Outdoor Adventure Bargains

Want to experience a priceless getaway without breaking the bank? If you have been waiting for end of the summer travel sales in order to fund a family vacation, you’re patience has paid off. Several top camping spots are reducing prices as kids get ready to head back to school. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of these outdoor travel deals: Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park is one of Kentucky’s and the nation’s most awe-inspiring recreational treasures. The outdoor gem is loaded with prime spots for hiking, exploring and relaxing with loved ones. What’s more, from now until … Continue reading

Spend Earth Day in the Great Outdoors

Uncle Sam is jumping on the Earth Day bandwagon by encouraging you to head outside this week. It may just be coincidence, but National Park Week is taking place from April 17-25, just in time for Thursday’s Earth Day celebrations. From now through next Sunday entrance fees will be waived at 392 national parks. In addition, many parks have organized events, talks, demonstrations and volunteer clean-ups to encourage visitors to check out what Mother Nature has to offer at our nation’s most spectacular natural treasures. Some of the more interesting events include: April 18th-Get ready to cheer while you watch … Continue reading

Budget Travel: More Affordable Family Fun

Who knew holding off on planning a summer vacation could pay off in the end? For all you parents who have wanted to take your kids on a summer trip, but simply couldn’t afford to do so because of record-breaking gas prices and mile-high airfares, you are in luck. The hotel industry is uniting to offer a helping hand to budget conscious families. The following lodgings are offering spectacular deals on accommodations for clans who want to make the most of the last days of summer. Take a look: COLORADO Right now the Far View Lodge inside Mesa Verde National … Continue reading

Saving on Summer Travel—It is Possible Part 2

Are considering putting the brakes on your family’s summer vacation because you simply can’t afford it? You aren’t alone. Millions of families are reevaluating their annual summer getaways thanks to the exorbitant cost of fuel and the sky-high price of air travel. But the news is not all bad. There is a silver lining in the gray cloud of summer travel. Some hotels across the country are offering amazing savings to help lure cash strapped families to their lodgings. You might have to pay more to get there, but at least you will be saving once you arrive. Take a … Continue reading

Shortening Summer Vacation

Know how to shut down an unruly kid in record time? Tell him that his school is shortening summer vacation. I’ve never seen a mouthy child go silent as quickly as I did last week while watching the evening news at our neighbor’s house.  Education leaders recently began serious talks about lengthening the academic year here. Of course, all my neighbor’s rowdy kid heard was:  “Next year, public school kids across the state could be dealing with a much shorter summer vacation.” The news reporter’s last three words nearly triggered an aneurysm in my neighbor’s kid. My child attends parochial … Continue reading

Spring Fling in Kentucky

College basketball survived Kentucky, but can you survive spending spring break in the “Bluegrass State”? Popular to contrary belief, Kentucky is not only for sports fans. The state is filled with natural wonders, historical landmarks and quirky travel attractions. Exploring all of Kentucky’s recreational opportunities may be a bit much if you are planning to stay for just a week; however, that shouldn’t stop you from soaking up as much of the surroundings as possible. Don’t miss: Mammoth Cave National Park: Even if you are not a nature lover, you will be duly impressed with Mammoth Cave National Park. Categorized … Continue reading

Visit the House from “Up” in Real Life

In further proof of the emotional resonance and technical mastery of Pixar’s “Up,” a building company in Utah has constructed a replica of Carl and Ellie’s home from the 2009 movie. The Salt Lake Tribune has the full story. As Blair Bangerter of Bangerter Homes watched “Up” one night with his family, he was struck by the “incredible lengths the masters at Disney/Pixar had gone to in creating such a wonderfully presented house and felt like a true to life version could be attempted,” according to a Bangerter Homes press release quoted in the Salt Lake Tribune. Salt Lake City, … Continue reading

Our Special Harbor Sprayground is a Fully Accessible Park

If you live in Virginia, or are planning on traveling through that state this Summer, you should check out the Our Special Harbor Sprayground. This is a playground that includes aspects of a water park. It is fully accessible for children who have special needs, and is free of cost for everyone who comes to enjoy it. This is a brand new water park/playground that just opened in May of 2011. Our Special Harbor Sprayground is described as a “sensory and creative family destination.” This is a water park that has been designed to accommodate children who have special needs, … Continue reading

Summer Lovin’: New York and Las Vegas

Still looking for the perfect place to spend part of your summer vacation? Take a look at why these famous cities should be at the top of your list: NEW YORK So you didn’t make it there in time to see Pope Benedict XVI preside over Sunday Mass, but that’s no reason to by pass the chance to sit in a seat at New York City’s Yankee Stadium, especially since time is running out for you to do so. This season marks the last that sports fans will be gathering in the House that Ruth Built. The 85-year-old Bronx ballpark … Continue reading

Got Kids? Even More Ways to Save Money on the Road

Does your family enjoy spending time on the water? Or do they prefer hiking, mountain biking or touring historic sites? Perhaps a better question is can you afford indulging in your family’s favorite activities given the state of our current economy? If you take advantage of the following deals being offered by lodgings across the country the answer might just be a resounding “YES.” The following travel deals could help preserve your family’s summer vacation. Take a look: ARIZONA Lake Powell Resort, located on the border of Arizona and Utah and within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is offering … Continue reading