Family Trip Deals

Vegas Summer Sale - 2 Nights on the Strip with Air from $221
Includes FREE extras and offers at select resorts - book by 5/28

Expedia.com     Fly to New Zealand + FREE Island Stop from $798 R/T
Add a stay in Fiji or the Cook Island at no extra charge
Air New Zealand     Hotel Deals in 40 Cities for Less Than $40/Night
Stay in Chicago, Las Vegas, Orange County, more
Priceline     $256 & up - London in Late Summer & Fall
Fly each way from 9 U.S. cities on top-rated airline
Virgin Atlantic Airways     Oceanview on 7-Night Alaska Summer Cruise - $599
Sail on an upscale ship over the Fourth of July holiday
America’s Vacation Center     $39 & up - New York Fares in Summer & Fall
Deals to/from top U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean cities
JetBlue Airways     $100 OFF 5-Night Disney World Vacations, Includes Air
Pick from over a dozen resorts and stay through summer
Orbitz.com     $99 Specials at 4 Upscale Maine Resorts
Up to 50% OFF stays through June - book by 5/25
Maine Spring Vacations     South of France Summer Vacation with Air - $1185
Visit three cities during the peak season - includes rental car
EuropeanDestinations.com     Car Rentals from $8/Day at Airport Locations
Valid at most major U.S. cities across the nation
CarRentals.com     $298* & up - Vail/Eagle, Colorado from 50+ Cities, R/T
Fly for less to this upscale destination through 11/14
American Airlines     $30 Gas Rebate on 2-Night Summer Bookings
Book a hotel stay and get a refund to your credit card
Hotels.com     Hawaii 1-Bedroom Condo Near Waikiki Beach - $139-$149
Includes full kitchen and sleeps up to five people
BookIt.com     $793 & up - Africa & Middle East Flights this Fall, R/T
Includes Cairo, Tel Aviv, Tangier, and Marrakesh
Iberia.com     Last Minute Weekend Hotel Deals from $59/Night
Choose from 4-star properties nationwide
Hotwire.com     Last Minute Summer Travel Deals to Hawaii from $199*
Fly to Honolulu, Kona, and Maui from West Coast cities
Aloha Airlines     Phoenix Resorts & Hotels from $51/Night
Renowned properties heavily discounted this off-season
Travelocity.com     Nagoya, Japan Fares from $370* Each Way
Fly from cities across the U.S. through summer
United Airlines     Memorial Weekend Deals and Getaways from $49
Discounts on hotel, vacation, cruise, packages, and more
SideStep     9-Night “Highlights of Asia” Vacation & Air - $1189
Stay three nights in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok
Escapes Unlimited    

Didn’t find the deal you were looking for? Visit our travel deals section for hundreds more airline, hotel, vacation, cruise, car rental, and ticket deals that are updated daily by our editors!

When I traveled to California with my parents at about the age of 11, one of my favorite attractions was Sea World. I must say, I even liked it better than Disneyland. As a Montana girl, the main thing California had to offer (other than Sea World) was its weather, which to me was divine! So balmy!

I was looking at travelocity today and found a hotel that I thought might be of interest to some of you California-bound travelers. It isn’t particularly fancy, but let’s face it: When we’re traveling with children we are looking for location, function, and price. With rooms starting around $60, this is the least expensive hotel I’ve found near Sea World. Keep in mind that the Goodnight Inn does not offer a dining room, fitness center, or swimming pool. As for that pool issue…Isn’t that what the ocean is for???

From travelocity.com:

Hotel Description

149 rooms, 3 floors

This Good Nite Inn is located approximately two miles from Sea World and five miles from San Diego International Airport. Within five miles are the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Sports Arena, Mission Bay, and Old Town San Diego.

The property’s amenities include the laundry facilities, passes to a nearby health club, and complimentary morning coffee. The inn also offers free parking.

All rooms feature cable TVs, refrigerators, dataports, wireless Internet access, air-conditioning, and writing desks.

