It's a Summer For Stay-cations and Virtual Vacations

Between our gas prices and the economy today many people are being forced to come up with alternative options to their traditional summer vacations.

We want to share some of our Stay-cations and Virtual Vacations. There are some great ways to get that "time away" and yet save money, gas and bond with the family at the same time.

This was the era of family summer vacations, where we experienced things first hand, as that was the only way to do so. Dad got two weeks off from work and the kids didn't have to go back to school until after Labor Day. August was vacation month and families packed up the car and got to see this great country of ours, not the man-made resorts of today. We are so happy that we got to come across country 23 years ago. To this day, we still talk about the trip and the phenomenal places we got to see. Of course, all captured in pictures!

Want to see the country without leaving your home, why not watch some great travelogues, one of our favorites is Sightseeing Along The Roads to Romance, which is filled with wonderful road trips around this great country of ours. From New York to California and states in between you will be entertained, and get to see sites you might have missed. So sit back, relax and enjoy the views, without leaving home. Or sit back and enjoy The New York World's Fair 1964-1965 with your family from the comfort of your home. I know I loved revisiting the Fair. I lived in Queens, NY at the time and got to see it firsthand, and had a wonderful time watching it all over again.

After watching, I am sure you will want to pack up the family and go on more "virtual road trips" around this great country.

Another great way to have some family fun is Camping At Home. You heard me, get out those sleeping bags, tents, and camping equipment and set them up in your backyard. Make a weekend of it or longer if you wish. If you don't have the yard to do it in, check out some of the alternatives in your area or campgrounds close to home. KOA has a ton of campgrounds around the country. For those of you without the camping gear KOA also offers cabins to rent.

While on your camping trip do something different, by bringing your radio (that plays CDs) and play some old time radio shows like we did years ago before television. Lots of eerie options in the old time radio realm, like Inner Sanctum Mysteries, Lights Out and more.

Not into camping but want to spend some quality time with the children, how about a movie night where every family member gets to pick a film and then take turns watching their choices. Why not pick some nostalgic movies to show your children how things used to be. Some ideas are: Drive In Movie Favorites, Kids Will Love Vintage Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits & More, Vintage Movie Trailers, Fashions of the Past, Soundies of the 1940s: The First Music Videos and so much more.

Bring out the popcorn or your favorite treat, sick back and have a grand time.

Another great way to have some family fun is with games. Designate one or more nights a week this summer as Game Nights.

I can remember the Saturday Game Nights growing up where we got out the Monopoly game, Scrabble, Parcheesi, puzzles, card games and in later years Risk. If we ran out of time, the game was set aside and we picked it up the next weekend or game night we had.

How about buying some Paint by Numbers and have a night painting. Another option is a night of puzzle. The whole family is involved and put the puzzle together as a family all at the beginning of a turnaround.

Designate one or more nights this summer, and then try to bring in the autumn, when the children are back in school, you get some 'time together and have fun at the same time.

So the stay-tion-site or you can take a virtual holiday this year. Whatever you decide on a"wonderful time with your family".

Organizing Myrtle Beach Vacations on a Budget

Travelers on a budget allows some people who do not have the resources to the country without seeing the bank. Obviously, the luxury and treated always go together, but this practice may still leave a big, like a meeting in person and judge their ability to transcend the beach just in the comfort of your home and you are planning a myrtle.

be a feature of travel on a budget must be planned very carefully. Of course, most people to travel this waybackpacking without any fixed route, which does not absolutely go against the plan. This is not a detailed planning of an itinerary to Myrtle Beach, but rather an informed overview of the budget you need for such a project.

The first thing you need to do is to have an idea (not necessarily clear, but overall) of the places that you want to visit when you arrive to Myrtle Beach. You need to inquire about the cost of living in these places (capacity of low-cost housing, camping, food costs, transportation costs, typical budget needed, etc.) in order to have a good idea of how much you will have to spend.

Try to have a precisely as possible idea about the available budget for the entire trip (including transportation, equipment, food, housing, etc.), in order to properly make the trip end well and not be caught out without money before the expected date of return. Thus, it is important to keep a trained eye on your finances for the Myrtle Beach vacations.

Try to divide the total amount of money available (excluding all pre-start costs: air tickets, equipment, vaccines, visa, etc.) by the number of days you will spend in Myrtle Beach. This will give you the maximum amount it will be possible to spend a day once on site.

In order to reduce the cost of the trip, make sure that you keep a reserve for contingencies (for the whole trip), for example: medication that is not covered by travel insurance, landing in a city that is more expensive than the average, the high cost entry price of an attraction and so on.

Keep a systematic record of all purchases over a day and record the total at the end of it in a book provided for this purpose. This way, you will be able to see if it is below or above the daily budget that you have originally planned.

When going on Myrtle Beach vacations on a budget, you should not refuse yourself all treats only because they are too expensive. In fact, there are many devices are inexpensive and all you have to do to find it. You can find them when you get there, but if you want to be strict, you can run a search on line before the holidays.

For example, you and your children can have a beautiful day to play golf, because that is the most important leisure activity that is practiced in Myrtle Beach. The good news is that children do not have to pay most of thethe courses. In fact, you can find plenty of fun activities that you can do with a low budget in Myrtle Beach and the most affordable of them is to swim in the ocean and after that lounge on the white sand, enjoying a relaxing vacation.

A Guide to Florida Golf Vacations

If the weather has kept you itching for a vacation, a golf vacation in Florida. With its plentiful sunshine, Florida is an ideal place for a little 'golf and relax from everyday life "of daily life. Among the golf course and other attractions in Florida I'm sure everyone can find something like that.

