Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Hot Summer Vacation Deals And Where To Get Them

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Hot Summer Vacation Deals and Where to Get Them By J. Foley

The mercury is rising. Summer days are here again. It is time to plan a trip with yourself or family, to head to a place to chill, a place to unwind, a place to be. As in the case of all vacations, you need to plan ahead in order to land the best deals available.

The cheapness of airfare often is directly proportional to the time in advance in which you have booked it. Popular holiday hotels and resorts also tend to fill up easily as the best and affordable places are snatched up by the multitudes, apart from you, who really need this holiday!

First of all, you need to narrow in upon the place, or at least the kind of place you want to go to. It can vary from the quaint old world charm of Italy to the deserts of Rajasthan, from the snows of Switzerland to the peaceful retreat afforded by the Himalayan mountains, and the beaches of the Hawaii islands to the charms of the Caribbean scenario.

Contact the local Tours and Travel offices, but the spaces offered by them are snapped up pretty quick! However, nowadays some of the best and hottest deals are usually available on the Internet for the net-savvy wander bug.

Numerous airlines are plying daily between your locality and your dream destination, and most of them allow you to book tickets online. You can bid for the hottest bargains depending on dates and ticket availability, and payment usually happens via your credit card, unless the office is accessible in your neighborhood and you, wary of cyberspace, prefer to trudge down to it.

For instance, if you search online with "Caribbean hot deals", you'll surely spot sites such as www.caribbeanhotdeals.com. Be careful in trusting all such sites offering bargains, however. Ask friends and acquaintances for references, and choose wisely. Ask around before sealing the deal. Surf online for the comments of satisfied customers.

If you do not have the foggiest about where to go and what to do, if you're high and dry about creative ideas as to how to spend your vacation, you may check out spaces such as travelwithkids.about.com/b/a/2006_03_01.htm which has listed ideas for summer travel with family at the Ohio State Park Resorts, or www.tripadvisor.com which has resources for traveling, among other places, to Mount Nebo. The latter also has comments about the destination from other travelers, from whom you can pick up tips and cues.

The usefulness of these sites lies in the fact that in absence of local tourism offices or helpful counselors, they facilitate a dialogue between the first-time traveler and other people who've already been there, done that. To say nothing of listing the references of tourist guides, places to stay in, arrangements for food, and details of what and what not to expect from such places.

travel guide by J. Foley

Sunday, April 23, 2006

European Summer Vacation Tips

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European Summer Vacation Tips By J. Foley

Europe is where it all started. And Europe is where many Americans end up for spending their summer vacations.

One very important aspect of spending your summer vacation in Europe is the budget. An European tour can be expensive. The air tickets alone, from a major American city to a major European airport can cost you about $1200. But if you are quick enough to catch budget deals on the Internet, you could possibly get the same ticket for under $400.

During the trip itself, too, you shall need to think outside the box and venture off the beaten path. If you're traveling on a tight budget, a package tour may not always be what you are looking for. If you plan your movements carefully enough, it is possible to get a 10-day tour within $1000, airfare included.

But where are you going to go? It makes good sense to read up on a few travel-and-tourism books before visiting this continent, since this place is so soaked in history.

Of course you should see Rome and the other famous cities of Italy. After all, the Rome is one of the bedrocks on which Western civilization was founded. The great basilikas of these cities, and specially the Sistine Chapel in Rome are some of the most famous architectural wonders of the world. You should specially see the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which has a gigantic illustration by Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists the world has ever seen.

But do not be so overwhelmed by Rome neglect that you neglect the other fine Italian cities. Florence and Milan host some of the best artworks of the European Renaissance. Venice is famous for its buildings and museums, as well as its vast network of canals that serve as roads and highways in this city. A leisurely gondola ride along a typical Venetian waterway can be an experience of a lifetime. And don't forget to get your fill of the fantastic Italian cuisine – after all, these are the people who gave us pizza and spaghetti!

Greece is even older than Italy, in terms of civilization. And later influences from Persia (now Iran) and Turkey have given rise to an interesting culture that's a curious blend of East and West. Visit some of the oldest cradles of human civilization in Athens, Thebes and Sparta. The temple of Parthenon on the hilltop in Athens is one of the most often photographed architectures of the world.