Additional Amenities

Non-Smoking Rooms
Modem / Data Port

Dining Options

24HR RESTAURANT / CAFE WHICH OFFERS SPECIAL
DISCOUNTS TO ALL OUR GUESTS LOCATED NEXT DOOR.
OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE- MEXICAN FOOD BRIGANTINE-
SEA FOOD DENNYS- 24 HOUR INCLUDING BREAKFAST
CHILIS- BAR AND GRILL BLACK ANGUS- STEAKS /
SEAFOOD CASA DE PICO- MEXICAN FOOD GREAT WALL OF
CHINA- CHINESE INN / OUT BURGER- FAST FOOD JACK
AND THE BOX - FAST FOOD

DIRECTIONS

Driving Directions

FROM THE 5 FREEWAY SOUTH EXIT ROSECRANS. TURN
RIGHT AT THE FIRST LIGHT, HANCOCK. TURN RIGHT AT
THE FIRST STREET, GREENWOOD. FROM THE 5 FREEWAY
NORTH EXIT PACIFIC HIGHWAY TO ROSECRANS. TURN
RIGHT TO HANCOCK. TURN RIGHT TO GREENWOOD. TURN
RIGHT TO HOTEL ON LEFT. FROM THE 8 FREEWAY WEST
EXIT ROSECRANS TO FIRST LIGHT, HANCOCK. TURN
RIGHT TO FIRST STREET, GREENWOOD. TURN RIGHT TO
PROPERTY ON LEFT.

Transportation Info

TO AND FROM LINBERGH FIELD LOCAL TAXIS, SHUTTLE
AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE. MINUTES FROM
SD TROLLEY,THAT RUNS TO DOWNTOWN SD, THE
INTERNATIONAL BORDER TO TIJUANA, MEXICO.

**Please Note Fees May Apply To Above Transportation**

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Are you a big Disney fan or expect to take a trip soon? This next year is sure to be great as they launch the Year of A Million Dreams.

From BudgetTravel:

The folks at Disney recently hosted a razzle-dazzle press event at New York’s Palace Theater to launch their Year of a Million Dreams, actually a 15-month bonanza of new attractions and giveaways. Actors took the stage hoisting giant puppets from Finding Nemo–the Musical, premiering in Orlando this January. Puppeteer Michael Curry (The Lion King) and Tony Award-winning composer Robert Lopez (Avenue Q) are among the show’s all-star team.

Nemo fans will also be able to climb aboard “clamobiles” for Epcot’s ride The Seas With Nemo and Friends. It creates the sensation of traveling through a coral reef that is home to the animated characters Dory and Marlin as well as actual fish.

Not to be outdone, the Magic Kingdom has come up with a live show, Dream Along With Mickey, as well as the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club. The movie’s one-eyed hero will do stand-up comedy and incorporate the best jokes text-messaged in by audience members.

A good part of the dream fulfillment will come from Disney’s giveaway, running through December 31, 2007. Enter to win a Disney Vacation Club membership, tickets to after-hours park events, a set of mouse ears, or even a trip around the world as grand marshall in Disney parades (Click here for more information on the giveaway).

The catch is that one of the niftiest prizes can’t be won through the giveaway: nearly every day, a lucky visitor at Walt Disney World will be tapped by staffers to spend that night at Cinderella’s Castle. Its Royal Suite, overlooking the Magic Kingdom, has two canopied queen beds and a wood-paneled parlor with stained-glass windows. A group of up to five people will dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table, pose for photos with Cinderella, and get a VIP viewing of either SpectroMagic or the Wishes fireworks show.

Similarly, at California’s Disneyland, visitors will be chosen at random to spend the night in the new Mickey Mouse Penthouse. The park is putting the finishing touches on an underwater ride, the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and has whipped up a rock and roll soundtrack for its California Screamin’ attraction. For 16 weeks this spring, the classic Space Mountain rides at both parks will be rockin’, too.

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United Airlines has been having some pretty incredible fares lately. (It makes you want to start humming George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” when I say “United”, doesn’t it?) I just got a wonderful fare for my son and me to go to Disney World from Sacramento to Orlando for just about $200 round trip. I had to play with the dates somewhat, but I got a terrific deal.

You can do the same! If you tinker with their website online, you may find some excellent deals from your city, particularly if you depart and return on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. For example, fly between San Francisco, CA and Charlotte, NC for only $79 each way! That is spectacular.

To search for that particular fare, do the following:

1. Click here to book online directly with United.
2. Enter your cities (San Francisco - SFO, Charlotte - CLT). Select your departure and return dates.
3. Click the “Check” button.
4. Fares will be listed roundtrip, and include all taxes and fees.

