Tag Archives: summer travel

Save on a Mid-Summer Getaway

Forget about the fact that Wal-Mart and Target erected their school supply displays before the last firework exploded on the 4th of July.  Take a look at the calendar and you will see that there are more than six weeks of summer vacation left before most kids head back to class. For many families, that leaves plenty of time to get in another trip or two before the end of the season.  In fact, if you’ve waited this long to take flight on a summer vacation you stand to save a pretty penny.  According to travel insiders, late August is … Continue reading →

Summer Adventures in Asheville

For many, summer means visits to theme parks, beaches and baseball stadiums.  However, if you are looking to travel to a family-friendly place that offers more than coasters, crabs and Cracker Jacks, head to Asheville, North Carolina. Stroll through the picturesque downtown and you immediately sense that very few people have been able to resist the pull of this Blue Ridge beauty.  After all, it’s not every day that you can immerse yourself in a city that boasts an eccentric hodgepodge of architectural styles that change from block to block. Asheville features everything from traditional southern homes with grand sweeping … Continue reading →

Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun.  Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … Continue reading →

Summer Lovin’ for Less

Ah, summer; a time to bond with your loved ones in the great outdoors.  Whether you cherish trips to the beach, enjoy hiking at area parks or prefer barbecuing in your own backyard, the season of sun allows for a ton of fun. The key to making the most of summer vacation is to find activities that fit your family’s budget.  Whether you are pinching pennies or have some extra cash to burn, top tourist destinations are hoping you will spend some time in their neck of the woods. For example, San Diego is pulling out all the stops to … Continue reading →

Seasonal Surprises in San Diego

Nothing beats spring in gorgeous San Diego.  The amazingly comfortable temperatures, sun-kissed shores and hundreds of family-friendly attractions make the California city a popular vacation destination. This season San Diego is blossoming with a slew of surprises for visitors.  Take a look at the following date, and then planning accordingly so you can make the most of your time and money in “America’s Finest City”: LEGOLAND:  Beginning March 8th, LEGOLAND debuts its newest attraction, a 4-D movie, “LEGO Legend of Chima.”  The flick will be shown at the LEGO Show Place Theater and features a wild chase through the imaginary … Continue reading →

What Are Your Summer Vacation Plans?

Are you planning to take the kids to Disney World or are you opting to travel to Hawaii or the Bahamas with just your spouse? Has the slumping economy forced you to stay closer to home, or is this the summer you finally take your dream European vacation? According to a new American Express survey, the family vacation is alive and well, and the current economy is not putting the brakes on summer travel plans. So, where do you stack up against survey respondents? According to the study, more than half of 2,000 adults questioned will be traveling with their … Continue reading →

Ways to Save on Summer Road Trips

How much are you planning to spend on your family’s summer vacation? A recent survey found that the average American family (consisting of two adults and two children) plans to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on upcoming summer trips. That’s a lot of money in my book. If you are keeping a close eye on your budget, but still want to treat the kids to a memorable summer road trip, then consider the following tips to stretch your vacation dollars: Stay in State: I’m not suggesting driving to the edge of town and pitching a tent to save some dough, … Continue reading →

Spend the Summer Riding the Rails

Are you sickened by the prospect of spending $45 to store your carry-on bag in an overhead bin on a flight that already cost you an arm and a leg? Amtrak hopes you are. The national railroad leader is hoping the hassle and growing expense involved with flying to your vacation destination will prompt you to ride the rails this summer… and beyond. To lure frequent flyers to railroad tracks, Amtrak has been working hard to improve its services and amenities. “We are investing in our infrastructure to improve the reliability, safety and security of our operations,” said Amtrak President … Continue reading →

Interactive Summer Fun

What’s your favorite part of a theme park? Most people travel to amusement parks for the thrills and chills associated with jaw dropping, stomach turning roller coasters that twist and turn in dozens of spine tingling directions. Apparently, monster thrill rides are now passe. According to theme park experts, the latest and greatest additions to amusement parks are interactive attractions. In an effort to win over video game enthusiasts, who are addicted to Wii and the like, theme parks have added new interactive rides and games for summer 2010. The following is a sample of what you will find when … Continue reading →

Theme Parks Go High-Tech

Most modern day amusement parks have enough bells and whistles to thrill guests of all ages. However, with the influx of high-tech toys hitting the market, some theme parks have felt the need to add some electronic wizardry to their collections of topsy-turvy roller coasters and splashtastic water rides. For the summer of 2010 it’s all about special effects and hands-on fun at amazing new interactive amusement park attractions. Leading the pack is Universal Studios, which is debuting several new rides that immerse guests into another world. At Universal Studios Hollywood visitors can get up close and personal with “King … Continue reading →