France is the land of art and music, painting and literature. There was a time when Moulin Rouge and other famous public houses of Paris would be absolutely filled with world-famous painters and artists. Taste the fine wines from the south of France, and feel free to catch a little nap in a roadside open-air café after your lunch. It's common practice – the Latinate countries value their afternoon siesta more than love or money. Do not miss the castle of Bastille, and the Versailles palace, the royal seat of the kings of the Bourbon dynasty.

The university towns of Germany and Austria will be attractive to those who are of a serious and academic temperament. But both of these countries, as also Switzerland, offer very beautiful landscapes and an Alpine experience. Some of the world's best ski resorts are located in Switzerland.

Spain and Portugal, twin countries of the Iberian Peninsula, are some of the oldest colonizing powers in modern history. The whole continent of South America was dominated by them at one time, and all countries there still speak either of these two languages. Visit the mother countries and their ancient heritage, and also taste their famous wines and great food. Incidentally, port wine comes from the Portuguese city of Oporto, and Sherry was originally a Spanish drink.

Wherever you go, be sure to plan well ahead and carry a lexicon with you. Americans are typically monolingual, but Europe speaks many languages. Prepare yourself so that you can at least ask for food, water and shelter in four or five different native tongues.

travel guide for you by J. Foley

Friday, April 21, 2006

Enjoy Whitewater Rafting This Summer

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Enjoy Whitewater Rafting this Summer By J. Foley

As the summer's warmth takes hold, what will you do to beat the heat and celebrate the season? Leave it to bookworms to curl up on their beds or couches; you need your adrenaline fix. You need to feel the sweet rush of excitement up your spine, to enjoy life as it should be lived. So put on your boating gear and enjoy the extreme sport of whitewater rafting this summer.
Feel the rush of the rapids and the turbulence of foaming liquid in your nerves. Perceive the frightening lurch of the vessel in the pit of your stomach. Sense the thrill of living on the edge. Whitewater rafting can bring all these to you, and more.
But even if you aren't a habitual daredevil, you will find this a fun and worthwhile experience. First, it is a great way to take a close look at nature and its powers. You know you need that to beat the growing feeling that life consists only of office cubicles and interest rates.
Also, you have this secret theory that you're an unusually strong person, and would prove to have great endurance and stamina, given the opportunity. Your reflexes are remarkable, and as for the ability to think quickly and effectively, you're one of the unsung geniuses of the world. Great. We aren't going to dispute your assessment. But why not put your unparalleled qualities to the test, so that you can finally be sure that you are really the person you think you are?
And what better way to test oneself than going whitewater rafting?
What is more, all adventure sports tend to bring friends and comrades together like no other activity can do. This is because in these you have absolutely no option but to work as a team, and everyone's life and limbs depend on the responsible behavior of everyone else. This feeling can give rise to a deep bond of trust as no mere social mixing can.
If you're an honest person, you should admit that you feel that tiny pinch of worry every time you toss back a can of your favorite beer during the peak summer months. You worry that you don't work/exercise enough to burn up all that you drink, and you lose some sleep when you think of a potbellied future. Drink you must, if only to prevent dehydration in the hot, dry days of June, but how do you enjoy your drink with a clean conscience? Because that's how you enjoy your drinks best.
Well, the solution is simple. Go whitewater rafting this summer, and when you come back from each session you'll probably be so dead beat that you can toss away all that you want without so much as a protesting murmur from your conscience.
And of course you've always wanted to go on a cruise but never could afford it. Well, whitewater rafting has very little in common with a luxury cruise except that you float on water. But it costs only a tiny fraction of what a cruise would cost, and additionally you get the chance to call cruisers 'sissy' to their face, pretending that it was only your disdain for a safe and normal trip that made you discard the option!
Grab these advantages while stocks last – go whitewater rafting today!

travel guide for you by J. Foley

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

Enjoy Skiing This Summer

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Enjoy Skiing this Summer

That time of year is here again when you pack your bags, gather your family and lose yourself in the proximity of nature and leisure. Far away from the crowd and shouts and pressure of daily life. And what better way to celebrate your yearly moment of freedom than to be tucked away in a Ski resort? You can brush up your skiing skills or even start on learning the sport from scratch if you feel like it. Do not just sit idly aimlessly sipping your lager, enjoy the activity. Sport is the best way to forget stress of the mind.