They also have some excellent deals from Oakland, CA to Orlando, FL for only $99 each way. In fact, I initially starting searching that city of departure since I thought it was discounted much more than Sacramento, CA. However, to depart from Sacramento, CA to Orlando only cost a bit more. So be persistent, and you might find a fare that makes you extremely happy!

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Hurry, fares this inexpensive have limited availability, and your dates may be gone soon.

California is such a great location to go this time of year. The weather is still beautiful, and the tourist season is over. If you are looking for a great getaway to relax, take in a round of golf and let the children run on the beach, here is a great offer.

Located just over an hour north of San Francisco, the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa offers the best of the Sonoma wine country and a coastal resort. This fall, stay at this oceanfront AAA 4-Diamond resort for just $129 per night, Sunday through Thursday. This offer is good until November 15. Weekends are just $20 more.

These rooms are regularly $230 per night, and on top of it, they’re also adding over $100 in extras:

* A deluxe room with an ocean view, private balcony and fireplace
* Complimentary bottle of wine at check-in
* 2 complimentary desserts at the Lodge’s award-winning Duck Club Restaurant (w/purchase of 2 entrees)
* 2-for-1 flight of wines at Gourmet Au Bay wine bar
* $15 OFF greens fees (reg. $45-$90) at the top-rated Bodega Harbour Golf Links, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
* 10% OFF horseback riding on the beach at Chanslor Ranch (2 person min.)

Blackout Dates: Nov. 3-4, 10-11

For more hotel information and to book:

Click here or call the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa between 8:30AM and 5:30PM PST at 866-241-1496 and ask for the “Autumn Getaway.” You must book by Nov. 10.

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Oui, Oui.

My husband used to live in Del Mar, California. Now, every time we visit the San Diego area, he always begins to pine away for his old stomping grounds. One morning, when we were in the San Diego area, we had breakfast across the street from the L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa. It is a beautiful hotel in a great oceanside area that sets the mood for a romantic getaway with your spouse or significant other. However, I also remembered us talking about the rates and how we couldn’t afford to stay there!

Right now, though, they are having a 50% off deal. The nightly rate with the discount is $159. That price is available for select dates from October 29 through December 28. The weather is still beautiful in that area. Del Mar is about 20 miles north of downtown San Diego right next to La Jolla. Make your reservations soon!

To make reservations call L’Auberge Del Mar at (800) 553-1336 and mention Coastal Escape. You must book by November 3. So, what are you waiting for? Get off your butt and take your much deserved break NOW!

Have you ever wanted to get away with the family but didn’t think you could afford hotels? Do you have an interest in seeing Europe but know the exchange rate for the Euro isn’t in your favor? Do you want to take the kids to Disney World or Hawaii but don’t want to be cramped in a hotel room?

There is an alternative that can save you thousands of dollars, especially if you live in or near a big city or tourist area. (in fact, I am getting excited writing this post because researching this has given me the travel bug) Try a home exchange!

In the majority of cases, you, and the family that you choose to exchange with, trade cars during the time period. This adds up to big savings in car rental fees, as well.

Even if you do live in a remote area, according to Home Exchange, don’t despair! See what they have to say on the subject:

Of course, if you have a beach front home in Hawaii or a penthouse with a view in New York, or San Francisco, you’re going to get a lot of exchange inquiries.

But we have found that by their very nature, people who are HomeExchange Members are well traveled and are often interested in seeing new places, and experiencing an area as a local.

A potential home exchange partner may wish to be near a loved one or family member, or perhaps need to come to your area for business reasons. So your “average” home may be just the ticket for someone wanting to exchange with you.

If you are a little off the beaten track, you may have to send out more inquiries, and put a little more effort into marketing your home, neighborhood and area. But if you do so, you might be surprised, although we won’t be.

Think you’ll end up in a shack? Think again:

Here is the gorgeous house in California at the top of the post:

Here is another great home in Italy:

How about West Palm Beach?:

Two of the largest home exchange websites to try out are Home Link and Home Exchange.

Happy Hunting!

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One of the things that my family always did while I was growing up was camping. Now, I don’t know about you, but I never was crazy about it. I like the whole “communing with nature” aspect, but I hate having to walk to the facilities in the middle of the night. Now to mention sleeping on the hard ground in a tent.

