Family Travel on a Budget
Family vacations are a special time for everyone. The kids are home from school, the Blackberry’s are turned off, the entire family is together for the yearly bonding ritual that brings everyone a little closer together. And then comes day two…
Before you decide to jump ship, take a deep breath and plan out the family vacation that works for everyone. There are plenty of ways to enjoy a new and exciting destination while allowing your little ones the opportunity to learn, enjoy, and retain the importance of ‘quality time’. Family travel can be fun, rewarding, and affordable, but most of all, family travel can build lifelong memories that will keep everyone smiling.
Everyone needs a break – even the kids – but vacationing with your children doesn’t have to be costly, worrisome, or exhausting. You’ve got options, and plenty of them! Consider the world your playground – where do you want to go first?
Beaches: Cape Cod
Cape Cod is the essential – and quintessential – New England destination for families looking to make the most of the sun and sand. The Cape Cod beaches along the North, South and West perimeters are the perfect spot for young children and toddlers thanks to the small waves and shallow waters, which come courtesy of the Cape Cod Bay and the Nantucket Sound. Eastern-facing beaches (in towns like Brewster, Wellfleet, Yarmouth, and Eastham) that open to the Atlantic Ocean have larger surfs and undertows that might be best left to teens and adults. Pack a picnic, sunscreen, and plenty of beach games, and bring your group to any one of the remarkable sunny spots on the Cape. Towns like Barnstable (Craigsville, Kalmus, and Sandy beaches); Falmouth (Menauhant, Surf Drive Beach, and Old Silver Beach); and Dennis (Corporation Beach and West Dennis Beach) boast calm waters, family-friendly restaurants, beach-side bathrooms, and lifeguards. More family friendly beaches in Harwich (Red River Beach) and Chatham (Hardings and Ridgevale beaches) have all of necessary accommodations as well. Affordable beach nights in the Cape are just as easy to come by when you indulge in a renowned (yet inexpensive) lobster roll, or lose yourself in a creamy cup of clam chowder for dinner. Add a few ice cream cones to the bill and you’ve got yourself the classic Cape Cod fare. Grab the kids, towels, and flip-flops, and you’re on your way to an awesome beachside getaway.
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Ski: Vermont
Bundle up the kids and head to the slopes for the perfect family ski vacation in Vermont. While they’ll be glad to leave the classroom behind, instructional ski lessons are the route to snowy fun. At family-centric ski resorts, thrill seekers of all ages can find the perfect on the slope and off the slope activities. In the heart of the Green Mountains in Northern Vermont, Smuggler’s Notch is the ideal place for families. Its children’s ski and snowboard camps help little ones feel confident as they learn the skills and tools they need to excel. For young ones who aren’t intent on becoming snow bunnies, there is a child care center, and a FunZone- the indoor play land catered to kids. Plus, challenging terrain for parents and relaxing (and inexpensive) après ski activities like relaxing in the hot-tub and swimming in the indoor pool is a bonus. The premier family ski vacation destination, Killington, offers kids daily programs like Friendly Penguin Day care, and MiniStars/Lowriders groups. Stratton ski club hosts plenty of ski (and non-ski) activities at value prices. Sugarbush gives lessons for kids between ages 3-12, and Stowe’s Mountain Adventure Program outfits all kids great and small, experienced and novice. At the end of the day, sink into a comfy chair by the fire and enjoy a simple cup of hot cocoa.
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Amusement Park: LEGOLand, San Diego
Bring your family on an amusement park vacation to LEGOLand in San Diego and let your kids get lost in their fantasies. Tour through the Land of Adventure, where forgotten temple ruins and stolen treasure raise the stakes, or Dino Island, the prehistoric jungle of animated LEGO dinosaurs. Visit a dreamy time in history where kings, queens, and dragons come to life in Castle Hill, or take in LEGO replicas of American landmarks in Miniland, USA. These LEGO neighborhoods come together to build an anthology of imagination that is tangible to children. More than 50 attractions are spread over the vast 128 acres. For younger little ones who can’t quite yet appreciate the fun, the baby care center is centrally located, and equipped with a changing area, high chairs, and rocking chairs for nursing moms. Live shows, play-zone rides, and 30 million LEGO blocks make a family vacation to California a must.
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Camping: Jackson Hole
There’s nothing like reconnecting with nature – and your family. Take a break from technology and texting and retreat to the remote depths of beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Remove the distractions, unplug the headphones, and instead listen to the sounds of nature and spend quality time with the people who matter. Accommodations range from campsites with cabins and tents, to rental homes and condos. For fun at new heights, take the kids horseback riding through Hidden Basin or enjoy a wooded boat tour on Snake River to feel the breeze and breathe in the fresh air of your naturally stunning environment. Bring a camera and create the best (and cheapest) souvenir you can – memories. The best part of your family camping trip to Jackson Hole could simply be the s’mores and ghost stories around the campfire with your kin. Reunite with your family by getting back to nature.
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History: Philadelphia
Take a family vacation to Philadelphia where the American Revolution comes to life. Feel the presence of the founding fathers when you first lay eyes on the Declaration of Independence – the reverence that comes with being home to the Constitution isn’t lost on anyone. Walk the notable streets that Benjamin Franklin strolled, and relive the birth of the United States when you visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Constitution Center. For a virtually free afternoon, pack a picnic and head to Fairmount Park, where you can relax under the sun, toss a Frisbee or just lounge in the green. Located on the other side of the park is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where history and creativity merge under one roof. For your little budding scientists, stop at the Benjamin Franklin Institute Science Museum or the Adventure Aquarium for a fun-filled day of all things Philadelphia. If you’re bringing toddlers (who might be slightly less interested in our nation’s history) then detour to Sesame Place, where Muppet-themed neighborhoods are aimed to please playful little ones.
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