First, a little history. Skiing developed gradually from snow shoeing. In the 19th century, Sondre Norheim was the first person to invent the 'binder', which allows the skier to do turns while going downhill. In the early 20th century, Hannes Schneider was the first person to develop the technique of rotating ones body in controlling the direction.

Within the United States, there are a number of great Ski resorts if you do not feel like going abroad. In the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada or the Cascade, you can test your proficiency with skiing. The conditions are fantastic and the sky is clear at this time of the year.

You can, of course, also go abroad and stay in the heart of the Swiss Alps, one of the most beautiful skiing spots in the whole world. Back home, you can be to Montana. Or a little farther away, but within the continent, you can visit Lake Lousie in Alberta, Canada. There are hundreds of resorts in California, Washington, Idaho and Utah to choose from.

And if you want to go to the resort that the rich and the famous go to in America, you can always choose Aspen city in central Colorado at an elevation of 2410 m. Once a mining town, it has become one of the skiing havens in the continent.

If you are a real pro, you may always choose the Scandinavian countries for your skiing vacation this summer, or you may head for the snow-covered state of Alaska.

You can also pack your bags and head for Japan, a country that boasts of, other than its industrial and technological advancements, about six hundred skiing areas.

One of the most famous resorts in the Swiss Alps is Saint Moritz, or Sankt Moritz in the local tongue. It is surrounded by high peaks and a popular destination both in the summer and the winter. Host to many winter sports events, it is one of the leading skiing centers of the world (In fact, Saint Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice).

Before you go off in your vacation, there are a few musts. Carefully plan your tour. Best would be, if you could buy all the necessary tickets, accommodation, and rentals from the same agency. This saves you hassles, since you get serviced by the same people all through. The best resorts and service can be found and bought online.

However, one thing that one must remember at all times during a skiing vacation is that the rules regarding the sport must be strictly maintained. Otherwise, the skier puts at risk himself or herself, as well as other skiers. There are strict guidelines to how a skier might behave on the slopes and what to do and what not. The signs in the ski areas must also be understood and followed to avoid accidents.

travel guide for you by J. Foley

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Enjoy Scuba Diving This Summer

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Enjoy Scuba Diving this Summer By J. Foley

In the summer, people prefer activities that take them near the water. Rafting and kayaking are popular sports during this time. But surely it would be even better if you could actually be in the water, instead of merely near it? Scuba diving lets you do exactly that.

If you haven't dived before, you're going to have an experience of a lifetime. A whole new world awaits you down there – a magical, dreamy, fantastic world that words cannot adequately describe. It's a world of fish and shells, colorful corals and thousands of other types of marine life you have never seen or imagined. Once you get the hang of it, you're not going to want to come up for air!

However, like all good and enjoyable things of life, scuba diving too needs some discipline and planning. You need equipment and training, and you need to bear certain things in mind if you'd like your experience to fulfilling, safe and trouble-free.

First, take a training course in a reputed center. The importance of this point cannot be over-emphasized. Experts make scuba diving look easy, and you are perhaps thinking you can do it all right on your own without any guidance. But you need to think again. Many an unnecessary accident has occurred because of newbie bravado.

These people will provide you with your practice gear, but when you finish the course you shall want to buy your own. The demand regulator is probably the most important piece of equipment that you shall buy. It controls your oxygen supply – your life depends on it. Do not want to save your penny here – buy the best that you can. Select one that is adjusted for the depths you want to go down to.

The Buoyancy Control Device, BCD for short, is another vital part of your gear, and should be checked for the suitability of its integrated weighting system with your purpose and your body density. Choose the facemask well, so that it fits your face nicely with no cracks or gaps anywhere. If you're wearing lenses, check the facemask's compatibility with them.

