Tag Archives: summer travel

Theme Parks that Won’t Break the Bank

How much money did you have to set aside to pay for your family’s summer vacation to Disney, Six Flags or Universal? Unless you found an outstanding package deal I doubt that your family of four could get admission, parking, meals, drinks, and souvenirs for less than $500. Now consider how much more you could get for the same amount of money if you opted to visit a smaller theme park like Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana or Alabama Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama. All-day admission at both parks cost about half of what Disney charges. Currently, a one-day ticket … Continue reading →

Chicago on a Shoestring

This is it. The countdown to my favorite event of the summer is on and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Soon I will enjoy an entire day where I don’t count a single calorie or contemplate what a combination of deep-fried pickles, Pad Thai, a Flintstones-sized BBQ turkey leg, alligator nuggets, and chocolate-dipped strawberry cheesecake on a stick will do to my digestive tract. If you too dream of experiencing the epicurean delight, also known as The Taste of Chicago, but your budget is far smaller than your appetite, check out the following Windy City travel deals: A Taste of … Continue reading →

Summer Travel 2008—Gas Tank Getaways Part 2

“Gas Savers,” “Gas Tank Getaways,” “Tanks-A-Lot,” “Gas & Go,” whatever they are called in your neck of the woods their goal is the same: Offset the record high gas prices that are sweeping the nation. Lodgings from California to Florida are rolling out the welcome mat and handing out gas cards left and right to guests who spend part of the summer at their inns, hotels, motels and mansions. If the sky-high price of gas has you seriously considering canceling your family’s road trip perhaps the following deals will convince you to change your mind: MAINE In one of the … Continue reading →

Summer Travel 2008—-Gas Tank Getaways

Now you really don’t have an excuse to put the brakes on a summer family getaway. Hotels across North America are once again enticing parents to load their broods in the family vehicle and head out on the highway this summer—-despite record high gas prices. In turn for your loyalty the following lodgings are offering gas incentives to get you going this summer season: ARIZONA The luxurious JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, which features a new waterpark complete with a lazy river and waterslide, is offering a two-night “Summer on the Go Package” for just … Continue reading →

More Reasons to Visit Rhode Island and New York

RHODE ISLAND If you are looking for a way to light up your life then look no further than Providence, Rhode Island. This summer Providence’s WaterFire will once again set the city’s rivers aglow with massive bonfires. Event organizers say this year there will be 11 full bonfire lightings (with the possibility that two more will be added) and four partial lightings for the free arts event. That’s the good news. The bad news is that due to sponsorship cutbacks the live jazz concerts that are a huge part of WaterFire will only be offered three nights during the popular … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Unique Ways to Save Money on Gas

A family in Tennessee has found a way to beat the skyrocketing price of gas and it doesn’t require getting on two-wheels or a couple of blades; rather the clan has a new plan—-using four legs. As in those connected to their mules. Record high fuel prices have forced the Raymond family of McMinnville to get creative in the way they travel. Not only are they using a pair of mules to get around their farm, they also ditched their tractor and put the animals to work hauling hay from their fields. When gas prices inched close to the $4 … Continue reading →

Affordable Summer Travel—Timing is Everything

No doubt about it, when it comes to finding travel deals timing is key. Especially if you are looking for bargains to tropical destinations such as the Caribbean. The good news is we are entering the slow period for places like Bermuda and Aruba, which hike their prices during the busy winter and spring months. If you have always dreamed of relaxing on the sunny shores of Grand Cayman or sipping tropical libations while floating in Bermuda’s cobalt blue waters now is the time to do so without going bankrupt in the process. Check out these discounted island vacations that … Continue reading →

Summer in New York—-Family Friendly Cultural Choices

Mention to your children that your trip to New York is going to include “cultural experiences” and you can bet that you’ll be met with eye rolling and some groans. Well, stand tough parents because once your offspring are immersed in the Big Apple’s cultural offerings you might be surprised by their reaction. Melodious summer fun begins and ends in Manhattan. It’s music, music and more music at Central Park’s SummerStage. The series of free concerts gets underway on June 13th with a salute to gospel and soul. Artists including Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay will kick off the summer … Continue reading →

Summer Travel: Tourism Heats Up in New York

Summer is typically the time of year when New Yorkers leave the city in droves and tourists take over the streets of Manhattan… and the Bronx… and Brooklyn… and Queens. I can’t say I blame the city’s residents… or the tourists. Each summer my family would fly from our home in Hawaii to New York to spend time with my grandparents in the Big Apple and at the Jersey shore… and we weren’t alone. Millions of other families did the same and are still doing so to this day. With an extra hundred thousand clueless travelers congesting city streets on … Continue reading →

All Aboard for a Thrilling Start to the Summer Season

Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off to the summer season and while most kids still have a week or so of classes to complete before they can ditch the books until September you can bet that amusement parks around the nation are bracing for an action packed weekend. Traditionally, I spend this time of the year blogging about what’s new in the world of amusement parks and this summer is no different. Here’s a look at where you can get your thrill on this season and what new attractions will help make your summer a hair raising experience: NEW … Continue reading →