Where to Play

golf courses in Florida by some of the most experienced game designers obviously were not designed. Extra care of the cleancourses and you'll find over 500 unique holes to play in the Central Florida area alone.

Some of the many Florida golf courses include the Diamondback Golf Club, the Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club, The Club at Eaglebrooke, Huntington Hills Golf and Country Club and the Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club. Many of these courses have been highly rated by Golf Digest, Travel & Leisure and Florida Golf Central magazines.

If you're really ambitious, you can try to play a different course every day, but make sure to bring comfortable shoes. The last thing you want is to be limping around the green with blisters on your feet.

Where To Stay

You'll have plenty of choice of where to stay in Central Florida. If you love the outdoors, combine a Florida fishing and golf trip with staying at a local campground. You may be camping, but this definitely isn't roughing it. You'll find amenities like internet service, laundry facilities and charming cottages. If you travel with an RV or tent, this is also the place for you.

If camping isn't your thing, head to one of the many hotels or bed and breakfasts. They range from the typical, large chain hotel to smaller, family-owned properties that will make you feel right at home. There are accommodations for the entire family, or you can plan a romantic getaway for two. If your vacation partner isn't as excited about the Florida golf courses as you are, choose a hotel with a spa to make it a relaxing vacation for both of you.

With so many different places to stay, you're sure to find the perfect home away from home for your vacation. After just a few days, you won't want to leave.

Other Florida Attractions

Aside from Florida golf and fishing, there's plenty to do if you're traveling with someone with a different idea of fun. For the kids you'll find children's museums, an airplane museum, miniature golf and water parks.

If you're not traveling with children or if you're just looking for a more adult day, support the local economy by shopping at one of the many malls or shopping centers. For a day of culture, spend some time at an art museum, take in a play or musical or enjoy a jazz concert at the Lakeland Center.

With so much to do on your Florida vacation, you're sure to find something to please every vacation-goer. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

Fun, Affordable Vacations For Families of All Sizes

Over the past 5 years, my family has been blessed enough to take a vacation every year. And every year I am faced with the challenge of putting together a fun, memorable vacation that everyone will love and that is affordable.
When our family was smaller, this process was a little easier because it seems like the whole world is based on your family size not exceeding FOUR! Well, we are now a family of 6 and the standard hotel room with 2 double beds is just not an option; at least not for stays longer than 2 nights. Airfare would eat up more than 1/2 of our budget, food would take up the other ½, and I will not even start on the theme park tickets. So what is a family to do?

Step 1- Choose the theme of your vacation: adventure, relaxation, beaches and sun, theme parks, or history and culture. Adventure vacations and sandy beach vacations are by far the most cost-friendly vacation themes.
Adventure vacations include low-cost outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, bike riding, and camping. This vacation theme is perfect for older children.

Top Adventurous Destinations
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
New Paltz, New York
Mount Hood, Oregon
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Park City, Utah
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Yosemite National Park, California
Moab, Utah
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California
Glacier National Park, Montana
Olympic National Park, Washington,
Hood River, Oregon
Acadia National Park, Maine

Sandy beach vacations are also extremely affordable and include surfable waves, sandcastle building, great dining, and mile long boardwalks. This vacation theme is great for all ages especially babies and toddlers.

Best Family Beaches in US
Coronado Beach, Calif.
Nantucket Island, Mass.
Newport Beach, Calif.
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Panama City Beach, Fla.
Siesta Key, Fla.
Poipu Beach, Hawaii
Duck, N.C.
Hilton Head, S.C.
Kiawah Island, S.C.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
South Padre Island, Texas
Waikiki, Hawaii
Wailea Beach, Hawaii

* If you decide to take a theme park vacation, find out if your bank or employer offers discounted tickets. Avoid purchasing tickets on eBay or Craigslist, unless it is from a reliable seller or broker. Also, many theme parks now offer the convenience of child swap. With child swap, one parent can wait in line with the older children while the other parent goes up the handicap ramp with the smaller children. When the other parent gets off the ride, you swap and get right on the ride without waiting in line again. GENIUS!

Step 2 - Choose your means of transportation: fly, ride the train, or load up the car.
Your most affordable option would be to drive. Even if you find a great deal on air fare, chances are you will still need to rent a car once you land, so cut out the middle man and drive. However, if you do decide the fly and rent a car, go to www.priceline.com where you can 'Name your Price' on airfare and car rentals and save money, many times more than 1/2 the regular price.

Step 3 - Choose when to travel: peak or off peak
Of course you will get the best deals off peak. Orlando's busy season begins around May/June and ends August 10th. I use that as a guide to plan may vacations. Avoid holiday weekends; take the day off the following week and keep that extra money in your pocket.

Step 4 - Accommodations: vacation home, hotel, or condo
Vacation home are perfect when traveling with a large group. Not only do you get a huge home to hang out in for a week, but you also have the company of other adults and hopefully other children to keep your children busy. Vacation homes, generally, need to be book several months in advance and you have to clean up after yourselves daily. Standard hotel rooms are more readily available and perfect for smaller families. However, parents don't have any privacy and you have to eat out every night, which can quickly total up to over $500 just for food. If you are looking for a standard room, Hotwire or Priceline (Name your Price) are your best options. Some people are leery of using these sites because you don't know where you will stay until you have purchased the room. I have used Priceline many, many times and have never been disappointed. With a condo, you have the best of both worlds. Parents have a room and the children have a room. Most condominiums have a fully equipped kitchen and you can simple dishes for breakfast and dinner to prepare to save hundreds of dollars. Condominiums have a washer and dryer in unit ideal for small, do when Kevin and Katie or disorder. You can also use the washing machine and dryer to make all your clothes before leaving him to unpack a lot easier when you get home to wash.Icing on the cake, housekeeping is available!

