Easy Luxury Vacations

posted by Joyce on May 27

Every day I read various blogs and travel sites. I often find news that can really benefit travelers and those planning vacations, and sometimes I post summaries and links to those stories as I come across them. This is one of those times.

This year with the cost of travel sky-rocketing, many families will be looking for a simple, refreshing vacation close to home. A beach vacation fits the bill.

But are you tired of the same beach and surroundings you go to every year? Check out Dr. Stephen Leatherman’s (aka Dr. Beach’s) Best Beaches in America list to get tips on the best beach vacation spots.

And if you find one that you really like, please come back here and tell us about it.

posted by Joyce on May 23

Traveling is often seen as a luxury that can be afforded only by some and necessitates saving over several months in order to get the holiday you want. This doesn’t have to be the case. With a bit of careful thought and a lot of planning, it really is possible to travel on a budget.

Of course, traveling on a budget means different things to different people. Some would consider a budget holiday to involve backpacking and camping. This type of holiday can be done on a budget relatively easily; the real skill arises when you are trying to get a luxury holiday for a budget price.

The Travel Industry Association of America estimated that the average family spends over $2,200 a year on an extended vacation. This is an enormous amount. If you save just 10% of that amount, think how it will add up over the years.

Interestingly, paying more does not necessarily guarantee you a better holiday. Whenever you are on vacation, you will probably be surrounded by other families, some of which have paid more than you for the vacation and others which have paid significantly less.

One of the most affordable vacations for families is packages where kids stay free. The good news is that there is a mountain of online sites which offer such package deals for families. Let’s take a look at a few luxury vacation spots that are all-inclusive.

• Holiday Inn in Aruba

• Kaanapali Shores in Maui, Hawaii

• Barcelo Beach Resort in Ixtapa, Mexico

• Melia Cabo Real Beach & Golf Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico

• Sunset Beach Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica

• Paradise Island Resort in Nassau, Bahamas

• Crown Paradise in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• Riu Bambu in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Kids fly and stay free in most of the Orlando packages as well. In Europe, the Novotel chain is offering free accomodations for kids ages 16 and under.

With some effort, you can find travel destinations that accommodate kids for free and offer inclusive air and hotel packages as well.

Check with the airlines. Delta has offered kids stay free packages to destinations including: Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando, Florida, Cancun, Cozumel, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.

Other online sites offer kids stay and eat free in Mexico, including: Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Hualtulco, Ixtapa, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.

If you prefer a cruise, many of the top cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line offer kids stay free packages to many Caribbean destinations.

Take the time to research the many sites available online and you will be sure to find destinations that offer ‘kids stay free’ deals. Whether you are traveling during the summer months or off season, there is a package out there for your family.

posted by Joyce on May 21

When choosing the destination for your family vacation, choose places which cater to kids as well as adults. Including a mixture of fun, learning, and adventure makes for a great family vacation.

For example, a trip to the Grand Canyon is not only fun but educational as well. Perhaps you have a teen who loves photography. This would be a perfect place for him to exercise his photographic skills. Or perhaps one of your kids is proficient in a specific second language, such as German. Traveling to Germany can afford the teen the opportunity to practice the language and engage in conversations with local people throughout the trip.

Introducing children and teens to different cultures, whether at home or abroad, can become an invaluable tool both educationally and socially. A trip to the Amish country can be just as rewarding as a trip to Japan. The more children and young teens travel, the better equipped they will be when heading off to college as well as gaining a better understanding of other cultures and people.

Today, families can venture to far off places where, for a short time, they can learn about local customs, recipes, music, and the daily lives of those living in a small town.

For example, if you take your family to Greece, one of the most magical places is Santorini, an island off Greece. All of the homes are white, and the town’s main source of food is derived from the sea. Donkeys are used to transport people up the hilly slopes to the center of town. People come from all over the world to watch the sunset in Santorini.

