Hot Travel Sales

Timing is everything when you’re looking to save money on family vacations. One of the best ways to preserve your bottom line is to travel during the off-season. For example, instead of jetting off to Hawaii during the busy summer months, consider waiting until the kids head back to school. Airfare to the “Aloha State” is typically reduced by 40 percent during September and October. Likewise, if you’ve been dreaming of sailing away on a cruise, now is the time to reel in super savings. For instance, small-ship line Compagnie du Ponant is offering $500 per person discounts on winter … Continue reading

End of Summer Budget Savers

Labor Day is fast approaching. For many families the holiday weekend is the last chance for them to soak up summer fun before the new school year begins. However, when you are working on a tight budget, it can be challenging to commit to a high-priced weekend getaway. Fortunately, there are a number of affordable end of the summer travel options available across the country for clans to consider, including: Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to stretch their end of the summer dollar by taking advantage of the Labor Day Overland AdvenTour sale. The deal includes 40% off … Continue reading

Road Trip Sanity Savers

If you are trying to maintain your sanity on a long car ride this Labor Day weekend, you know that being prepared is a critical component to achieving your goal. These boredom busters will go a long way to keep your end of the summer road trip on the right track: GEOGRAPHY BEE There are different versions of this game, but this one best suits a road trip. Have one member of the family think of a place (city, state, country, etc.), then the next person has to think of another destination that starts with the last letter of the … Continue reading

Rare European Travel Deals

With the weak state of the dollar and skyrocketing fuel prices, finding a deal to Europe is practically impossible these days. That’s why the following bargains to popular European capitals are so unbelievable. The only catch: You must travel between September and December. Take a look: IRELAND Save some green on a trip to the Emerald Isle by taking advantage of this deal from Virgin Vacations. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York and a four-night stay at the three-star Mont Clare on Merrion Square, once frequented by James Joyce. The price for the package is $951 for travel … Continue reading

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading

Travel Tales: Kids Rebel Against High Gas Prices

My daughter is far too young to understand that skyrocketing gas prices are just one of the reasons we can’t afford to drive to Chicago everyday to see her finned friends at the aquarium. And even if she did comprehend what gas prices have done to our household budget I’m still not convinced she would take on the project two sisters in Salt Lake City did recently. Nine-year-old Sadie and 7-year-old Pyper Vance are rebelling against record high gas prices. The sisters aren’t even old enough to have their learner’s permit, yet they say they are as sick of the … Continue reading

Saving on Summer Travel—-More Southern Bargains

Whether your family loves to spend time together in the great outdoors or enjoys visiting historic sites and learning what life was life for clans in the early 1900s, the Southern region of the United States has you covered. Several major lodgings from Tennessee to South Carolina are trying to get families to sample life down south this summer by offering outstanding travel deals. If you have been debating whether your family’s budget can handle a group trip the following packages might just have what it takes to convince you to hit the road. Take a look: TENNESSEE If you … Continue reading

Summer Travel 2008—-Gas Tank Getaways

Now you really don’t have an excuse to put the brakes on a summer family getaway. Hotels across North America are once again enticing parents to load their broods in the family vehicle and head out on the highway this summer—-despite record high gas prices. In turn for your loyalty the following lodgings are offering gas incentives to get you going this summer season: ARIZONA The luxurious JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, which features a new waterpark complete with a lazy river and waterslide, is offering a two-night “Summer on the Go Package” for just … Continue reading

Family Friendly Summer Destinations

Yee-Haw! If your family loves rodeo competitions, chuckwagon races, barrel races and other old-fashioned entertainment you might consider rounding up the troops and moseying into Calgary, Canada this summer. That’s were you’ll find the legendary Calgary Stampede, which is scheduled to take place from July 4-13 this year. The event attracts more than a million visitors to the area, not to mention some A-list entertainers. This year the event will host musical performances by James Taylor, Sugarland, The Judds and Kid Rock. In addition to the rocking nights planned for the stampede, the daylight hours will be filled with family … 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