Another option is to take a time share tour; I know it sucks spending 2-3 hours of your day on the tour because it never only takes 90 minutes. But you can get a great 1 or 2 bedroom condo at an unbelievable rate.

Every family is different and must decide what is most important for them, location, transportation, entertainment or accommodations. Whatever you choose, spend the most money on what is most important and skimp on everything else. So if you want to go to Hawaii, you will spend the most money on airfare and you will have to skimp on entertainment and accommodations, but at least you made it to Hawaii. Happy Travels!

Arizona Motor Home Vacations

The most popular tourist attraction in Arizona is the Grand Canyon. This is because the Grand Canyon National Park, which covers over one million acres, offering some of the most breathtaking sites and a number of outdoor activities like hiking. As a result, millions of people visit the Grand Canyon, which can make it very hard to book lodgings and the necessary documents that people who go to the Grand Canyon need, like camping permits. Given this, people who plan to visit the Grand Canyon should be ahead of time so that they plan to book the necessary elements they need to travel. However, if you want to join, Canyon for a day in advance to schedule the Grand just to allow more because camping one of the best ways for a day, a visit to the Grand Canyon has become a camper.

Action RV at the Grand Canyon

One of the best advantages to bring home an engine for sites of the Grand Canyon to enjoy, is thatnot confined in a hotel and can enjoy the sites while still enjoying the comforts of home. In addition to this, being able to bring your ?accommodations? to some locations around the canyon allows you access to the materials that you would need to enjoy other activities like hiking, camping, and rafting. However, bringing a motor home to the Grand Canyon requires that you get a camping permit for the places where you plan to park your motor home. In addition to this, you should also try to arrive in the canyon as early as possible because there are other people who wish to bring their motor homes to the national park, making the process of finding parking a bit of a challenge.

Arizona's most popular tourist attraction is the Grand Canyon, which offers breathtaking sites and exciting outdoor activities to those who visit it. However, one very good way of enjoying the sites that the Grand Canyon offers in a convenient and practical way is to bring your motor home to the Grand Canyon. Doing so can allow people to have a closer look at the magnificent sites of the canyon while enjoying the comforts of home.

Beach Vacations Redefined at Florida

We all know that one of the most popular types of vacations is beach vacations but there really is nothing like vacationing on the beaches in Florida. The tropical weather in Florida alone, makes this one of the most popular places in the world for people to vacation at. Even if you are traveling in the winter months you can still enjoy your vacation and most likely be able to be in summer clothes despite the time of year.

While Florida does get cold in the winter months, the cold weather is short lived and you will find that the beaches are still packed with tourists with plenty of fun and fascinating things to do. Most people plan their vacations with hotel accommodations but there are so many more options in Florida. One of the most popular is vacation rentals. This is where you can choose to rent accommodations that are fully furnished so that you can relax as if you had your own home. Hotels can get costly and the price of meals alone can really drain your wallet. If you are renting your own vacation rental property, you can enjoy your meals right in your own fully equipped kitchen.

These rentals have everything that you need accept your own personal clothes and toiletries as well as food. This allows you to come and go as you please so you can enjoy your vacation and feel as if you live in the area. There are plenty of these rental located right on the beach so you do not have to go anywhere but right out your back door to get to the most beautiful sites in Florida. Yes, Florida beach vacations have been redefined in Florida.

Once you vacation here, you will wonder why you never went to Florida before. No matter where you are staying in Florida you can be sure that you are close to some of the most exciting attractions. Central Florida is known for such places as Busch Gardens and Disney including Epcot which is known for the spectacular night life scene. If parks aren't your thing, then you can check out some of the most famous museums such as the Dali Museum or you can take in some of the most breath taking sites at one of the botanical gardens located throughout the state.

There are also plenty of camping facilities if you want to check out the great outdoors and really get close to what makes Florida one of the hottest vacation spots. If you are planning a vacation then you will want to look into what each area has to offer and what the weather is like at certain times of the year. This will allow you to plan your vacation to best suit your needs. You can also look into what time of year is best to travel such as the off season when the beaches are not packed with tourists. Many times the attractions and accommodations will offer discounts during these times to help offset their slow seasons.

Colorado Fly Fishing Vacations

Colorado is a land of spectacular locations and natural attractions packed with rugged snow topped peaks, impressive canyons, lofty sand dunes, undulating prairies, beautiful valleys and forests and mountain streams and rivers. Vacationers love Colorado for its splendid outdoor adventures, whitewater rafting, skiing, hunting and fishing.

Among the variety of sports and attractions offered by Colorado's outdoor playground, fishing is one of the popular ones. Famed for its trout fishing, Colorado has numerous fishing locations to offer a keen angler. Colorado presents a great fishing vacation with about 6000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 2000 lakes and reservoirs. One can fish for both warm and cold-water fish in its waters. Fly-fishing is a popular sport in this state, and fly fishing vacations are very common. Fly-fishing is an ancient angling method of fishing done with bait of natural or artificial flies.

If you are planning a fly-fishing vacation in Colorado, there are many fishing lodges and resorts to choose from. One can first start by picking a hot fishing spot based on the online resources available. There are online fly-fishing reports, maps and picture of lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Colorado. For first timers, there are many popular fly- fishing spots in Colorado where one can find incredible fish. For adventure-minded anglers, there are several fly-fishing locations that can be accessed only by hiking or backpacking. One can find a variety of accommodation in Colorado, including lodges, vacation homes, resorts, mountain cabins, inns, B&Bs, campgrounds, hotels and more. Camping in the forest, by the river, near the lake, at the hot springs or in town is also another popular choice.

If you are looking for a solitary fishing experience, Colorado's private fly-fishing waters are the answer. There are several private fishing areas in Colorado with lakes and streams offering great opportunities for fly fishing.