Enter Costanoa. Now this is my kind of camping. I read about this place in USA Today several years ago. Although I haven’t had a chance to go yet, it looks like the comforts of the hotel world crossed with the best aspects of outdoor life. There is a spa, a full service restaurant and a general store. (and wireless internet, to boot!) There is a lodge and cabins for those who do not want to “be as adventurous”.

However, the most inexpensive rooms are small tent bungalows with beds inside. No two bungalows are exactly alike as they are placed around the property with different views in mind. You still have to share bathrooms with this option, but the floors in the “comfort station” are heated and the showers are hot.

Here is Costanoa’s Mission Statement:

Costanoa is an eco adventure resort where our guests can simply retreat from the chaos of everyday life and discover the pace of nature. We are committed to providing genuine service, unique accommodations, California coastal cuisine, as well as a variety of spa and adventure activities using sustainable methods to create a quality experience for our guests in a natural environment. Through sustainable wealth, we foster joy and wellness while sharing our unique resort.

There is so much to do in this area with the children! (Or this can be a romantic adventure away from home) Costanoa is situated on great coastline property with trails to hike and areas to explore. It is also close to Santa Cruz, San Francisco and San Jose. If the kids are getting restless take them to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, the children’s museum in San Jose or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

If you are alone with your partner, go to San Francisco for a great romantic dinner. I highly recommend Aqua. We ate here recently and it was divine! Then, after a great dinner, go back to “roughing it”.

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Check out these links on Sky Auction for vacation rentals over the next couple months that may auction off for $1. (Plus $195 administration fee…read the print at the end of the auction)

2 Bedroom Condo in Orlando–Choose from selected dates in October, November and December

Princeville, Kauai 1 Bedroom Condo-October

2 Bedroom Condo at Sheraton’s Vistana Resort-Selected Dates in November and December

Studio in Lake Tahoe-Selected Dates in November and December

I highly recommend Sky Auction for looking for vacation rental deals. You have to be vigilent, but offers pop up all the time. My thinking is they have a deal with RCI, who is one of the largest timeshare trading partners. When a vacation rental falls through, RCI puts it up for “auction” to get what they can for it.

My husband and I have been to Hawaii twice for $200 for a two bedroom condo, so this is legitimate. It was just a property that fell through at the last minute.

Other than for great rental deals, my advice is make sure you read the fine print in every Sky Auction auction. There are always “hidden fees”, which is one of the reasons I never use them except to find vacation rentals. And then, you may find a steal!

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We are going to Legoland tomorrow. My son is delirious with excitement since he spends hours with the blocks. The other day he was decapitating the little lego men and removing their arms and legs, as well, just to see how to put them back together. An engineer in the making, I say. Or perhaps something more sinister? But I digress.

Admission is typically $57/adult and $44/child. However, Carl’s Jr. and Burger King in Southern California locations are offering coupons for buy one adult admission, get a children’s admission free. We are going to try to hit one of those restaurants before going to the park. Coupons are good until 1/31/07.

Other places to look for discounts to this park are through the Orange County and San Diego Entertainment Books which offer $7 off for up to six people.

Or sign up for the free Lego Magazine which occasionally offers coupons for discounted admission. If you can’t afford to go, at least you have some reading material to keep your children busy for awhile.

Thanks to Southwest Airlines for our $80 flights from Sacramento, we can occasionally enjoy taking the kids down south. Make sure you check Southwest’s internet specials from your city. Sometimes, they are really amazing.

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One of my absolute favorite places in California is the Monterey/Carmel area. Looking for a trip alone with your spouse/significant other? The Seven Gables Inn and Grand View Inn are absolutely gorgeous bed and breakfasts. I have stayed at the Seven Gables, and everything about it is wonderful! They are worth the splurge if you are looking to get away.

Thinking of taking the kids on a budget? This area has a lot to do. Check out my priceline strategy below to get the best rate in the area as the Hyatt in Monterey comes up often. Take the kids to the aquarium. Enjoy the rugged coastline and kid (and dog) friendly beach in Carmel off Ocean Avenue. Check out the Horseback Riding. Go wine tasting with your spouse while the kids get to run around the spacious vineyards. Let the kids nap while you enjoy the views from 17 Mile Drive.

I love California!