In the excitement of your first few unsupervised sessions, you might forget some of the important rules of safe diving. Probably the most important one is, never rise directly to the surface at the end of your dive. Shooting to the surface will not allow your equipment and your body to adjust to the change in pressure, and may lead to discomfort or worse. Rather, stop for a minute or two every ten feet on your way up, so that your body may respond properly.

Another very important lesson you ought to learn is to look out for boat traffic every time you go up. Motor-powered boats approach quite fast, and may cause injury if you aren't careful about them. Fortunately, the sound of outboard motors travels some distance through water, and you'll be able to listen for them.

An essential technique for better scuba diving is to breathe properly. Never pant or hold your breath, and do not move in a way that makes you do these things. For example, developing a slow, smooth gait will help you to breathe calmly and deeply. On the other hand, flailing your limbs or trying to jump around will make you hyperventilate.

travel guide by J. Foley

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Enjoy Saltwater Fishing This Summer

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Enjoy Saltwater Fishing this Summer By J. Foley

The best time to brush up your fishing skills is to go for it during the summer vacations. For the best season for fishing starts from April. And after the summer vacation, in all probability, you will not get the time to relax and wait for the fish to take a bite. You will be back to work again, sweating it out. Therefore, get your equipment ready, and head for the nearest saltwater fishing resort.

If you are looking for fishing resorts, there are many in the circuit. You can find a good many saltwater fishing facilities throughout the United States. But the best resorts are probably in Florida and Alaska.

One good thing about saltwater fishing is that all necessary information can be found online. You can even hire your captain from a list much before you reach your destination. From the Internet you can get information regarding charter of fishing boats from Alaska, or how to hire space in a yacht.

The reassuring thing about all this is that, the people you are hiring are professionals who can actually take you to the place where you can fish the largest Halibut of your life. For saltwater fly-fishing, the best place would be, next to Florida Keys, the Bahamas and Belize. Near Florida Keys Bonefish, Tarpon, Redfish and Permits are available. In coastal Australia, one can find many saltwater fishing resorts. Christmas Island in the Pacific is another good spot for saltwater fishing.

The best times to gather your equipment and head for your favorite spot are either in the early morning or around the time when the sun sets. Fish are easier to catch at these times of the day. A warm day is the best sort of time to go fishing.

You should learn carefully about all aspects of the sport. Before you hire your boat and go out into the seas, a little extra knowledge will not hurt.

For angling, you get a number of equipments to choose from. But more or less, you need a fishing rod and line with lures and baits to entice fish with. Fly anglers prefer to use a light and long rod. But for spin and bait fishing, a heavier rod is preferred. Fly fishing rods can be anywhere between 6 ft and 14 ft long. Salt water fly fishing is a very popular type of fishing these days.

First things come first. Before fishing, one should know all about baits. For saltwater fishing, generally, the leading bait is shrimp. There are other good baits too. in its season, the shedder crab is an effective bait. Striped bass, particularly like this bait. Cut in small pieces, the soft shell clam can be good bait for saltwater fishes.

The aficionado always chooses the equipment with care. For example, there are a number of different flies that you must choose from. You should know which one to use where and for which fish. Should you buy the furry crab variety, or should you go for the Merkin crab for your Permit. Which would be the nicest for catching Bonefish?

Do not wait any more. Look up the place you would like to visit. Round up your equipment, book hotels and charter boats and head for a summer in the comfortable sun with a fishing rod in hand.

travel guide by J. Foley

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Choosing The Right Summer Camp For Kids

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Choosing the right summer Camp for Kids by J. Foley

It has been well documented that summer camps have a lasting impression on a child's character, and if he has been exposed to the right summer camp it would have helped him build his confidence and self-esteem. He would also have learnt valuable life skills and made many new friends. Summer camps provide the opportunity for children to learn and have fun at the same time while being under supervision.

But when you choose a summer camp you got to remember a few things. You should first start with a self-evaluation. You have to ask yourself why are you sending your kid away to a summer camp. For that you have to have a fair idea of your kid's temperament and maturity. With a clear idea about this you have to figure out what exactly are you looking for in the summer camp that can benefit your child. This would involve some amount of research. And always have your child help you in deciding on the summer camp, as he is the one who'll have to spend the time over there.