A Guide to Florida Golf Vacations

If the weather has you itching for a vacation, consider a Florida golf vacation. With its abundant sunshine, Florida is a great place to play a little golf and unwind from the day to day routine of everyday life. Between golf and the other Florida attractions, you're sure to find something that pleases everyone.

Where To Play

Florida golf courses have been designed by some of the game's most accomplished course designers. Extra care has been taken with the manicured courses and you'll find over 500 unique holes to play in the Central Florida area alone.

Some of the many Florida golf courses include the Diamondback Golf Club, the Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club, The Club at Eaglebrooke, Huntington Hills Golf and Country Club and the Schalamar Creek Golf and Country Club. Many of these courses have been highly rated by Golf Digest, Travel & Leisure and Florida Golf Central magazines.

If you're really ambitious, you can try to play a different course every day, but make sure to bring comfortable shoes. The last thing you want is to be limping around the green with blisters on your feet.

Where To Stay

You'll have plenty of choice of where to stay in Central Florida. If you love the outdoors, combine a Florida fishing and golf trip with staying at a local campground. You may be camping, but this definitely isn't roughing it. You'll find amenities like internet service, laundry facilities and charming cottages. If you travel with an RV or tent, this is also the place for you.

If camping isn't your thing, head to one of the many hotels or bed and breakfasts. They range from the typical, large chain hotel to smaller, family-owned properties that will make you feel right at home. There are accommodations for the entire family, or you can plan a romantic getaway for two. If your vacation partner isn't as excited about the Florida golf courses as you are, choose a hotel with a spa to make it a relaxing vacation for both of you.

With so many different places to stay, you're sure to find the perfect home away from home for your vacation. After just a few days, you won't want to leave.

Other Florida Attractions

Aside from Florida golf and fishing, there's plenty to do if you're traveling with someone with a different idea of fun. For the kids you'll find children's museums, an airplane museum, miniature golf and water parks.

If you're not traveling with children or if you're just looking for a more adult day, support the local economy by shopping at one of the many malls or shopping centers. For a day of culture, spend some time at an art museum, take in a play or musical or enjoy a jazz concert at the Lakeland Center.

With so much to do on your Florida vacation, you're sure to find something to please every vacation-goer. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

Port St. Lucie Vacations

East of Disney, North of places like Palm Beach and Miami and representative of all that Florida has to offer, Port St. Lucie isn't the most well-known place in the Sunshine State but it's certainly worth some attention. The Central Atlantic Coast overflows with recreational opportunities as well as fine weather and lots of untainted wilderness, making it a valuable part of the overall identity of the state. You can't really go wrong when visiting Florida, but Port St. Lucie does have a certain something special.

Space travel, sports and eco-tourism are few possible themes of a Port St. Lucie vacation. Specifically known for its three PGA courses and all the sunny days a golf-addict could ask for, this town has you covered when it comes to putting and driving your heart out. Experts will be challenged by the professional designs and novices will be able to make their way around just fine. All in all, it's a good place to be if you have golfing on the brain.

Also, this is where the Mets' spring training camp is located, so baseball fans are in for a treat as well. Fantasy campers certainly won't mind having a town full of activities to engage in during their downtime, anyway, and when the season is beginning there's a definite feeling of excitement in the air. Other sports include beach volleyball, tennis, cycling and surfing; anything that requires sunshine and energy make for good times here in Port St. Lucie.

That's right, don't forget the beach is the centerpiece of all of this. From swimming to snorkeling to walking barefoot on the sand, the waves and the breezes are ready to take you far, far away. Jaycee Park is a family-oriented place where you can picnic and play. Kimberly Bergalis has a 1,200 foot long boardwalk, and several other public beaches are open all year round for your visiting pleasure. Pack a bag of snacks and paperbacks and don't forget the sunscreen.

The unique marshland means lots of fun for nature lovers. Kayak tours, bird-watching, hiking and manatee viewing will all open your eyes to the natural wonders of the Atlantic coast. Museums and guided walks have the power to inform as well as show, so leave here with a new set of facts and memories in addition to the thrills of having seen a whole new world of ecological and geographical treasures. Preservation and conservation are central tenets down here, so you'll also be a little wiser to the effects of humans on the natural world. Basically, it'll be a valuable experience for you and yours to have.

Day trips from Port St. Lucie are tops. Orlando is about an hour and a half's drive, so visiting one of the many theme parks can be reasonably achieved. Also, Cape Canaveral is a few miles north and shuttle launchings can be seen from several different vantage points. If you happen to be around in the general time frame of one of these awe-inspiring moments, don't miss it. The famed Treasure Coast is also a worthy draw, as it includes the hotspots of Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Driving may not be what you choose, so feel free to hop on a boat and wander the sea in order to satisfy the urge to see more of Florida.

Of course, Port St. Lucie is heavy on traditional diversions, too, like shopping, dining and hitting the town. Sports bars, fine restaurants, charming boutiques and outlet stores will fill your vacation with those little moments of revelry that make everything seem right with the world. Cheers to having a good time, for laughing with your friends and family, and for uncovering a few delicious bargains. Treat yourself to something nice and celebrate it with a tantalizing meal - what better way to end a delightful day in Port St. Lucie?

Actually, the very best way to truly end a day is to return to your charming vacation rental. Book a town home, condo or beach villa to squeeze every drop of comfort, modernity and convenience from this trip. There are dozens of Port St. Lucie Vacation Rentals to chose from, meaning there's certainly one that's right for you and your companions.

Go online to explore the possibilities of Port St. Lucie, and good luck in completing your journey towards a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in the sun.