Kenya is another place in which a family can enjoy many activities and, at the same time, learn the significance and importance of wildlife conservation. Visiting a Masai village to learn how they live, work, and play is an experience no child or adult can ever forget. For example, photographs of Masai women are forbidden as they believe it steals their souls. Respecting the tradition of other cultures is just part of the learning experience when traveling to any foreign country.

Experiencing life in different countries, up close and personal, is important for our kids. Learning tolerance, respect, and preservation of our environment and wildlife are equally important.

The next time you decide to take a vacation, think about the places which are not only enjoyable but offer more than just a typical vacation. Whether it’s traveling to Lancaster, PA, to learn the customs of the Amish or taking a flight to Africa, where wildlife conservation has become more urgent than ever before; family vacations can incorporate activity, involvement, and a learning experience.

posted by Joyce on May 15

Are you traveling this summer for Memorial Day, Independence Day, school vacation, graduation, Labor Day, weddings. . . or anything else?

When you’re shopping around for the best prices, don’t miss Priceline’s 20th anniversary Chop-A-Thon Hotel Sale. They have really chopped booking fees on published prices on over 23,000 hotels worldwide.

posted by Joyce on May 12

In an earlier post, How to Find Suitable Lodging for Your Family, I cautioned you to be aware of hotel amenities that may be extra costs hidden in the price of the room. I had just stayed in a hotel that automatically charged a fee for the room safe.

Here’s an excellent article exposing that tactic and 13 other ways you may be charged additional fees if you’re not careful. Read how “hotels are gorging themselves on surcharges and hidden fees” and what you can do about it.

posted by Joyce on May 10

• Woodloch Pines Resort

Many of the award winning family resorts are beyond the means of those on a budget, but Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, Pennsylvania offers the amenities of a luxury resort for under $350 per night.

Located on a private lake in the Northern Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this family owned resort was voted Favorite Family Vacation Spot by the readers of Better Homes and Gardens.

Open year-round, the resort offers an amazing feast of activities from waterskiing, sail boating, and bumper boats in summer to snow tubing, ice skating and snowmobiling in the winter.

Kids of all ages love the go carts, batting cages, pool water slide and hayrides. Parents enjoy the Jacuzzis, massages for themselves and the all-inclusive rates that are difficult to find at U.S. resorts.

Prices vary depending on room selection, time of year and number of people, but a family of four can purchase a four-night package that includes room and 12 meals for under $350 per night.

• Tyler Place Family Resort

The family-friendly, all-inclusive pricing draws hundreds of families south of the border to Mexico each year. But families don’t have to leave the country to find all-inclusive deals.

Tyler Place Family Resort on Lake Champlain in Vermont also offers this pricing that includes meals, snacks, lodging, and most activities.

Tyler Place’s eight different kid’s programs offer structured nature and outdoor programs for children of all ages. Family water activities include sailing, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, paddleboats, bumper tube rides, banana boats, and lots more.

Other entertainment includes tennis, mountain biking, indoor and outdoor pools, and group sports. Newborn and infant care is provided for parents who want to take art, aerobics classes, or visit vineyards in Quebec.

Discount, off-peak rates for a family of four are just under $300 per night and include lodging with separate children’s rooms, all meals and access to services and activities.

• Nitschke’s Northern Resort

Some of America’s original family resorts focused on simple accommodations that provided easy access to the great outdoors. Nitschke’s Northern Resort, in Minocqua, Wisconsin has carried on the fine example of the original resort, with its tidy accommodations, coupled with the pristine setting on the edge of a lake, surrounded by forest.

Activities include fishing, hiking, boating, jet skiing, or simply relaxing on the porch of your cabin. The beach and playground provide additional play opportunities for children. Ice fishing and snowmobiling trails provide winter entertainment options.

Despite the secluded, natural setting of this family resort, the town is within boating, walking, and driving distance when you need groceries or a change of scenery.

Cabins accommodate up to eight people easily and rates start at an amazingly affordable $180 per night.

