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

Super Safari Deal

My preschooler’s dream trip includes jetting off to the heart of Kenya and getting up close and personal with animals most of us would rather see in books than in person. She would like nothing more to run wild with baboons, lions, lemurs, elephants, rhinos, tigers, and hyenas. Though, for now she’ll have to make do with the stuffed versions. If she were a bit older (and I was a bit richer) I would not hesitate to take advantage of the following safari deal: SmarTours is currently offering a spectacular travel package to Nairobi in mid-November priced at just $2,999 … Continue reading

Saving on Summer Travel—-It is Possible

As long as you don’t fly American Airlines. All kidding aside news on the travel front has been anything but encouraging this week. From record high gas prices (the cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel has topped the $4 mark in dozens of major cities across the country) to insane added fees tacked on by airlines that claim to be suffering in a slumping economy, you practically need to win the lottery to afford to take a family vacation these days. Luckily there are some sectors of the travel industry that are helping families salvage their summer vacations. Several … Continue reading

Going Wild On Safari

Searching for the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything? If you have a bank account the size of Oprah’s or you know someone who is willing to loosen their purse strings to make sure your Christmas is extra special this year you might want to consider one of the following trips. Wildlife safaris are regaining popularity after suffering a slight dip a few years ago, according to travel experts. If you are passionate about the great outdoors and have always dreamed of coming face to face with big game, the following trips might be your ideal vacation … Continue reading

Travel Deals—Special Rates On A Summer Safari

Lions, and tigers, and rhinos, oh my! No, I’m not talking about what my family saw on our recent visit to the zoo. I’m referring to the animals that you can come face-to-face with while you and your family treks through the jungles of Kenya. I will be the first to admit that when someone says, “safari” I immediately think, “Whoa, no way I can afford that.” Safaris are reserved for people like Oprah, Brad Pitt, and Prince Charles, right? At least that’s what I was led to believe by mainstream media. So imagine my surprise when I discovered there … Continue reading

Attractions at the Animal Kingdom

Today, in acknowledgement of the fact that I talk so much about it, I’m going to start a new feature on the Animal Kingdom. I’ll profile its various aspects: the attractions, entertainment, food, and lodging. The most obvious place to start within the Animal Kingdom is, of course, with its animals. Given that there are a ton of such attractions at the Animal Kingdom I won’t have time to dwell on any for very long. Also, because I’ve already covered the Wild Africa Trek, I’m not going to go over it again. The attractions at the Animal Kingdom can be … Continue reading

Affordable Mother’s Day Travel Deals

What’s the one place your mom has always dreamed of visiting? New York, Chicago, Hawaii, California? If you are looking for a way to make this Mother’s Day one your dear ol’ mom won’t soon forget, but the rising cost of everything has you more budget conscious than ever, you’re in luck. Just in time for the big May 11th celebration several lodgings are offering discounts for the special ladies in your life. If your mom has fantasized of relaxing in sunny Arizona or touring awe-inspiring art collections displayed in culturally rich Mexico City then you might consider the following … Continue reading

More “Green” Earth Day Travel Ideas

Apparently, it’s not enough for some lodgings to provide “green” guests with simple eco-friendly amenities such as organic cotton sheets and hybrid shuttles, now, just in time for Earth Day, an increasing number of hotels are offering environmentally correct menu options at their in-house restaurants as well. The on-site eateries are serving up organic and locally grown foods, much to the delight of tree hugging guests. For example, in celebration of Earth Day next week Tuesday, Blue on Blue, a poolside restaurant at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills is offering guests a $55 prix fixe menu showcasing organic and … Continue reading

Quirky Travel Destinations

Summer may still be a few months away (judging by the foot of snow on my front lawn, it could be several months away), but that’s not stopping some tweens from planning for the end of the school year… especially the ones who are avid “American Idol” fans. Forget about Bible Camp, YMCA Camp, and Space Camp, this year kids ages 12 to 15 who can’t get enough of the phenomenally popular singing contest, are begging their parents to send them to Massachusetts for “American Idol” camp. Since the TV show is only open to 16-to-28-year-olds, series creator 19 Entertainment … Continue reading

The ABC’s of Frugal Living: 26 Tips to Live a More Frugal Life

The ABC’s of Frugal Living – 26 Tips to Live a More Frugal Life The frugal living blog at families.com is chock full of great information to help you live a more frugal lifestyle. We all strive to save money and the bloggers in this category are here to help. A: Amazing Dates Have a date night for less! New Cheap Date Ideas A Cheap And Fun Date Idea It’s Date Night Date Night On a Budget B: Budgeting Make a plan and stick to it. Be sure you watch where your money goes each month and try to do … Continue reading