If being forced to listen to your uncle defend Donald Trump’s inane Twitter feed, watch your brother’s kids destroy your mom’s porcelain tchotchke collection, and sleep on your dad’s old recliner is not your idea of a pleasant Thanksgiving, then consider the following Turkey Day travel packages that will ensure a peaceful holiday. The sale-priced escapes provide all the comforts of home minus the dysfunction: South Carolina: You can save big on this Turkey Day Sampler package offered by the Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston. The property will do all of the Thanksgiving cooking while you enjoy luxurious accommodations and … Continue reading →

Everyone loves a parade, and why not? They are fun, festive, and best of all–FREE! With the holidays fast approaching cities from coast-to-coast are prepping to host a cornucopia of family-friendly parades. The granddaddy of them all is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. It is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States and attracts millions of spectators each year. However, you don’t have to spend a ton of money traveling to the Big Apple to take in the sights and sounds of these colorful moving spectacles. Rather, gather the kids and grab a piece of … Continue reading →

Various retailers have been displaying their holiday merchandise since Labor Day, so it’s no surprise that city Christmas parades are taking place earlier and earlier each year. Yesterday, I discovered that our town’s annual holiday parade is heading down Main Street on November 17th this year. A Christmas parade less than three weeks after Halloween? Apparently, this early-bird trend is sweeping the nation and it’s not just parades, but a slew of other holiday-related events as well. On the bright side, many of these festive experiences are free and open to the public, allowing cash-strapped families a chance to get … Continue reading →

Nothing catches a penny pincher’s eye faster than the word: “FREE.” They say that nothing in life is free, and when it comes to the world of travel, that’s typically the case. However, every so often, opportunities present themselves and you really can get something for nothing. The following freebies turn the spotlight on fall travel, and prove that you don’t have to drain your wallet to enjoy a seasonal holiday adventure: NEW YORK: The Jane in New York City is helping you experience fall’s glorious colors without breaking the bank. The six-floor West Village hotel is offering complimentary bicycles … Continue reading →

Leaf peepers are in their prime right now, as stunning fall foliage blankets the country from coast-to-coast. Unfortunately, the season’s spectacular colors won’t last long. Currently, the leaves are brightest in parts of New England, the Midwest and the mid-Atlantic. Soon, peak season will hit western and southern states, which means if you are going to take advantage of fall foliage travel deals; there is no time to waste. Travel aggregate sites, such as Travelzoo feature a slew of affordable seasonal getaways that turn the spotlight on Mother Nature’s brilliant leaves. Some of the most popular money-saving deals include: Connecticut: … Continue reading →

Tis the season to venture outside to view fall’s fabulous foliage. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to soak up the season’s best scenery. With a little effort you can score substantial savings on leaf-peeping vacation packages offered from from coast-to-coast. Some popular options include: New York: Upstate New York is home to one of the country’s most impressive leaf-peeping vacation destinations—-Adirondack Park. Spanning more than six million acres, the park is filled with massive trees whose leaves are set ablaze in magnificent colors each fall. Best of all, there’s no admission fee to the park, … Continue reading →

Halloween will be here and gone before you know it, and if you aren’t careful, celebrating the holiday can leave a nasty mark on your wallet. The key to saving money at various Halloween-related events and attractions is to get the most bang for your buck. The following family-friendly travel attractions allow you to maximize your holiday fun without breaking the bank: Indiana: Each October the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo hosts a Halloween Extravaganza. The zoo goes wild with Halloween activities, such as pumpkin decorating contests, costume parades and a Monster Mash dance party. Kids can also have a ball … Continue reading →

Ready… set… travel. Friday kicks off the start of the summer travel season. Where are you planning to spend Memorial Day weekend? According to AAA, nearly 35 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the long holiday weekend, a slight increase over last year. Interestingly, even with the exorbitant price of gas, AAA is predicting that more than 30 million people plan to drive to their vacation destination. That means roughly nine out of ten holiday travelers will take to the nation’s roadways during the Memorial Day weekend. If you are planning to travel with kids, … Continue reading →

Memorial Day is the official kick-off to the busy summer travel season. However, surging gas prices don’t paint a pretty picture for families looking to hit the highway or take to the air to visit grandma while school is out. Fortunately, there are ways to save if you plan on making travel a top priority this summer. According to experts at Travelocity, despite insanely high fuel prices you can still find a decent deal on domestic flights if you book early. And by early experts mean now. The online agency claims that you can score reduced rates on airline fares … Continue reading →

Spring break and the living is easy. If your family’s ideal vacation includes bright sunshine, miles of powder-soft sand, cobalt blue water and gorgeous views, then consider the following amazing seasonal escapes: TAMPA This Florida favorite is a prime place to have fun in the sun. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is home to endless miles of breathtaking beaches, stunning natural areas and a host of kid-friendly attractions, including the Florida Aquarium. The watery wonderland boasts more than 20,000 plants and sea creatures housed in high-tech fresh and saltwater environments. It also houses dozens of interactive exhibits, including … Continue reading →