If your kid is below 10 years it is better not to send him to a sleepover camp. Since they are not very familiar to the ideas of separation and independence, a day camp can be the best option for them or else it can become a bit too difficult for them to cope. However you should have your kid allow a say in this and hear him out patiently. He might have an important point to make.

You can find out about camps by talking to parents who have already sent their kids for such camps. They can give you some suggestions and provide you with a track record of the particular camps that you have shortlisted. Any bad camp will be quickly reported. You can also go and check the camp before the event starts just to have a basic idea about the camp. The counselors in a camp are always very important. Fin out if they are competent. Getting hold of a copy of the camp's certification can also relieve you from many of your doubts.


Private sleep away camps can be expensive and especially if they are taking in small number of campers then the cost can really be steep. On the positive side though you can be assured of your kid getting the maximum care and individual attention. But if you have some financial limitations you can opt for one of the several non-profit camps or the Federation camps. Generally they do take in more campers (approximately 400) but they divide the bunch into smaller units. So the end results can be pretty similar to a private camp.

While selecting a camp you should also consider the location of it. Not only should you take in to account the distance of the camp, as that would be important if you have to visit your kid, but also the security, medical facilities available and the general environment of the camp.

The kind of activities available in a camp is also a point to take into account. While some camps provide a whole range of activities – from individual and group sports like tennis and soccer to outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing, there are also those camps that focus on a single area like horse back riding or gymnastics. Such camps are referred to as Specialty camps.

There are also those camps that emphasize on vegetarianism and weight loss.

Pick any one of them as long as your kid enjoys it and you feel that you get value for your money.

travel guide by J. Foley

Sunday, April 09, 2006

Canada - Ideal For Summer Vacation ?

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Canada – Ideal for Summer Vacation? By J. Foley

All other consideration apart, Canada is a budget traveler's paradise. It's ideal for spending your summer vacation in, because you might actually be saving money traveling there, than by staying home doing nothing.

Well, that's an exaggeration, but it isn't very far from the truth. If you enter Canada with American dollars in your pocket, everything suddenly becomes cheap! The Canadian dollar is worth only about 66 American cents, and you find yourself in a heaven of cut-price commodities. Whatever you buy, whatever you eat, wherever you go – it's like getting a 35% discount on everything! It's a shopper's heaven and a budget traveler's dream come true.

And you're going to need that saved bit, too. For Canada is a large country – at almost five thousand kilometers wide, it's even larger than the United States. It's a country of vast distances and great natural resources, and you can't hope to do justice to its possibilities in one short trip. You shall need to travel widely to give yourself an idea of the great variety of Canadian landscapes, as also of its people and cultures.

The countryside views of Canada are terrific, but its cities have a peculiar charm too. Though it's a large country, its population is very sparse – only about 35 million, which comes down to not more than 3 people per square kilometer! Consequently, the whole place has a sort of laid back, relaxed and peaceful quality about it that's hard to find in the US, or even in Europe. Canadian cities, too, are smaller than American or European cities, and have a certain provincial charm to them! Visit the capital Ottawa, and also the other great urban centers like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.

If you're coming from Texas, California, Nevada or such like, you'll find that spending a part of your summer vacation in Canada is a very good idea indeed, for its climate if not for anything else! Even the southern parts of the country are cooler in summer than most areas of the US. And if you want to experience a true chill, move up to the Hudson Bay or even farther north, near the Alaskan border. Not even the New England states in America can match these regions for the sheer chill factor!

One great way to see all that the country has to offer is to travel by train. Canada has a vast railway network that will take you through forests and mountain tunnels, across rivers and along the sides of great lakes, and give you the visual experience of a lifetime. Also, be sure to visit the chain of fine railway hotels that were built at the juncture of the 19th and 20th centuries to provide superior service to important travelers. These hotels, still operative under private management, look somewhat like castles or chateaus, and are now considered heritage sites. If your budget permits staying at some of these, you'll bring away with you one of the finest experiences of your trip, with respect to service, food, accommodation and the view.