Have you been to one of there resorts? Please share your experiences and reviews with us. Read the rest of this entry »

posted by Joyce on Apr 19

Picture a floating, mega, luxury resort with tons to do for everyone in a confined space where you know your kids are supervised and safe.

Many cruise lines offer voyages designed specifically for families, with expanded activity programs and shore excursions for all age groups, and waterslides, ice rinks and climbing walls that keep kids and parents happy for days.

Some cruises have even developed onboard programs that not only feature family together time, but also arrange crucial alone time for parents. Together, parents and kids can participate in mock game shows, story hours, treasure hunts and other activities. Later, adults can schedule a massage or spend time on the sun deck knowing their kids are enjoying a host of supervised games and activities.

Cruises are much like an all-inclusive vacation with the added benefit of being able to explore new and various places.

There are morning-till-night activities for children as young as three on most major cruise ships and plenty to keep adults busy, no matter what their ages. And, because of increased competition in the industry, cruising has never been more affordable.

Even Disney has jumped into the cruise market which can be an especially fun time with your kids!

Booking Your Cruise

As for cruises, experts say to “never, ever” go to the cruise lines or “general” travel agencies. If you’re going with a travel agent, you want to book with a cruise expert, one that specializes in discounting cruises.

These companies get special discounts and upgrades for selling such a large volume of cruises that other sources simply don’t get. But even then shop around before you book, as prices will vary from agency to agency.

Popular Family Cruise Lines

The two most popular family cruise ships we’ve found are Disney and Carnival. Kids will love Disney’s private island – Castaway Cay – and the waterslides aboard Carnival ships will be a big hit!

Both ships offer plenty to do for adults as well, but Disney gears a lot of its activities toward children and teens with special shows, on board discovery activities and special teen nightclubs – no alcohol allowed!

It will depend on when you book your cruise as to what type of savings you can realize.

Money-Saving Tips On Board

When you will be putting out most of your vacation budget buying entry onto the ship, you’ll want to know how to save money once on board as well as during the visits to the ports of call.

• First and foremost, purchase a soda package for the kids. This allows them unlimited soda refills anywhere on the ship – a huge money saver!

• Instead of booking ports of call excursions through the cruise line, rent your own vehicle and explore on your own. Maps of the ports of call are readily available and this allows you maximum flexibility with what you want to see and do.

A note of caution here, be sure to take note of the departure time of your ship and don’t be late! If you’re on your own and don’t make it back to the ship when it pulls out of port, meeting back up with them at the next port of call will be at your own expense.

• On board, they’ll be taking lots and lots of pictures of you and your family. You’ll be tempted to buy these right away, but don’t. Those pictures will still be in the photo shop at the end of the cruise and they will often be discounted then, so buy right before you dock on the last day.

• The same goes for souvenirs and such. Often, the gift shops will discount souvenir merchandise the last day of the cruise. The same T-shirt that sold for $25 at the beginning of the cruise might be $10 at the end, so bide your time and realize savings.

• Check your account balance daily to be sure there are no charges on there that you didn’t make.

• Also, don’t pre-pay your tips. Many cruise lines have this built into the package price, but ask to have it removed then take care of tipping yourself.

Cruising with your family can be a very satisfying experience.

posted by Joyce on Apr 18

In yesterday’s post, I explained the benefits of staying at a Disney resort. Another really good option is camping since Disney has the facilities on their grounds.

• Camping at Disney

If you like to “rough it” you might want to consider the camping facilities on the park grounds.

Fort Wilderness offers guests the opportunity to stay in air-conditioned cabins or secluded campsites for tents and RVs.

There is a concierge desk and laundry facilities.

They also have miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and nature trails ready for exploration.

• Extra Costs

1. Flights

Of course, the prices listed in yesterdays’ post for the resort packages don’t include getting to Orlando. You’ll have to book your own flight or make arrangements to drive or take a train to get there. Because of the airport shuttle service, I highly recommend the airline option instead of driving.

