If you can deal with dirty looks from your kid’s teacher, then consider heading off on a pre-Christmas getaway. Families working with a tight budget, who want to sneak in a winter vacation before Santa Claus comes to town, must act now.
Dozens of family-friendly vacation destinations are offering money-saving deals for clans who complete their travel before Christmas Eve, including:
California: Don’t wait to do Disney during your child’s winter break from school. Rather, if you want to save big on hotel accommodations, travel during the first three weeks of December. That’s when you will find deals like the one being offered by the Candy Cane Inn in Anaheim. Conveniently located on Harbor Drive, within walking distance of both Disneyland and California Adventure, the property is featuring rates in early December between $130 and $150 which includes breakfast, shuttle service and free parking. Now is also a fabulous time to score amazing rates on airfare to Los Angeles from the Midwest. Expedia is offering a roundtrip fare from Chicago to LAX for just $225.
Massachusetts: Boston is well-known for its kid-friendly attractions and during the holiday season your clan can soak up the fun and educational activities for a steal. Properties, including the popular Charlesmark Hotel, are offering rooms for as low as $115 per night through Christmas week. While you are in town, don’t miss strolling along Commonwealth Avenue, Newbury Street, Public Garden and Boston Common. That’s where you will find an array of eye-popping seasonal decorations, as well as hands-on history lessons, and super shopping opportunities.
Phoenix: If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Grand Canyon minus the massive crowds, now is the time to get packing. One of the country’s most popular tourist attractions shifts into winter mode during the first week of December. Translation: No crowds and super savings on hotel rooms. Rates at nearby properties, including the historic cabins at Bright Angel Lodge can be had on some early December dates for less than $115 per night. The rates drop to just $70 per night, if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom with other guests. In addition to scoring cheap hotel rooms, by traveling in early December you will be able to enjoy access to roads that are normally reserved for shuttle buses during the high season.