Search Results for: blog summer travel saving money down south

Unique Family Fun for Free

Why spend thousands of dollars on summer fun when you can visit unique attractions for free? Before you head out on your annual summer road trip take a look at what you can do for free in select U.S. cities. NEBRASKA Talk about an amazing photo op. Imagine the response you’ll get from friends when you take a family picture in front of Carhenge, near Alliance. The one-of-a-kind structure is inspired by England’s famed Stonehenge, though its rocky pillars are fashioned from cars. The three-dozen-vehicle sculpture was erected by an artist, who was impressed by Stonehenge while in England, as … Continue reading →

Free Family Fun from Coast-to-Coast

Just because the rough economy has you pinching pennies doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the sun this summer. There are hundreds of free family-friendly activities waiting for you to take advantage of this season. Take a look at just a few: ARIZONA Gather the clan at head out to the Sonoran Desert for a night of stargazing. The Kitt Peak National Observatory, located about 60 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Reservation, is home to the world’s largest collection of optical research telescopes. The observatory is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 4 … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Mermaids for Kids and Summer Camp for Parents

Under the sea Under the sea Darling it’s better Down where it’s wetter Take it from me My 4-year-old daughter can belt out the words to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” songs with the best of them. Which is why I would love nothing more than to take her to see the real Ariel in person. If you have a “Little Mermaid” lover in your family you might consider making the trip to Florida, or now, South Carolina. The mermaid swimmers who perform at Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida are coming to Myrtle Beach. According to reps for the swimmers, this … Continue reading →

End of the Summer Hotel Deals

Have you taken time off to take your family on vacation this summer? As the new school year creeps closer the hotel industry is trying to entice families to get in that last hurrah by offering spectacular money saving deals on accommodations. Take a look: SOUTH CAROLINA The historic Mills House Hotel, located in downtown Charleston, is offering a “One Tank to Charleston” package deal starting at $420. It includes 3-night’s accommodations; free daily parking; in-room high-speed Internet; and four tickets to one of four museum homes within walking distance of the hotel. As an added bonus you can add … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save Money on Weird and Wacky Travel

Why book a trip to an overpriced amusement park when you can visit the world’s largest ball of yarn for much less? Seriously, there is an entire nation filled with quirky travel attractions just waiting to be discovered. Just thumb though a copy of “Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets” by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman and you’ll see what I mean. The travel guide has inspired a slew of hotel deals that are being offered to families looking to spice up their traditional vacations with a trip to a weird and wacky … 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 →

Sizzling Summer Travel Deals to Florida

Florida is sizzling hot this summer with affordable travel deals to some of the state’s most popular cities. Take a look: MIAMI Attention pet lovers! Forget about leaving your four-legged furballs at home while you jet off for some fun in the sun. Miami’s Aqua Hotel is offering you the chance to bring your furry friend along for the ride. The hotel’s “Pets Are People Too” package includes a welcome basket with gourmet dog food, a chew bone, and bottled water for your pooch and complimentary breakfast for you, all for just $135 per room per night. HOLLYWOOD Reconnect with … Continue reading →

Taking to the Skies this Fourth of July

From the highways to the skyways millions of Americans will be on the move during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend. In fact, according to a survey by travel-deal publisher Travelzoo.com, as many as 44 million Americans plan to travel over the holiday weekend. For its part, AAA is forecasting that 4 million Americans will take to the air over the holiday. That’s a 2.3% drop from last year, though travel analysts say you will not likely experience a noticeable difference at the airport. According to the Air Transport Association, about 210 million passengers will take to the skies … Continue reading →

Hitting the Road for the Fourth of July

According to AAA, today is one of the busiest travel days of the year. Many travelers are hitting the road today in anticipation of the long holiday weekend. And lest you think that the record high gas prices are fueling families to put the brakes on their Fourth of July travel plans, think again. The drop in numbers should be barely recognizable. A new AAA report out today forecasts that 40 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more over the Fourth. That represents a 1.3% drop from last year and the first decline in 10 years. However, travel analysts … Continue reading →