Family Fun in the Sun

Where are you planning to spend the upcoming Memorial Day weekend? For many families, the holiday allows them the chance to get a jumpstart on their summer tan while spending quality time with grandma, grandpa, cousins and other members of the extended clan. Fortunately, you don’t have to travel too far to have fun in the summer sun. The following popular vacation destinations offer family-friendly activities that don’t require draining your bank account to visit: Florida: If you decide not to do Disney this season, then opt to entertain the kids in Tampa. The city is home to affordable attractions … Continue reading

Going Wild In Miami

Miami, Florida is a wild place to be no matter what time of year you visit. And, I’m not referring to the late night parties in South Beach. I’m talking about the Java macaques, capuchins, gibbons, and spider monkeys that call the tropical locale home. They are the wild ones your children will want to get up close and personal with on your trip to the sunny city. If you have animal-loving children here’s where you want to take them the next time you are in Miami: Miami Metrozoo Located 20 minutes southwest of Miami International Airport, the zoo is … Continue reading

Family Friendly Attractions In Miami

Miami is known for its hip nightclubs, luxury hotels, and fast cars. Not exactly kid-friendly offerings. But, dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that the tropical locale really does cater to families. Here are a few of noteworthy attractions that will delight children of all ages: Miami Children’s Museum The Miami Children’s Museum is filled with brightly decorated rooms that are crammed with bilingual, interactive exhibits. Your children can take turns dressing up as a police officer, a clown or a doctor before they head off to another room to spin records in a mock recording studio. Meanwhile, animal … Continue reading

Save on a Sin City Seasonal Getaway

Did you know one of the most popular times to visit Las Vegas is Thanksgiving? Personally, I don’t see Sin City as the ideal backdrop for a multi-generational turkey feast, but that’s just me. And apparently I am in the minority because according to travel experts, Las Vegas is a hot spot during the November holiday. One of the reasons so many people flock to Vegas during autumn is the savings offered by the mammoth resorts that call Sin City home. Another major incentive besides the reduced hotel rates is the free entertainment offered to visitors of all ages. For … Continue reading

Late Summer Travel Bargains

Sometimes it pays to procrastinate. If you waited until the end of the summer to escape on a seasonal getaway, you’re in luck. Turns out the travel industry held out on some super savings for those willing to vacation in late August and early September. Among the best deals are: Colorado: Whether you are heading to Denver over the Labor Day weekend to gorge yourself during A Taste of Colorado or you are simply looking to explore the state’s amazing natural wonders, several hotels are offering outstanding late summer deals. For example, rates at the Denver Marriott City Center are … Continue reading

Beachy Keen

I grew up in Hawaii, which probably explains why I am more attracted to the beach than the mountains, or any other vacation destination. It’s beach or bust in my book. However, not all beaches are created equal. When booking an escape to the sun, sand and surf, consider that you can also get a side of shopping, shrimping or seclusion depending on where you go. For example, if you are planning a trip to Palm Beach, Florida, you can take a dip in the water, and seconds later, dip into your wallet while shopping at world-class retailers on Worth … Continue reading

Sunny Days

Spring break and the living is easy. If your family’s ideal vacation includes bright sunshine, miles of powder-soft sand, cobalt blue water and gorgeous views, then consider the following amazing seasonal escapes: TAMPA This Florida favorite is a prime place to have fun in the sun. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is home to endless miles of breathtaking beaches, stunning natural areas and a host of kid-friendly attractions, including the Florida Aquarium. The watery wonderland boasts more than 20,000 plants and sea creatures housed in high-tech fresh and saltwater environments. It also houses dozens of interactive exhibits, including … Continue reading

Warm Weather Escapes

After a taste of summer, we’re back shivering in the 30s with April less than 48 hours away. Such is life on the Frozen Tundra. The fickle weather is one of the reasons why so many families from around here head south this time of year. Spring break officially kicks off for schools in our area in just a few days, but many of my daughter’s classmates have already jetted off on warm weather escapes to: TEXAS Forget about South Padre and the sea of drunken college coeds that hang out there. Instead, enjoy a more relaxing getaway at family-friendly … Continue reading

Heading South

When you think of spring break what immediately comes to mind? Most people typically think South Padre, Fort Lauderdale, and Lake Havasu. However, if you are trying to avoid half-naked, drunk college coeds partying it up next to your sand castle-making kid, then you might consider heading south, minus the mayhem. South Carolina is an amazing spring break destination for families. The state is home to Myrtle Beach and miles of pristine shoreline. From para-sailing and jet-skiing to kayaking and surfing, the area’s waterways and ocean access are hard to beat. South Carolina also offers a plethora of land-based attractions, … Continue reading

Spring Break Survival Tips

Did you watch the news tonight? All three major networks led their shows with the scary news that we’ll likely be paying $5 per gallon for gas by the time Memorial Day weekend rolls around. If you are planning to take a road trip this year, now is the time to do it. Spring break is an ideal time to load up the family and hit the road to explore our great nation; however, if you don’t plan properly the adventure could turn into vacation purgatory. To help you survive what could be a very, very long trip, consider stocking … Continue reading