Hawaii Vacations

Strategic location, political stability, legal protection to visitors, and the Aloha spirit of the people are a few reasons why Hawaii is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Furthermore, Hawaii has the best weather, a diverse range of recreational and creative outlets, and one of the cleanest environments in the United States. So, if you are on the hunt for a vacation destination, consider Hawaii as your first choice.

Hawaiian vacations have gained popularity over the years as more and more visitors explore the scenic beauty of the place each year. With tropical gardens and beautiful beaches, who would want to miss this haven? There are certainly lots of activities that you can do while you are on your Hawaiian vacation. These will ensure that you will not have a boring time during your stay in the islands.

Some of these activities include airplane tours, hang gliding, helicopter tours, hiking, camping, horseback riding, golf, tennis, hunting, shooting, luaus, motorcycle riding, guided tours, boating, kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, water skiing, surfing, and snorkeling. There is definitely a long list of things to do while you are in Hawaii. Before you know it, it will be time to go home.

Hawaiian vacations will truly give you experiences of a lifetime. But to make your vacation memorable and enjoyable, you must do some thorough planning and organizing of the activities and other details ahead of time. It is important for you to plan your vacation as early as possible and do your research on vacation packages that will best suit your needs. By doing so, you can be sure that you have not missed out on opportunities to make for a memorable trip to Hawaii.

Top 4 Extreme Vacations

Sometimes just standing on the beach or going for a nice quiet walk in the mountains is not enough; if your job has you sitting behind a desk 8 or more hours a day on vacation you might want to be doing something else than standing around, no matter how beautiful the surroundings are.

Some people are naturally adventurous, but in case you aren't maybe an extreme vacation will be the experience of a life time! Let's see how you can spice up your life the next time you go on vacation:

1. Shark diving - I don't know about you, but shark diving is as extreme as you could get! Yes, you are in a cage (sometimes, if you prefer) and yes, you get detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do. But let's face it, it wouldn't be extreme if those sharks could be controlled and that danger is what is exciting.

And how much are you going to pay to risk life and limb? Well, dig around for a few details and you will probably see packages for around $2500 per person.

2. Cross country bicycle touring - although it may not be as risky as shark diving, cross country touring is not exactly a piece of cake! There are 2 ways to do this: on your own or with a touring company; I recommend the last option.

The touring company will take care of all the details: bikes, overnight accommodation (I suggest avoiding camping), mechanics in the bike team, support staff that takes care of snacks and possible injured team mates and luggage transportation from hotel to hotel.

All you have to do is ride that bike which may sound easy, but when you find out that you'll be riding 70 or 80 miles per day (or even more) you realize why cross country qualifies as an extreme vacation.

Cross country tours are mostly based in Europe and the United States and the cost starts at around $1500 per person but can go up a lot more depending on the length of the trip and the type of bike you choose.

3. US Special Forces training - if you have always dreamed of being part of a Special Forces team but don't exactly want to be on the first line of combat this is the vacation for you!

Special Forces veterans and local guides will take you through a series of tests and challenges alternating with classes on wilderness survival.

Of course, at request, there are other options that are available to you such as horse riding, mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, wind surfing and rappelling techniques.

The price to be transformed into a "weekend warrior" starts at around $350 per day and depends on the location and trip options you select.

4. Cosmonaut for a day - what kid didn't wish to be an astronaut? Now you have the chance to experience most of an astronauts life at Star City military facility near Moscow, Russia. This is one of the most exclusive things you can ever do, considering that when the Russian Space Program most Russians didn't even know that this facility existed.

Unfortunately you won't get to ride a spaceship to the International Space Station (ISS), but you will get to explore MIR and ISS simulators, learn to navigate by the stars in the navigational simulator and view the Hydrolab from a special observation deck.

There is also a choice between training in the manual docking simulator, training in Sokol-KV (for inflight operations) or Orlan-DMA (for space walks) Space Suits.

These are 4 of the most special and exclusive vacations you could take in your life, and the memories will stay with you forever. What are you waiting for?

Easy Resort Vacations for Families

Do you want to travel with your children without getting bogged down with travel plans? There are a set of resorts all for you.

Many families want to travel somewhere that the children will enjoy but where the adults also get a chance to have some private fun as well. An all inclusive family resort is ideal for many reasons. First, you only need to worry about paying one bill. An all inclusive resort will quote you one price for your entire vacation. Once you pay that, you are set for the rest of your trip. Many family resorts offer on-site childcare and activities for your children so that adults can spend some time on their own. Most will have a variety of dining options, so that you will not have to worry about your children offending other diners in a restaurant.

Beaches is one of the most well known all inclusive family resort companies. They have several different tropical locations where you can bring your family. If your children love the characters from Sesame Street, they will be in luck if you select a Beaches Caribbean trip. There are daily activities with their favorite stars from Sesame Street. If your children are a little older, they will enjoy the XBOX Oasis, the gigantic water slides, a disco for teens and younger kids as well. And of course, who can pass up the self-serve ice cream and soda machines?

Parents won't need to worry though, because there are certified, quality nannies to take care of the children while the adults spend some quality time together. There is Kids Kamp for your children to attend, where age appropriate activities are provided. If you are traveling with infants, a specialized nursery will pamper your babies in a luxury environment. To book a Beaches all inclusive family resort vacation, call 1-800-BEACHES.

The Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas is another popular choice. It is well known for its Waterscape attraction which is over ninety-seven acres of water activities of all types. From super fast water slides to relaxing tube floats, they have it all. There are numerous programs which cater to children of all ages. There are kiddie pools for the little ones, and movies, dancing, and video games for your pre-teens and teens. For the adults there is a very large casino, as well as a quality spa. Shopping and dining are available onsite as well. There are package deals available as well as accommodations only so you can plan your vacation to your specific desires. Reservations are available through the Atlantis website.

