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Articles for ‘Family Vacation’ Category

Road-trip Oahu: One-tank adventures from Waikiki

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Pretty in paradise: Explore Kualoa Ranch's lush landscape via horseback or ATV tour. Credit: mporter5.

By Amy Drew Thompson

Recent weeks have seen gas prices dropping, even in the Rainbow State — where fuel costs rank among the country’s highest. In Honolulu, prices have dipped below $4 per gallon, making conditions ripe for cruising the scenic Kamehameha Highway to hit out-of-town attractions on a self-guided loop that’ll have you back on the beach for dinner. Fuel up and say aloha to cheap Hawaiian vacations with these Oahu attractions:

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Winter Wonderland: Windy City hotels and events on the cheap

Thursday, December 8th, 2011

Chicago's Chinese New Year parade ignites winter travel with dragon-based fun. Credit: Joe Marinaro.

By Jennifer Olvera

It may be cold, but traveling to Chicago after the holidays has its rewards since hotels are generally more affordable. Besides, there are a slew of events that give the city winter wonderland appeal, and a blast of blustery weather – complete with dancing snowflakes – never hurt anyone.  And cheap Chicago hotels? Well, they can be found in spades. (more…)

Low-season Orlando: Cool weather, cool deals

Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

Light Up UCF’s free Holiday Light Show illuminates the arena several times a night. Credit: Kathryn Page.

By Amy Drew Thompson

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the holidays are in full swing, Orlando experiences low season — the cool slice of fall through mid-December, then again in January and February. Park lines are shorter, humidity’s a distant memory, and cheap Orlando hotels abound. From campfire sing-a-longs at Disney to SeaWorld Orlando, stretch your vacation dollar further with some of these budget-friendly options:

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Santa takes a seat (on you!) at Ripley’s in New York

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

At this Santa sitting, Santa sits on you. Credit: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square.

By Erin Behan

The tradition of sitting on Santa’s lap is so engrained in American culture that we hardly even question it: What adults don’t cherish that embarrassing childhood photo of themselves making an awkward face in a Christmas sweater on an ample Kris Kringle? (more…)

Pastoral and perfect: Family vacations in Northern California

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Minutes from Monterey, the Carmel Valley Ranch plays host to all ages with pools, golf, hiking trails & more.

By David Escobar

When it comes to family vacations, Northern California’s wine country may not be the first place you consider. But when I planned a trip to Monterey/Carmel with two of the toughest travel critics I know – my children, ages 8 and 11 – we wound up discovering a family favorite. From a castle in Calistoga to burgers and shakes in Napa Valley, consider these family-friendly spots on your California vacation. (more…)

Fall harvest: Budget vacations in Branson

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

Budget in Branson: Save on villa rentals this fall at the Marriott Willow Ridge Lodge.

By Amy Carey-Dejanovich

The summer may be over, but the harvest is ripe for cheap fall vacations. In the Midwest, now is the best time to savor the fall’s rich colors along with piping-hot ciders and hayrides. Topping the list is Branson, Mo. My family and I vacationed there this summer and had a wonderful time. So much, I want to return this fall. Consider these money-saving tips on Branson hotels and activities. (more…)

Wet and wild: America’s top water parks

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

By Valerie Moloney

For some of us, nothing strikes more fear than parading around in a swimsuit — in public. Add a water park to the mix, and that’s downright fearless. (more…)

Refreshing summer adventures in Asheville, N.C.

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Try whitewater rafting in North Carolina. Credit: chrishusein.

By Derek Brown

Mosquitoes and humidity come to mind when I recall summer camp, but I didn’t have the fortune of growing up in Asheville, N.C. Tucked into the Appalachian Mountains, this Western North Carolina town is active and only a short drive to adventure and full of history.  When the mercury rises, the chilly mountain waters and outdoor adventures are natural magnets for explorers like me. (more…)

Child’s play: 5 kid-friendly attractions in Portland

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Discover a youthful Portland. Credit: Travel Portland.

By Derek Brown

Through the eyes of a child, Portland is a city teeming with opportunities for exploration. So round up your little Lewis and Clark and experience all the City of Roses has to offer: museums, fountains and an aerial tram.  Here are 5-kid friendly attractions in Portland. (more…)

5 new muscular roller coasters for 2011

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Credit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

By Derek Brown

Stomach turning, scream inducing and heart racing roller coaster rides are as much of a summer tradition as barbecues and beaches.  Every year there’s a race to build faster, more exhilarating and technologically-advanced rides.  From coast to coast, 2011 is no exception. (more…)