And always remember that Canada is a country that is almost split in two on the basis of language and culture. Americans, having lived in a mono-cultural country all their lives, will find this difficult to conceive. Canada is an English speaking country like the US, but because of certain historical reasons, there are large populations in some areas (specially in and near the province of Quebec) who speak only French. The culture, the food, and even the laws of those places are of French origin. So if you're planning to travel to Quebec or in its vicinity, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up a minimal smattering of the language first, so that you can at least ask for food, water and shelter and pay the right prices for them.

travel guide by J. Foley

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Caribbean Vacation - Ideal For The Summer Vacation

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Caribbean vacation - Ideal for the summer vacation by J. Foley

For Americans summer has always been the time to go out on holidays and enjoy the beach and the Sun. what could be a better place for that than the Caribbean Islands with their lovely beaches, blue waters and the most pleasant sun. In fact the Caribbean has been such a huge hit with American tourists that today the tourism industry is one of the biggest industries of the place.

There are numerous islands in the Caribbean, but some have been all-time favorites with the tourists. The biggest destinations are the islands of Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Curacao and the British Virgin Islands. A visit to any of these islands will leave you with happy memories, you can hardly ever forget.

Anguilla

One of the best family destinations in the Caribbean, Anguilla is famous for its neat beaches many of which are non-commercial. And of course you have the rare opportunity to share the waters with dolphins in Dolphin Fantaseas – one of the biggest attractions of Anguilla. Another place to b e in is Scilly Cay – which provides the perfect setting for barbecue and snorkeling. But the most special thing about Anguilla is her people. They are among the warmest in Caribbean and they go all the way to make you feel comfortable and at home

Aruba

"One Cool Family" is the program organized by the Aruba government to pull in new tourists as well as bring back those who have already been to this lovely island. Such schemes emphasize how important tourism has become in these places and when the government is coming up with such ideas you can rest assure there would be enough effort to provide you with the finest holiday ever.

Apart from the exotic beaches and the clear blue seas other attractions of Aruba include Boca Prins, the perfect destination for dune sailing and land sailing. Of course there are arrangements for the regular activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bahamas

Bahamas has always been a very popular destination for the American tourists because of its proximity to the country. Still having a feel of the British colonial days in its buildings and architecture, the Bahamas is also very tropical in spirit. Known for its beautiful beaches pine forests, Bahamas is the perfect place to sit back and relax.

If you are in the Bahamas you should never miss the Rand Nature Center where you get to see the exact recreation of a Lucayan Village, which has everything, from the chieftain's house to the dwelling huts. And if you are a food freak you got to taste the local snacks from a Bahamian straw market.

Curacao

Just two and half hour from Miami, Curacao is unlike any other Caribbean island. Of course it has got the beaches and the lovely seas, but this dominion of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is also special because of its diverse mix of history and culture. The experience you have at Curacao is, in that sense unique among the Caribbean islands. If yours is a family which is into adventure this can be the perfect destination as you can head for the Hato Caves to witness the amazing dry land sea caves complete with underground pools, cave drawings and fossils which date back to millions of years. But if you are more interested in just lying back and enjoying your vacation you can do that too while enjoying the best of Curacao culture that has a strong influence of the Dutch.


British Virgin Islands

Once a haven for the pirates, the British Virgin Islands is today the perfect place for diving and snorkeling. It also provides you with the very best opportunities to sail. And if you have been a fan of Stevenson's Treasure Island, you can actually see for yourself from where it was inspired – the Norman Island. With calm waters, swimming is also one of the favorite activities among tourists.

travel guide by J. Foley

Friday, April 07, 2006

Affordable Summer Vacation Spots

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Affordable Summer Vacation Spots By J. Foley