2. Beverages

The first thing to do after checking in at a Disney resort is to purchase a souvenir travel mug. This mug allows unlimited drink refills during your stay at any theme park and at your resort and will save you a ton of money on coffee and soda. Unfortunately, the refills don’t include the tropical drinks, but it’s well worth it anyway!

3. Other Accommodations

You can also choose to stay off the property in a close-by town like Kissimmee or in Orlando proper. The advantage to this is you can book an air/hotel package that will probably be less than what you would pay utilizing Disney’s resort advantages.

By staying off the property, you can also take in the other sights Orlando has to offer such as Universal Studios and Sea World.

The disadvantage is that you will possibly have to arrange your own transportation to the parks, although some hotels have an agreement with Disney to use their shuttle buses from their hotels. Check with your hotel regarding shuttle service.

4. Theme Park Tickets

You may also have to purchase your theme park tickets separately. Disney, however, does have many different packages that make it affordable and you can pick and choose the parks you visit. If you’re not especially interested in seeing the Animal Kingdom, you don’t have to purchase that entrance ticket.

• General Money-Saving Tips

Most of the parks will allow you to bring in small coolers. Bring in your own bottled water or soft drinks or pack a light lunch to avoid the high prices at the restaurants. You can also bring a backpack with you which is a good way to bring in your own snacks to keep the little ones from screaming for French fries or cotton candy which come at a premium price.

I do, however, highly recommend having one meal at a sit-down restaurant inside the park. The prices might be a bit steep, but the portions are generous and you’ll get a much need rest while you enjoy good food. Eat at off-peak times to avoid long waits and enjoy great service.

If you have little ones who love the Disney characters, schedule a character meal to thrill them. Do this first, though, because space is limited and they fill up fast. Don’t balk at the price – the look on your little one’s face will be well worth the money spent.

You will, of course, want to have souvenirs to remember your time at Disney. In the park, these can be quite pricey. A great money-saving tip is to look for outlet stores in Orlando. They sell official Disney merchandise at huge discounts.

Above all, HAVE FUN! You’re on vacation in the happiest place on earth. Enjoy yourself and your family along with everything that Disney has to offer!

Get your copy of The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide to find out how to save BIG on vacations at Disney World.

posted by Joyce on Apr 17

Disney World is unarguably the largest family vacation destination in the United States. But. . . can the everyday family afford to go to Disney World on a limited budget? YOU BET!

There are many options for you to consider on a Disney vacation.

Disney Resorts

The obvious first choice is to stay on the property for maximum convenience and fun.

When you stay at a Disney Resort you get,

• Complimentary Transportation and Luggage Service

• Extra Time in the Theme Parks

• Up to 30% Savings on Dining

At the time of this writing, the theme park is currently offering the following packages for a six night, seven day stay for a family of four:

• $1,600 for a stay at a value resort

• $2,000 for a stay at a moderate resort

• $2,700 for a stay at a deluxe resort

• $2750 for a stay at a deluxe villa resort

• Value resorts include All-Star Sports and All-Star Music hotels with the entire resort centering around those themes. They are fun for the kids and have themed pools and food courts. The rooms are standard, but comfortable and accommodate four people easily.

• Moderate resorts offer more amenities than the value priced ones. These resorts include the Caribbean Beach resort, Coronado Springs resort, and Port Orleans.

These resorts offer themed pools, full service dining areas, whirlpools, and watercraft rentals since most of these resorts are on the various lakes the property has.

The rooms are more luxurious and roomy than the value ones.

The food offered at this resort is more gourmet, and the pools are more elaborate than the All Star Music, but they’re still fun at both places.

• The deluxe resorts are the nicest that Disney has to offer. These hotels include Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, and the Grand Floridian.

These resorts have elaborately themed pools, world class restaurants, room service, valet parking, whirlpools, concierge service, and a fitness center. They go out of their way to insure your comfort and satisfaction which can be very important for some people.

• There are other options you have on the park grounds as well that you can consider for your Disney vacation. Disney also offers vacation club resorts that are basically condos that include the general amenities that Disney offers to all their guests.

