Family Travel: Cheap Thrills in Washington, D.C.

Who says you have to mortgage your home to pay for a family vacation? With the skyrocketing price of gas and the exorbitant cost of airfare most families would agree that taking a trip these days requires some major financial wrangling. However, there are ways you can make the most of a family getaway—-no matter how cash strapped you may be–if you look in the right places. For example, Washington, D.C. is loaded with free and cheap attractions that will appeal to everyone in your clan. Many of the area’s museums, monuments and other star attractions are run by the … Continue reading

D.C.’s Newest Family-Friendly Educational Destination

There is no question Washington, D.C. is one of the foremost educational vacation destinations in the world. And now families have yet another attraction to add to their list of must-see sites in the area. D.C.’s Newseum is a massive, multi-million dollar complex that celebrates newsgathering and teaches visitors “news is necessary to a functioning democracy.” The $450 million, 643,000-square-foot translucent structure held its grand opening ceremony today. The Newseum sits on Pennsylvania Avenue a few blocks from the Capitol near the National Mall and is preparing to host more than a million visitors in its first year. For $20 … Continue reading

Kid-Friendly Travel Destinations—Baltimore

If you are a parent like me, trips to new cities typically include obligatory tours of the local zoo, the children’s museum, parks, or the aquarium. If you are lucky your destination city offers even more in the way of hands on learning via lesser-known attractions. In Maryland one such place is The Baltimore Museum of Industry. The building was designed to give visitors insight to the history of machinery in the city. But since its opening the museum has become a magnet for school groups and a place where parents can participate in hands on history lessons with their … Continue reading

New Addition to One of D.C.’s Most Popular Attractions

More than 4 million visit Washington, D.C.’s Vietnam War Memorial each year. Over the years the black granite wall, which features the names of nearly 60,000 soldiers who died or remain missing has welcomed some notable additions, including statues of soldiers on patrol, a tribute to female veterans, and a plaque honoring those who died after the war as a result of injuries suffered in it. However, none of those additions compare to a new proposed visitors center. The 35,000-square-foot space could cost up to $100 million. Compare that with the memorial, which cost $8.4 million, or just under $18 … Continue reading

More Can’t Miss D.C. Attractions

Happy Veteran’s Day! To all the men and women who defend our freedoms on a daily basis know how much you are appreciated. And to all of the family members of our service men and women, my sincere thanks for the sacrifice you make each time your loved one is sent far away from home to protect our country. In honor of Veteran’s Day I am devoting a series of blogs to Washington, D.C.’s most popular attractions. We’ve already discussed the some of the foremost symbols of American democracy, now we’re moving on to some other can’t miss attractions. The … Continue reading

Family Friendly Attractions in Baltimore

If you are a history buff you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit Baltimore, Maryland. The area is filled with educational attractions for families with children of all ages. What’s more, fall is the ideal time to visit. The massive summer crowds have dispersed and the weather is a lot more pleasant, which means your overall experience at the following attractions is almost guaranteed to be a positive one. GETTYSBURG Even if you dozed off during 7th grade American History you likely know the significance of Gettysburg. The site of the Civil War’s most famous battle and the … Continue reading

Maryland’s Top Family Friendly Attractions

Parts of the northeast are exploding with color right now. But, if you have children you know that leaf peeping is an activity that will only hold their attention for a couple of hours (max). When you’re done frolicking in fall’s natural bounty consider visiting the following local attractions that make Maryland one of the top states for family fun. The National Aquarium Even if your child is not as crazy about sea life as mine is the National Aquarium will keep him on his toes. There is so much to explore here, you are guaranteed a reprieve from late … Continue reading

Cheap Presidents’ Day Travel Destinations

Presidents’ Day is just a few hours away.  Where will you be spending the holiday? If you are lucky, you won’t be working on the Congress-concocted celebration marking the birth of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and the other former leaders of the free world.  Consequently, you have the opportunity to explore the home base of our current president. Washington, D.C. is a frugal traveler’s dream destination.  Our nation’s capital is filled with free and cheap attractions that will keep family members of all ages entertained. Many of the area’s museums, monuments and other noteworthy attractions are run by the federal … Continue reading

Traveling on a Budget: Electrifying Holiday Light Displays

If you don’t have the cash to deck your halls like the Griswolds this Christmas, don’t fret. Fortunately, there are tons of places to view electrifying displays of holiday lights without having to travel far or zap your budget. The following cities are home to some of the nation’s most merry megawatt-lined miles and sparkling seasonal streets that won’t cost you a dime to view: New York City: It won’t take long for you to get into the holiday spirit when strolling along the streets of the Big Apple. The city’s massive window displays, blinged out trees and public parks, … Continue reading

Hands-On Fall Travel Fun

School is back in session across the country, including for kids who don’t have to travel very far to get lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic. Yes, homeschool students are also back hitting the books this fall, though most enjoy way more field trips than students at traditional schools. In fact, the months of September and October are some of the best times for homeschool parents to take their kids to visit educational destinations. While most clans are staying put because the new academic year has just begun, homeschool students are free to tour some of the best hands-on learning … Continue reading