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Articles for ‘Family Vacation’ Category

Boardroom meets bedroom in a Fort Lauderdale suite

Friday, July 20th, 2012

A room that multitasks: The conference suite at Sheraton Suites Plantation, Ft. Lauderdale West.

By Mara Tilen

We get it. Spending your work week in hotel rooms can get monotonous after a while, but look at the bright side: Sometimes that hotel room is a gateway to a cheap vacation. Case in point: South Florida, a sunny, affordable destination that begs to be explored when the client meetings are said and done. With a thriving nightlife scene, serene spas and a 600,000-square-foot convention center, you’ll feel that much more productive in beautiful surroundings. (more…)

Disneyland on a dime: 7 money-saving tips

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012

 

Catch Disneyland's new Mickey's Soundsational Parade, one of many freebies within the park.

By Amanda Ficili

There’s never been a better time to visit the Disneyland Resort and with the upcoming openings of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, you’ll want to get those bags packed and ready for an unforgettable summer vacation. (more…)

5 tips for cheap vacations with kids

Monday, April 16th, 2012

 

Not-so-cramped-quarters: Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim at Disneyland Resort offers family suites on the cheap.

By Valerie Moloney

As the self-designated CEO of the household, I embrace any opportunity to shave money off the family budget. I’ll buy Irish Spring even if passion fruit pomegranate body mousse smells much prettier. I frequent flash sales, and scour the boards for promo codes (because who wants to pay for shipping?). (more…)

Florida’s cheap thrills, from mermaids to mullet tosses

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

By Valerie Moloney

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Florida is proud of its offbeat status — and cheap vacation deals. Where else would gators, Goths and bats share the same real estate? Expand your Floridian context beyond a Disney vacation this year to experience the sandy underbelly, and go back to your home state with a few quirky tories and a better tan. (more…)

All about adrenaline: Spring ramps up with new rollercoasters

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

 

Six Flags Great America's X-Flight is scheduled to open this May. Credit: Six Flags Great America

By Angie Jaime

Spring is here early (thanks global warming) and that means only one thing — time to take a family vacation to scope the season’s latest theme park expansions.

Heartland thrill junkies can soar at 3,000 feet on Six Flags Great Americas latest, X-Flight. Five inversions, a 12 story drop and a zero-gravity roll are more than enough to get the adrenaline pumping. Designed by the Swiss engineers behind the Raging Bull, SUPERMAN and BATMAN rides, the X-Flight is the first of its kind in the US. The unique “wing” design pairs riders on either side of the track, creating the illusion of free flight. This ride will make its home in the County Fair section of the park, replacing the old school Iron Wolf in May.

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Budget in the ‘Burg: Virginia’s answer to a cheap spring break

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Lesson learned: The Historic Powhatan Resort boasts its own piece of colonial Americana -- a manor house circa 1735.

By Valerie Moloney

Chances are, if I said Old Dominion, not everyone would know the reference to my home state of Virginia. Now allow me to make a statement that resonates with everyone: Virginia is a hotbed for cheap spring vacations. While my hometown Virginia Beach, Va. is one of the beach capitals on the East Coast, I was always partial to the place that enriched my understanding of 1770s America: Williamsburg. And besides, the theme parks kicked butt. (more…)

Disneyland Hotel: A magical makeover on park grounds

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

Royal sleeping quarters: Headboards powered by fiber optics recreate the Disneyland skyline -- complete with fireworks.

By Amanda Ficili

The Disneyland Hotel, which has undergone many changes and makeovers since its birth in 1955, got another facelift worthy of its iconic status. The massive, two-year renovation project did not leave a single inch of the property untouched. With its lavishly redecorated guest rooms, imaginative redesigned pool and water play areas, stunning courtyards and landscaping and delicious dining options including a one-of-a-kind interactive bar, it’s no surprise why the property is a guest — and my personal — favorite.  (more…)

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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