Of course, a tropical beach vacation isn't your only option when looking for an all-inclusive family resort vacation. While they are certainly popular, many families choose a ski vacation or even a week or two at a dude ranch. The added convenience of having all your vacation plans done in one easy step makes all inclusive resorts an excellent choice for busy families looking for some time away from home.

Tennessee Vacations

Tennessee is the perfect destination for vacationers. It provides the perfect entertainment for all tastes. Whether you are a music buff, sports fan, history enthusiast or a nature lover, it offers ample pleasure for all.

For music lovers, Sun Studio, the biggest recording studio in the world and where the sounds of rock and roll first burst forth, would be vying for attention along with the Beale Street Historic District, situated in Memphis. It is three blocks of night clubs, artifact shops, galleries and restaurants. It is here that the greats like W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas and Isaac Hayes have performed and captivated millions of people.

For nature enthusiasts, there are pleasures unlimited .Pickwick Lake, located in the Hardin County, encompasses parts of three states: Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. This lake offers excellent fishing with bass, crappie and bluegill. The Pickwick Landing State Park is a haven for campers with camping grounds, cabins, inns and a golf course. One can rent a houseboat, pontoon or Jet Ski if one wishes or go hiking or horseback riding.

Pigeon Forge, situated near Gatlinburg, also offers various types of entertainment from hiking, bumper boats, water slides and theater to Elvis impersonators. It is also known as the location of Dollywood, an entertainment paradise full of music, food and rides of different kinds.

Reel Foot Lake is another attraction that draws people. It was formed as a result of earthquakes from 1811 to 1812. It covers an area of 25,000 acres and one can spot all kinds of birds, including the Golden and American eagles. The park is broken into segments along the lake shoreline and offers recreations like fishing, canoeing and sunset and moonlight cruises.

Waverly town is situated in Humphreys County. It is a haven for outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, camping and horseback riding. The Civil War Fort and the Humphreys County Museum is located in Waverly along with the Johnsonville Historic Area. Spring City, cozily tucked in the rustic Cumberland Mountains, is a wild country with lakes, forests, gorges and waterfalls.

The Bar Watts dam is situated on 39,000 acres of lake that has a beautiful shoreline. Like other resorts, this too offers fishing, water sports and camping activities. To the northeast of Knoxville is a small village called Strawberry Plains in Jefferson County, which offers incomparable recreation. Jefferson County houses two of the largest lakes in the state, Douglas Lake and Cherokee Lake. Boating, fishing, wildlife viewing as well as fishing competitions are held by both in beautiful surroundings.

All this and more makes Tennessee the great tourist destination it is.

Hawaii Vacations

Strategic location, political stability, legal protection to visitors, and the Aloha spirit of the people are a few reasons why Hawaii is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Furthermore, Hawaii has the best weather, a diverse range of recreational and creative outlets, and one of the cleanest environments in the United States. So, if you are on the hunt for a vacation destination, consider Hawaii as your first choice.

Hawaiian vacations have gained popularity over the years as more and more visitors explore the scenic beauty of the place each year. With tropical gardens and beautiful beaches, who would want to miss this haven? There are certainly lots of activities that you can do while you are on your Hawaiian vacation. These will ensure that you will not have a boring time during your stay in the islands.

Some of these activities include airplane tours, hang gliding, helicopter tours, hiking, camping, horseback riding, golf, tennis, hunting, shooting, luaus, motorcycle riding, guided tours, boating, kayaking, whale and dolphin watching, water skiing, surfing, and snorkeling. There is definitely a long list of things to do while you are in Hawaii. Before you know it, it will be time to go home.

Hawaiian vacations will truly give you experiences of a lifetime. But to make your vacation memorable and enjoyable, you must do some thorough planning and organizing of the activities and other details ahead of time. It is important for you to plan your vacation as early as possible and do your research on vacation packages that will best suit your needs. By doing so, you can be sure that you have not missed out on opportunities to make for a memorable trip to Hawaii.

Weekend Getaways and Mini- Vacations!

You need to get away, but don't have the time or money to take a week or two off to head to your favorite destinations. Many people count out taking a weekend and heading to a semi-local vacation spot that allows them to get away, relax, enjoy time alone or together, and find romance, rest, fun, or whatever it is you are looking for in a vacation.

The beauty of weekend getaways is that you can travel on a budget and not miss work, kids activities, and so forth. For a few years while in school, my wife and I never had enough time or money to take a full fledged trip, so we would take little weekend trips a few times a year experiencing more types of travel than if we had taken one big trip.

So, we have put together a simple list of weekend getaways that you can print out and enjoy immediately. Many of the ideas we mention are generalized to any area of the world, however we will mention various locations that are close to where we live as examples. Use your imagination to brainstorm destinations that are within driving range and quite affordable.

1. Romantic Getaways: These are usually at the top of the list. With anniversaries, holidays, romantic events, and so on always around the corner, we need to be on our toes to come up with fresh ideas to sweep our significant others off their feet and keep the romance going. Rent out a bed and breakfast in a small town, grab a hotel in a romantic city like Paris, head to Las Vegas and enjoy all it has to offer. Romantic spots are as creative as you make them.

2. Sporting Events: Big sporting events like March Madness coming up is always fun. An example is two of my best friends for Valentines Day are traveling a couple hours to our state capital to watch the state high school basketball championships. Spring training is coming up for baseball and is always in a warm location. You have racing, football, golf, the Olympics, baseball, the major horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. The list goes on and on.

3. Camping: This is a cheap vacation that can be fun, romantic, and adventurous. Combine camping with white water rafting or go hiking or without being too adventurous, rent a cabin in the woods and get away from society all together.

