy beaches, Kauai offers a range of relaxation and adventure. Take the whole family and give hula dancing a try. Everyone can enjoy the traditional Hawaiian dance as they learn about the culture in the form of spirited exercise on a windswept beach.

A desert retreat seen from new heights:
New Mexico is one of the most treasured places to experience America’s unique desert scenery, including cacti and desert wildlife that your family might not typically see at home. For an unforgettable experience, take the family on a hot-air balloon ride. The spectacular views and refreshing breezes will quench your family’s thirst for adventure.

The view from the top of the mountains:
A true year-round destination, Nevada offers the best of the mountains and picturesque Lake Tahoe while retaining its notable historic character. High-energy, adventurous activities are virtually unlimited. Enjoy a hike on one of the popular mountain trails or perhaps try a round of horseback riding. Feeling even more adventurous? Enjoy an action-packed guided family excursion of rock climbing or white water rafting.

According to the Travel Industry Association, one-half of U.S. adults, or 98 million people, have taken an adventure trip in the past five years. Want to join the ranks? Visit www.HyattAdventureChallenge.com and learn how you can make your next family vacation truly memorable.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Summer Vacation Time? Ohio’s Amish Country Beckons Families

Jennifer — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 03:12:29 +0000

Summer is family vacation season. Soon the kids will be out of school and feeling the wanderlust inspired by warm weather. But families bored by the beach or tired of the theme parks can find themselves looking for something different – a vacation that blends family-oriented fun with education, modern excitements with the best of bygone days.

They’re finding it in Ohio’s Amish country, home to the largest population of Amish in the United States (not Lancaster, PA, as many assume). Convenient to both the Akron and Cleveland airports, the area draws tourists from all over the country as well as from neighboring states within driving distance. Visitors can enjoy the area’s scenic farmland, old-fashioned dining, and of course the sights and handicrafts of Amish life.

And families don’t have to break the bank to find fun in the region. Here are six ideas for things to see and do in Ohio’s Amish country – many of them free:

1. The Midwest has the legendary Wall Drug Store and Ohio has Lehman’s, an old-fashioned hardware store founded in 1955 by Jay Lehman. Established in Kidron, the central marketplace for the Amish country area, the store started out by serving the needs of the Amish community. While it’s evolved considerably since then, the store and its online outlet still emphasize old-fashioned items like non-electric appliances, hand tools, hand-cranked housewares, oil lamps and museum quality antiques.

Recently, the family-owned business purchased an historic barn built in the 1840s, moved it to the store site and rebuilt it (with the help of an old-fashioned Amish barn-raising) in preparation for expanding its operation. When completed, the new store will be more than 30,000 square feet – over twice the size of the original store – and will offer interactive displays, historical information, product demonstrations, café and coffee shop, indoor and outdoor seating and a high-tech theater. The hand-hewn barn will also serve as an historic landmark for Wayne County. You can visit the store’s Web site, www.lehmans.com, to learn more.

2. Your family may not be in the market to buy a prize-winning heifer, or even a few chickens, but the kids will still enjoy a turn through the Kidron Auction Livestock Sale and Flea Market. Held every Thursday (except on Amish holidays), the auction is Ohio’s oldest consignment livestock market. Admission is free and food vendors are on hand with traditional Amish country fare as well as kid-friendly cuisine.

On special days in spring and summer, large machinery sales also take place. For sale dates and more information, call (800) 589-9749 or (330) 857-2641.

3. Shrock’s Amish Farm in Berlin, Ohio offers a unique window into the Amish lifestyle with guided home tours, a farm animal petting area, Amish buggy rides and shopping. To learn more, call (330) 893-3232.

4. For a real taste of Amish tastes, dine at the Amish Door Village restaurant. The 30-year-old establishment serves hearty Amish-style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed on Sundays, the restaurant serves delicious fare that’s great for kids – who often crave familiar and simple foods while on vacation. Two locations serve travelers and locals alike in Wooster and Wilmot, Ohio. Carriage rides are available and the restaurant also offers a bed and breakfast.

5. Public gardens or plant nurseries are great places for kids to either blow off some steam with free run of the grounds or quiet down and learn something about botanical life. Quailcrest Farm, located in Wooster, Ohio, offers both gardens and greenhouse. Visitors can stroll (or frolic) through the gardens then stop by the 12,000-square-foot greenhouse for some gardening advice from the farm’s professional growers. Special events and programs take place throughout the year. Call (330) 345-6722 for more information.