Vacation means the time to have unlimited fun in the company of your family and friends. It also means relaxation and rejuvenation. But if you have to break the bank to get an enjoyable holiday, then all the funs get lost halfway. In fact, for many vacationers in the USA, the aspect of affordability becomes the first criteria while planning for a family vacation. Meaning of affordability varies from person to person. But generally, for most of the American families, a resort that costs more than $350 per night seems to be too exorbitant.
The parents traveling with kids are in particular need for a comfortable place to stay, which offers the basic amenities for children. To meet with the strict budget restraints, many of them have to remain content with inexpensive hotels where they are unable to find any kid-friendly amenities. If you are a parent whose choices are restricted because of the budgetary constrains, do not get over stressed, just relax. Because you can easily solve the problem if you take the assistance of the travel agents who can help you to find out reasonably priced family resorts which are spread all across the USA. An expert travel agent can also help you to strike the best deal in vacation packages offered by some of the best resorts of the continent.
An ideal vacation for average US tourists means a combination of fun and comfort. This implies spending time in a resort, where all the members of the family, comprising various age groups may find some activities of interest, enough funs to excite the kids so that the parents can be left to themselves for quiet relaxation. It should be topped with a warm homely atmosphere and friendly services. A proximity to Disneyland will be an added advantage, as for most of the American vacationers; a trip to Disneyland means the best way of unwinding. Most of the American tourists however, are not ready to pay more than $350 for all these facilities.

Disneyland is unarguably the most lovable destination in the whole world for spending an exciting family vacation. It is the place where the people of all age groups will find activities to interest them. But the vacationers on budget often have to strike out Disneyland from their option list, considering the expenses of lodging out there. But contrary to the common idea that you can not find any affordable staying option near Disneyland, there are indeed some resorts, which can act as your gateway to Disneyland, at the same time taking care of the size of your pocket.
Among the few affordable resorts in Disneyland, the All Star Music Resort is famous for its unique theme based decoration. Based on the theme of music, every corner of this resort is dedicated to different genres of music. You can choose from old Broadway melodies or the tuneful country songs or can simply rock it out with the jazz and rock.
You might have the experience of splashing it out in the resort swimming pools before. But the novelty of the two pools in this resort is that the pools are created as a piano and a guitar that your kids will be delighted to see. There are also the arcade and playground, where the kids can have unlimited fun. The parents with infant children can enjoy some relaxed moments with each other, as this 2000-room resort provides you with good quality baby-sitting service. Here you can have the facility of attaching two more extra beds to a standard four-bedded guestroom. A scrumptious multi- cuisine mall style food court takes care of your gastronomic aspirations. And all these you get only for as little as just over $100 per night. Thus you can see, you get the services in All Star, that are more like those of a five star resort, but at a cost, that is more like a budget resort. To make the deal more lucrative, you can pick up from one of its many vacation special packages.

After Disneyland, the next famous family vacation spot is the Rocky Mountains summer vacation. It is an ideal place for the nature lovers who would like to get lost in the romantic expanse of Rocky Mountains. The YMCA of the Rockies, Colorado, act as the tour operator for arranging budget vacations over here. Snow Mountain Ranch and Estes Park Center provide the most economic staying option in this region. As these resorts are open to all guests, you have to make reservations and sort out the matters relating to discounts in advance.

The resort provides two types of lodgings; cabins and lodge rooms. The Cabins come complete with a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen, in addition to bedrooms that vary in numbers from two to five. The cabin rents start from $138/night. Lodge rooms which are available for a modest $64 during off-peak times, are comfortable, though not luxurious. These rooms comprise of two queen beds along with a few bunk beds.
Exploring the beauty of alluring Rocky Mountain is probably the best pastime in this region of the world. But for the young children, this may turn out to be boring. So you can pack them off to any of the summer children's programs, meant for the children between the age group of three to sixteen. The programs include hiking, roller-skating, arts and crafts, hayrides, archery, cooking and many more. You can choose any of these programs depending on the age of your child.
In addition to the two above-mentioned resorts, there are many more affordable spots, where you can spend the summer vacation with your family and friends. These groups of resorts however give emphasize more on the merits of warm and homely environment than the luxurious doing up of the rooms.
In addition to the budget hotels, there are many more ways to cut down on your travel expenses. Begin with the selection of appropriate time. Choose a place as your vacation destination, where you will get the off-season discounts. It will give you a chain of cost cuts starting from the flight discounts to discounted car rentals, and vacation special packages. To get the necessary information, search the Internet and do some research; this is the foundation for efficient travel planning. If the task seems to be too tough, take the help of a professional travel planner as the last resort.

travel guide for you by J. Foley

Travel guide For You

Welcome To My Travel Guide Blog. Here I will Supply Great Tips And Information For all Your Vacation Plans.