4. Theme Parks: One year we traveled to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and enjoyed a day at the theme park and the night at Put-n-Bay on Lake Erie. Also, we live near Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio and many people travel from all over to spend a couple of days enjoying the attractions there. There are theme parks everywhere and are a great way to have some fun while enjoying an array of activities. If you aren't close to Disney World or Disneyland, then think of a closer location.

5. Famous vacations spots: Las Vegas comes to mind. We enjoy traveling to Gatlingurg, Tennessee and spending a couple days in a cabin, shopping, eating, and hanging out. New York, San Diego, anywhere in a 6 hour driving time to your home can be perfect. Just write down a few places within that circle and pick one.

6. Beaches: Unfortunately, we don't live within a few hours of a beach, but many people do. A great weekend getaway to enjoy the walks on the beach, dinner overlooking the ocean, beachfront hotel or villa, and all a beach vacation has to offer.

7. Festivals, Events, Concerts: Is there a musician playing in a town not too far away? What about a major event or festival? Pack the bags and head out for the weekend. Grab a hotel and head to this event. You'll have a great time. We have done this many times and always have a good time.

This is just a short list of ideas. Pack your bags and just get away. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to plan your next weekend getaway.

Have fun and tell us how your trip was!

Winter Vacations - Warm Weather Destinations

Do you need a break from the cold? If you need to thaw out then consider taking a vacation to a warm weather destination. You will return tan, refreshed and ready to brave the rest of the winter. Here are some suggestions for taking a winter holiday.

First off, you need to decide how long you can get away and how much travel you want to do. Since most of the U.S. is cold in winter you'll have to go south to find warm weather. If you only have a few days then it makes sense to keep your winter trip close to home since you don't want to spend a large part of your holiday on a plane.

Consider visiting southern Florida which has loads of options and tropical weather throughout the winter. Miami is fantastic for visiting the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the nightlife of South Beach. If you want a slower pace and fewer crowds, consider the Florida Keys. Key West is a quaint city full of bed and breakfasts with plenty to do for the entire family including water sports and nightlife.

A bit farther (but not by much) is the Caribbean. You'll need a passport and the flights are more expensive but it is well worth it. There are tons of tropical islands from which to choose and there are French, Dutch, British, Latin and other influences to give you some culture. The Dominican Republic is know for its inexpensive all inclusive resorts; included in the packages is accommodation, food, transfers and water sports.

If you have more time and money then consider taking a winter vacation in the Southern Hemisphere which is summer during the U.S.' winter. Rio de Janeiro has the world famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana with Sugar Loaf as a rugged mountain backdrop. Since Rio is a large city, it boasts five star hotels, fine dining and many nightlife options. Another holiday destination south of the equator is Australia. The Gold Coast is full of sun and sand options and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne have a European feel. If you're up for some adventure then visit the interior and explore the outback.

Southeast Asia is a popular destination due to its affordability and richness in culture. Singapore is not only full of sights, luxury hotels and culture but it is known for being a very clean country. Malaysia has many white sand beaches and islands with accommodations ranging from simple bungalows to lavish resorts. Thailand is another country brimming with ancient sights and gorgeous beaches and its people are known for their hospitality.

If you need to find some warm weather then there are many options for winter vacations. Take lots of pictures and don't forget your sunscreen!

Looking For Cheap Vacations?

Everybody loves a nice relaxing vacation but unfortunately not all of us can afford an expensive trip away. That is where budget holidays come in handy and if you look around you should be able to find some good deals which are ideal for you at a budget that you can afford. Here you will find some of the best holidays open to you for less than $1,000.

How to Save Money and Spend Less Than $1,000

So just how can you save money on your next vacation and still have a fantastic time? The good news is that there are a number of ways in which you can enjoy a holiday for less than $1,000 and the choices available allow you to do something different and fun at the same time.

The first option open to you is camping. Now when you think of camping, fun is not necessarily the first word that you think of. Rain, hard floors, wild animals and misery is often associated with camping out and so most of the time the family is hesitant to even attempt Even if it saves them money. But it is really bad field to be that and if something can actually be just fun. Try to cook a holiday in a national park, for example and take on a small grid to help you more beautiful.

Another option open to you, that is, children love Disney World. Yes, it is quite possible, even to go to Disney World and spend less than $ 1,000. That's because Disney resorts offer value, and chose to make their parksmore affordable for families which means that you get to enjoy all of the things that other families do just at a smaller price.

If you are looking to save money on travel then you can easily save money on flights. Flights tend to be one of the most expensive parts of a vacation and so if you can save money on them you will be able to spend more money on other things that you enjoy. Look for last minute deals as well as buying tickets from airlines such as Southwest Airlines or JetBlue Airlines.

Finally another way to have a fantastic vacation for under $1,000 is by going on a cruise. Now cruises used to be considered a luxury and you would not expect to find a cruise for less than $1,000 but it can be done. Some cruises from cruise liners such as Carnival Cruises, tend to have deals which vary in price from just $500. So shop around and see what you can find.

Overall it is easy to find cheap vacations to suit your needs; you just have to know where to look. Holiday deals are not always cheap and tacky, they can be really fun and if you go to somewhere like Disney you can really allow the whole family to have an excellent vacation. So when you are considering your next holiday, why not look out for cheap travel packages?

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas: Low-Cost Vacations That Are Fun For All

These days, finding affordable family vacation ideas can be challenging. Two questions must be answered when making these difficult decisions. First, you have to know that you will be able to pay for the trip. Second, you have to make sure that you choose a vacation location that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some travel tips on making your vacation perfect.