6. Vacationers know shopping is not a spectator sport and Ohio’s Amish country offers diverse wares in rustic as well as modern environments. At P. Graham Dunn Woodworking and Laser Art Gallery in Dalton, visitors can watch craftsmen engrave inspirational messages on wood items, tour the laser room and browse a beautiful gallery filled with great gift ideas. In Mt. Hope, Homestead Furniture showcases high quality hand-tooled hardwood furniture in a 27,000-square-foot showroom. Coblentz Chocolates in Walnut Creek provides tours and samples of hand-dipped confections, from chocolates, homemade caramels and truffles to nuts and a great selection of sugar-free items. Finally, drop in to Walnut Creek Cheese for a variety of locally made cheeses, meats, jams, jellies, kitchen supplies and homemade ice cream.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Indoor Waterpark Getaways Mean Year-Round Family Fun

Jennifer — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 02:57:34 +0000

Indoor waterparks, which originated in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., in 1994, have helped create thriving year-round travel destinations throughout the U.S.

If you’re planning a getaway to an indoor waterpark resort, the following are tips to help jumpstart your trip:

* Pack extra water supplies. Include water shoes that make it easier to navigate the pool decks and swimsuit cover-ups to keep your family cozy on the way to and from the waterpark.

* Don’t forget about the adults. Parents can have fun too by seeking out resorts that feature amenities adults can enjoy such as on-site spas and golf packages.

To find a waterpark in your area, visit: www.waterparks.org. For more information on Kalahari Waterpark Resorts visit: www.kalahariresorts.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Helpful Tips on Planning an Affordable Family Vacation

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:17:30 +0000

Are you planning a family vacation sometime soon? Do you need help planning your vacation? Are you on a limited budget? Do you want to plan the best vacation possible with the least amount of money? Then read on for some helpful tips on planning an affordable family vacation.

Most people over pay for everything when they travel. Did you know that the listed prices for hotels and airlines are NOT the final price? Did you know that when traveling, if you are somewhat flexible with your arrival times, you could possibly get a first class ticket without paying extra? This and several other helpful tips on planning an affordable family vacation are listed below.

Helpful Tips on Planning an Affordable Family Vacation

-Book everything at least 30 days in advance. Hotels and airlines offer discounts for people who plan ahead. You can save up to 30% on airline tickets, bus tickets, and hotel rooms by booking in advance.

-Consider traveling by bus. The average bus ticket cost only a fraction of the cost of a plane ticket! If you are traveling anywhere within a 500 mile radius you can get there the same day. You can get almost everywhere in the United States within 2 days traveling by bus. This option gives you a good chance to see the country and unwind from the busy life back at home before your vacation starts. You can see so much from a bus. You can see the mountains, lakes, cities, beaches and so much more from a bus. From a plane, all you see is clouds!

-When booking a flight, don’t settle for the cheapest listed price. Those are NOT the cheapest. Airlines have to make a profit, so they list the price online that will give them the most profit while still competing with the other airlines. They can still go lower without losing money on the seat. But why would they post their cheapest price when other airlines are charging higher prices. Competition is what really sets the price of a seat. Have you ever noticed when looking online, most airlines have almost the same prices. If one of them drops the price by $200, you can be sure the others will be soon to follow to keep business. Use this knowledge to your advantage. When you call, negotiate with them. Tell them what you can afford to pay. Be reasonable. If you can’t afford to pay more than $20, there is no amount of negotiation that will get you that ticket. Take their cheapest listed price and start with 40% less than that. If they say no, ask for a supervisor. Eventually they will negotiate with you to keep your business. For a $1000 flight you may start negotiating at $600 and finally agree on $800, but that’s a $200 savings on each ticket you buy. That’s a good deal. The same tactic works for most major hotel chains as well!

-Take a bump! When you book a plane ticket, sometimes they overbook the flight! If this happens they will begin offering to “bump” volunteers. This means they will offer you something for the inconvenience of missing this flight and taking another flight. They will offer cash, free tickets, and other freebies. They will put you on the next available flight. Many times, since first class is rarely overbooked, they will place you there. You don’t always get first class, but many times you do. So you got cash, free future flights, and a first class flight, just by being generous to offer your earlier seat! Now that’s a deal!

There are many helpful tips on planning an affordable family vacation. These are the ones that the travel industry does not want you to know. It saves you money and they want your money! Travel the world, on any budget!

Budget Busters for those Bound for Disney World

Jennifer — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:56:59 +0000

Disney World is definitely a magical place filled with things to do and see and experience. Whether you are taking your kids, or just going as a grown up kid, you will be sure to enjoy the place that is so much more than a theme park. From Epcot to MGM Grand to the Disney World itself and the many rides and gardens and entire worlds it contains inside, the wonders never stop. The one thing that is not necessarily magical is the price. No fairy godmother is going to make your bills disappear after a trip to Disney World. The best way to start is with a package deal. After you have paid your up front costs for entrance into the parks, watch out for sneaky costs and you will be fine. Keep the following in mind:

The Gas Pump

You will probably be surprised at how things magically get more expensive the closer you are to the park. Gas prices will be difficult to manage in Florida. To keep your costs down, you may want to rent a car with very high gas mileage. Also, plan ahead so that you can fill up at the most reasonable pump you can find. Hotels and other accommodations will also be expensive near to Disney World, so donâ€™t set up camp across the street, but also donâ€™t stay so far away that you have a hefty commute every day. Driving too far will mean more money in the gas tank and less time spent in Disney World, where youâ€™ve paid to be.