These units have multiple rooms, a kitchen or kitchenette, spacious rooms, and valet parking service. This would be a great option for larger families.

Extra Value

When you stay at one of the Disney resorts, you get added value as well. The complex has one of the most elaborate transportation systems around. You can hop aboard a luxury bus and arrive at whatever park you want to visit with no worries. The buses run at all hours and as a guest, you can ride them as many times as you want.

You will also get transportation from the airport to your hotel including baggage service. This is a great perk since you won’t have to worry about traversing the many roads that lead to the various resorts. They’ll take you directly from the airport to your hotel for easy check-in!

The parks open early and stay open later for resort guests. This is an especially great aspect of staying on the grounds because the lines are shorter after hours and you don’t have to wait as long to ride your favorite rides.

Get your copy of The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide and save hundreds of dollars on a Disney vacation.

posted by Joyce on Apr 14

Vacations are for rest, relaxation, fun, and bonding with family and friends. There are times, though, when they turn into battlegrounds. With a little planning, the stress and arguments can be avoided. Here are a few more aspects to address to make your vacation stress-free and fun-filled.

• Be prepared.

Being on vacation doesn’t exempt you from emergencies. Thus, be prepared to respond to emergencies while away.

Pack needed medications and related equipment for family member who require them. Carry more than enough for your planned trip. Save on over-the-counter medication by bringing it with you, rather than buying them “on the other side.”

Carry a copy of your medical and dental insurance cards, physicians’ contact information, and a list of illnesses, prescription drug and food allergies of which any family member suffers. In an emergency situation you could easily forget pertinent information while under pressure.

Also bring along at least one emergency contact number for a family or friend who can be reached should emergency personnel need to contact them for you. Thinking about such eventualities aren’t pleasant, but it’s better to be prepared should they arise.

Leave a copy of your complete itinerary, including your airline and hotel reservations and daily activities, if known, with at least one extended family member. It will come in handy should someone need to contact you concerning an emergency back home.

• Take a credit card along for safety and convenience.

However, it is important to remember that credit should not be used as an extension of your income. No matter how much fun you had on a vacation, it’s never fun to still be paying it off years later. In fact, if you put at $2,000 vacation on your 18% interest credit card and make only the minimum monthly payments, it would take you more than 18 years to pay it off.

• Decide on the ground rules.

How many times have you been on a family vacation and seen parents and children arguing? Vacations are supposed to be fun, not a battleground.

Parents should establish the rules in advance so that arguments don’t take away joy from the day. For example, take children’s spending. To them, nothing in a souvenir shop is too tacky or overpriced. How do you solve this dilemma? It’s simple.

They can buy what they want with their own money but they can’t ask for more. A few months prior to vacation, begin reminding them that they should be saving their funds. Some do, some don’t.

On the eve of departure, you can give them each a specific amount to supplement their savings. After that, they’re on their own. If they spend it the first day, they’re out of luck. Knowing in advance the ground rules on spending, fast food restaurants, and sharing the Game Boy saves countless arguments and embarrassing moments.

• Alternate pricey attractions with those that are free.

• Set the souvenir budget.

Set it before you leave home and stick to it. Suggest the kids start collections along the way – postcards, pins, patches, for example.

• Ask for discounts.

When you call for reservations, ask if there are any other discount deals available – kids eat free, a room upgrade, a second room at half price, etc.

• Get everyone’s opinion on what to do.

Get out a map and talk about where you want to go and what you want to do. Even the four-year-old will have an opinion. Make sure everyone gets at least some of their picks on the itinerary. If the kids are old enough, suggest each one plan a day’s activities.

• Invite a friend for your child.

Consider inviting a friend for an only child or for a sole preteen or teen in the family. He or she will be much happier.

• When vacation is over, take time to regroup and reconnect.

Coming home can be anti-climatic after spending days living out of suitcases and participating in new, exciting activities. After each trip, carve out a portion of the first day or two to unwind. Doing so will help everyone to gently return to your family’s routine.