Holiday Geography Fun for the Whole Family

Do you know where in Missouri the city of Noel is located? How much do you know about Santa Claus, Indiana or Bethlehem, Pennsylvania? Could you find them on a map? Noel, Santa Claus, and Bethlehem are just a few U.S. cities with Christmas-themed names. Heck, there’s even a Christmas, Florida. This time of year these merry locales see a surge of visitors, and locals do their best to make everyone feel welcome. Out-of-towners who make the trip are treated to spectacular holiday light displays and other seasonal attractions. If you are looking to spend some quality family time with … Continue reading

More Ways to Save Money on Luxury Summer Vacations

If you have been putting off taking a family vacation this summer because you simply couldn’t afford to take one, then I have some welcome news. Several luxury hotels are slashing prices on rooms in order to generate business. High-end properties that most of us would ordinarily only read about in magazines are offering attractive summer rates and special package deals to fill rooms. Take a look at some of the swanky lodgings that are trying to make up for a reduction in business travel this summer by offering red hot deals to vacationing families: NANTUCKET If you are looking … Continue reading

More End of the Summer Travel Destinations

Where have you gone this summer? Did you finally take that family trip to Hawaii or were you able to scrape up enough cash to jet off to Europe? With the economy in a slump many families have opted to stay closer to home this summer and it has paid off. You needn’t take a long flight or drive 300 miles to have the vacation of a lifetime; rather if you live near popular tourist attractions you can simply make the most of what’s in your own backyard. Miami, Florida The ritzy neighborhoods on the north end of Miami Beach … Continue reading

Disney Hikes Prices—How Much You’ll Have to Spend to Visit Mickey

Getting into the House of Mouse is going to cost you more. New admission prices went into effect today at Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida. Tickets for guests aged 10 and older to Walt Disney World in Orlando now cost $75 (up from $71), while tickets for children aged 3 to 9 are now priced at $63 (up from $60). At Disneyland in Anaheim, one-day prices are now selling for $69 (up from $66) for those aged 10 and older, and $59 (up from $56) for children aged 3 to 9. In addition, the park hopper option, … Continue reading

Family Travel: Something for Mom

While dads do their fair share of loading the van, schlepping luggage and strollers in and out of the hotel and helping to round up the troops, in most families it’s mom who takes on the larger tasks of planning, packing and executing the family vacation. At the same time it is very rare for a mom to plan any part of a family vacation around her own interests. Generally the trip to the amusement park, waterpark, campsite, etc. is designed around the children’s interests. (Yes, most moms would say that they are happy just getting to spend time with … Continue reading

Summer Travel: Mermaids for Kids and Summer Camp for Parents

Under the sea Under the sea Darling it’s better Down where it’s wetter Take it from me My 4-year-old daughter can belt out the words to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” songs with the best of them. Which is why I would love nothing more than to take her to see the real Ariel in person. If you have a “Little Mermaid” lover in your family you might consider making the trip to Florida, or now, South Carolina. The mermaid swimmers who perform at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida are coming to Myrtle Beach. According to reps for the swimmers, this … Continue reading

There’s Still Time to Snag a Super Summer Travel Deal

It’s true; summer vacation for some folks is rapidly drawing to a close. Wal-Mart already has its back-to-school supplies out and in some states where year-round school is in place classes for the new year begin in a couple of weeks. If your family has yet to escape on a summer getaway the clock is ticking. The good news is that there are still a number of travel deals to be had. Take a look: HAWAII Securing a flight to Hawaii has gotten harder and more expensive in the last few months so this next deal is a rare find. … Continue reading

Beach Vacations that Won’t Break the Bank

Who says you have to obtain a passport to vacation at the world’s best beaches? The United States is home to thousands of miles of spectacular sandy coastline and now’s the time to experience fun in the sun, especially if you are working with a budget. The summer months spark dozens of travel packages aimed to help families save on airfare and hotel accommodations. Take a look at these hot summer deals waiting for beach lovers to snap up: CALIFORNIA One of San Diego’s most luxurious resorts wants you to spend time sunning yourself on their property this summer. And … Continue reading

Super Summer Fun: Wet and Wild Waterparks (Florida)

What would a trip to Florida be without visiting one of the areas many waterparks? The Sunshine State is home to more major waterparks than any other state in the entire country. It makes sense given that the region sees some the hottest year round temperatures than any other state in the nation. If you are planning a summer road trip to the sticky south you might consider making a pit stop to cool off at the following Florida attractions. They are wet, wild and filled with wonderful ways to beat the scorching summer heat: ORLANDO Aquatica by SeaWorld is … Continue reading

Summer Travel: American Girl Fun and All-American Flower Display

If you have an American Girl fan in your home you might consider heading to Cincinnati’s Museum Center at Union Terminal this weekend. That’s where hundreds of tween admirers of the American Girl franchise (from dolls to clothes, books to movies) will be gathering today and tomorrow. “Kit’s World Tour” serves as the kick-off to next weekend’s nationwide release of the new big screen feature “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl.” The film is based on the books about a 10-year-old budding journalist in Depression-era Cincinnati. Admission to the event is $10 per person and includes Kit-related activities such as climbing … Continue reading