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…)
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.
Blogger Val Moloney met U2 hotness Larry Mullen Jr. in Chicago's Gold Coast 10 years ago. Credit: Clancy3434.
By Valerie Moloney
In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk random run-ins. (more…)
Move over Miami: The candyland of the desert is The Saguaro, an option for a cheap spring break vacay.
By Valerie Moloney
Cancun, Galveston, Miami Beach – they’re the spring break capitals made famous by MTV and its abtastic extras, places that continue – even without the cameras – to pump up the party with DJs, boat bashes and celeb appearances. But here’s one resort community that practically invented the tradition: Palm Springs. And it’s affordable, too. Just follow the cacti to these cheap Palm Springs hotels for a taste of what Sinatra knew so well: Sometimes the sweetest dessert is in the desert. (more…)
A shore thing: The laidback charm of artist enclave Laguna Beach. Credit: Lavender Dreamer.
By Stephanie Toller Negrete
Seaside mansions. Tan, buff bodies. Convertibles and high-end boutiques. Sure, they’re all part of the California dream, but only part of the reality. In the O.C., embrace a more laidback lifestyle, especially in the fall when the summer crowds are gone and the weather is just gorgeous. Enticing lodging rates help, too, so that we can all coast to a cheap Orange County hotel during one of the best seasons of the year. (more…)
Ain't no mountain high enough: Hike Pinnacle Peak Park for views of the valley and desert. Credit: Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park.
By Janet Bazan
Contrary to popular belief, strolling pumpkin patches and apple orchards aren’t the only things to do this fall. Head 2,700 miles west of New England to find one of the most brilliant color parades around: the trails in Phoenix. (more…)
Sleep like a dream on the Westin Heavenly Bed? Bring one home.
By Derek Brown
There’s always a sense of anticipation after slipping your key card into your hotel room door. How cozy will that bed be? What stylish furniture awaits? Well here’s a little secret: Some of your favorite hotels — including major chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Kimpton — sell those linens, accent tables, and even mattresses so you can bring the luxury home. In fact, just about anything in the room is up for sale (and brand new, too). (more…)
Lounge at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale.
By Derek Brown
Sunglasses are required luggage to check into these hotels. The glistening pool water could be blinding. So pull up a chair, lather on the sunscreen and kick back at these 5 refreshing hotel pools. (more…)
Stockyard parade at Fort Worth Stockyards, home of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Credit: Woody H1.
By Derek Brown
You don’t have to don a 10-gallon hat or drawl to appreciate the Big D. Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can carve out their own piece of Texas via rodeos and Western adventures. So here are 5 ways to experience the ultimate Dallas vacation, and don’t forget to sample the local ‘cue. (more…)
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
By Derek Brown
Breathtaking and awe-inspiring family memories don’t have to break the bank. America’s National Park System has a great deal: $80 for an annual pass that’s accepted at all 393 parks and is good for one person or a family of four. It was a deal that I couldn’t pass up when exploring some of the parks in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona. Combine that with cheap Utah hotels and it was a steal of a trip. (more…)
The bargain-hunter's resource for the most noteworthy CheapTickets travel deals, including hand-picked hotel offers, new sales, last-minute discounts and money-saving travel tips.