Hotels

As already mentioned above, the price of hotel rooms can be very high. Shop for hotels before you arrive in Florida to make sure you have a reservation and donâ€™t get stuck in whatever is left. Look for a hotel that is actually a reasonable distance from Disney World. Donâ€™t just trust the advertising. It will be helpful to plug addresses into an online source for driving directions. If you and your family are comfortable with camping, that can be an inexpensive and fun alternative to a hotel. Some campgrounds are even located near orange groves where you can pick your own fruit for a great price.

Food

The most common way to run up a vacation bill from Disney World is with food. It is next to impossible to find reasonably priced food in or near the park. The vendors along walkways and the restaurants nearby can charge very high prices because they are all the food available. The officials at the entrance do not allow you to bring in your own food. The best thing to do is to eat breakfast before you go. That way you wonâ€™t be hungry immediately when you get there. Bring water for the whole family to prevent dehydration and unnecessary purchases of less nutritious beverages. Plan on eating a light lunch at the park, but make your big meal a dinner after you have left. Drive a little ways away from Disney World and you will be able to buy much more food for much less money.

Disney World vacations are a lot of fun and they can be priced reasonably. To make sure you get the deal you are expecting on your trip, keep in mind that there are some things that can run your bill up. Pay attention to what you are spending and be choosy about where you take your money. Doing a little research about what to expect to pay will give you a jump start on spending wisely. Shop carefully for gas, lodging and food and you will get a great vacation for a reasonable price.

Vegas A One Stop Vacation Spot for Everyone in the Family

Jennifer — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 22:30:43 +0000

Las Vegas has always been referred to as an adult playground. This reference has stuck with Sin City for good reason: much of the entertainment is adult in nature, and while there is no official â€œkeep outâ€ sign for children, the rated nature of much of this entertainment does make it appear that the younger set is not as welcome. Of course, Vegas insiders know that Las Vegas is a one stop vacation spot for everyone in the family, no matter what their age may be. Granted, it takes a bit more finesse to traverse the city with the kids in tow, but with a bit of planning this may very well be the vacation of a lifetime for everyone involved.

Here are some spots to consider when bringing along everyone in your family:

Â§ Enjoy your food. Bringing children along does not automatically sentence you to breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the local fast food joint. Sure, you will probably at some point in time visit the golden arches to appease your children and your wallet, but family dining can also take place in style at such venues as Bertoliniâ€™s in Caesarâ€™s Palace where large portions and complimentary bread will feed even the hungriest bunch, Jimmy Buffettâ€™s Margaritaville at the Flamingo where burgers rule, or at P.F. Changsâ€™ China Bistro at the Aladdin.

Â§ While the Circus Circus is a casino, it does offer some special attractions for the kids. There is the indoor theme park that is specifically designed with children in mind. Arcade games, miniature golf, and even a rollercoaster will be sure to entertain the children for hours on end. Another casino that has games and attractions for kids â€“ well away from the slot machines â€“ is the New York New York.

Â§ For a family outing away from the glitz and pinging noise of the machines is Red Rocks Canyon where you will be able to rock climb, ride on horseback, hike, or even take a bike tour. This area is close enough to Las Vegas to make for a perfect daytrip, yet far enough away to give you a break from gambling. This is a wonderful place for a family outing.

Â§ For the experienced golfer in your midst there is the Bearâ€™s Best Golf Club designed by Jack Nicklaus and sporting a par 72. Green fees could be considered to be a bit steep at $200 plus per game, but because of the expertise that went into the course design it is worth every penny! For the more fee conscious golfer there is the Desert Rose Golf Club which offers a par 71 and reasonable fees at about $75 per round of golf.

Â§ For the shop a holic in your group there are the fashion outlets of Primm Valley, which is located at the state line of California. If you want to shop while in Vegas, there are still plenty of outlets, such as the outlet mall named â€“ appropriately â€“ Las Vegas Premium Outlets.

Â§ For seasoned gamblers â€“ and those who want to be â€“ there is the casino at the Mandalay Bay. Large, well ventilated, and with plenty of waitresses ready to bring you free drinks, this is one of the nicest gambling establishments around. If you have a heavy pocket full of nickels, however, you will want to try the games at the casinos around the Circus Circus. These slot machines are aimed at the gamblers, who like the lower denominations, and the games are fun, the feel is family like, and you will always be able to get a good hot dog and a cold beer to sustain you.