Choosing a Location

When choosing a location, you must decide, as previously stated, a place to go that your family will enjoy. An easy choice would be resorts or theme parks that have multiple activities going on at all times. The problem is that these places can be very costly. In addition to paying for the right to participate in their activities, you have to pay for hotels, food, beverages, transportation, and travel games (to keep the kids occupied).

The best tips I can offer in this category are that you choose a location that is both close to you and you can find a place to stay for free (such as a friend or relative's home). Doing so will make transportation and accommodations relatively inexpensive. Additionally, make sure you can find activities that everyone can enjoy in the place you visit, as not everyone enjoys shopping or fishing.

Timing is Everything

When choosing a time to travel, my suggestion is to avoid holidays. Most people choose to travel during a holiday season (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), making traveling more expensive due to traffic. Additionally, if your vacations take place during the spring or fall, gas will be cheaper as you won't have to run the AC or the heater. Finally, it would be a good idea to do most of your driving during a weekend, as interstates are usually cluttered on the weekdays.

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas

My greatest suggestion for an inexpensive vacation is to go somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities. If you can find an area with a forest and a lake, that would be excellent, as it would offer hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping, usually for free or for a low-cost. Additionally, these locales are very peaceful and relaxing, as it will remove you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those who are not too fond of the great outdoors, I suggest visiting a big city where you have relatives or friends living. By staying with them, you'll eliminate many of your unnecessary costs, and big cities offer major amounts of activities, such as seeing professional sports, shopping, factory tours, parks, and many others.

No matter where you go, remember the key to a successful vacation is ensuring that everyone has a good time. Vacations are meant to be the fond memories that people hold onto, as they break up the monotony of everyday life. Just make sure you don't get in over your head and end up remembering the vacation for the debt it caused rather than the experience you had.

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas: Low-Cost Vacations That Are Fun For All

These days, finding affordable family vacation ideas can be challenging. Two questions must be answered when making these difficult decisions. First, you have to know that you will be able to pay for the trip. Second, you have to make sure that you choose a vacation location that the whole family will enjoy. Here are some travel tips on making your vacation perfect.

Choosing a Location

When choosing a location, you must decide, as previously stated, a place to go that your family will enjoy. An easy choice would be resorts or theme parks that have multiple activities going on at all times. The problem is that these places can be very costly. In addition to paying for the right to participate in their activities, you have to pay for hotels, food, beverages, transportation, and travel games (to keep the kids occupied).

The best tips I can offer in this category are that you choose a location that is both close to you and you can find a place to stay for free (such as a friend or relative's home). Doing so will make transportation and accommodations relatively inexpensive. Additionally, make sure you can find activities that everyone can enjoy in the place you visit, as not everyone enjoys shopping or fishing.

Timing is Everything

When choosing a time to travel, my suggestion is to avoid holidays. Most people choose to travel during a holiday season (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas), making traveling more expensive due to traffic. Additionally, if your vacations take place during the spring or fall, gas will be cheaper as you won't have to run the AC or the heater. Finally, it would be a good idea to do most of your driving during a weekend, as interstates are usually cluttered on the weekdays.

Affordable Family Vacation Ideas

My greatest suggestion for an inexpensive vacation is to go somewhere with plenty of outdoor activities. If you can find an area with a forest and a lake, that would be excellent, as it would offer hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping, usually for free or for a low-cost. Additionally, these locales are very peaceful and relaxing, as it will remove you from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those who are not too fond of the great outdoors, I suggest visiting a big city where you have relatives or friends living. By staying with them, you'll eliminate many of your unnecessary costs, and big cities offer major amounts of activities, such as seeing professional sports, shopping, factory tours, parks, and many others.

No matter where you go, remember the key to a successful vacation is ensuring that everyone has a good time. Vacations are meant to be the fond memories that people hold onto, as they break up the monotony of everyday life. Just make sure you don't get in over your head and end up remembering the vacation for the debt it caused rather than the experience you had.

Florida Honeymoon Vacations

Such a romantic destination surely becomes the best place for the newly weds to enjoy their honeymoon and those timeless precious moments together. Lovers of nature and luxury find heaven on earth at the Little Palm Island Resort and the Florida Keys. A romantic sunset sail or a relaxing spa treatment for two makes it all worthwhile. The pastel painted cottages, the village of Seaside seems almost like a painting come to life. This picture perfect place can stroll to the market, restaurants and sometimes enjoy outdoor concerts and wine tasting. Florida offers the honeymooners the choices ranging from all-inclusive golf and spa resorts to colorful beachfront cottages to cozy bed and breakfast inns that guarantee a perfect romantic getaway.

Adventurous honeymooners can spend their day in the company of alligators and saltwater crocodiles and camping through the inspiring Everglades. From hiking to horse back riding along the beach, Florida offers many activities that make the honeymoon experience unforgettable. Whether you prefer sunsets or sun rises with your beloved, Florida sets the perfect mood. Beautiful resorts like Trade Winds Island Resorts host about 150 weddings where couples from all over the US come to accept each other. Renowned Florida honeymoon attraction spots would be the Daytona Beach, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, Sarasota and Tampa - St. Petersburg. These are perfect destinations for honeymooners from all around the world. Orlando, home to Mickey Mouse, is a particularly famous destination, attracting crowds with its never-ending fairy tale world. Walt Disney World does not only cater to family, children and teenagers, but also to honeymooners, with its Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoon packages and events.

Florida honeymoon resorts are generally three-star and four-star rated resorts, such as The Shores Resort and Spa, The Plaza Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach, Florida Keys and Key West's Hilton Key West Resort and Marina and Sheraton Beach Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Gaylord Palms Resort of Orlando's Disneyland. Couples can indulge in lots of beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and sea cruising, snorkeling and parasailing. For the finest diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating, Florida Keys and Key West are presently the perfect location for honeymooning couples.