Cheap Spring Break Vacation

Finding a cheap spring break vacation destination is not impossible. It is feasible to save on a seasonal getaway provided you are flexible and employ some creativity.

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy some fun in the sun during spring break. There are dozens of budget-friendly vacation options available for families with kids of all ages, including:

One of the most popular cheap spring break vacation options is camping. Head out to your favorite local campsite or travel to a nearby National Park. There are nearly 400 National Parks in the United States, many of which offer reasonably priced camp sites, plus a host of other family-friendly amenities. What's more, spring in one of the best times to enjoy the great outdoors. The mild weather is ideal for hiking, biking and kayaking. In addition, camping gives you a chance to put your creativity to the test. Consider turning an ordinary hike into a scavenger hunt and have your kids find different types of plants, birds, flowers and rocks.

Big city adventures don't have to cost you big bucks. In fact, since most spring breakers head to tropical locales for vacation, many big city hotels offer steep discounts to lure families to the urban jungle during the first traveling season of the year. Spring is also a super time to snag cheap airfare to major metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. All of these big cities offer an endless variety of activities for the entire clan, including sightseeing, shopping and dining.

If you are working with an extra tight budget, then consider taking a daycation to a family-friendly local attraction, such as:

Beach Indoor water park Planetarium Botanical garden Children's museum Zoo

End your day by dining out at an inexpensive family restaurant or splurge a bit on a budget hotel and order room service. Many hotels offer free breakfast with an overnight stay, plus guests are allowed to use the property's amenities, such as gyms and pools. This quick and affordable getaway allows you to recharge your batteries without draining your wallet.

Scoring a cheap spring break vacation requires some research and planning. Fortunately, the Internet offers one-stop shopping when it comes to snagging money-saving deals on spring break escapes. There are dozens of travel websites that feature special spring break rates on everything from hotel accommodations to rental cars. If you are traveling with a large family, inquire about group rates or consider booking a package deal that bundles airfare, ground transportation and hotel stays. This option allows you to pay a single, affordable price rater than having to dole out for individual expenses.

Finally, when trying to save on travel costs timing is everything. If you're planning to hit up a popular spring break destination, such as Cancun, South Padre Island or Daytona Beach with their sun-drenched shorelines and festive accommodations, then it pays to book early. Hotel rooms in these spring break hot spots fill up fast. If you wait too long to make reservations, you will have to dig deep to get in.

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Inexpensive Travel Deals for Spring Break

Pinching pennies is a way of life for college students, so inexpensive travel deals for spring break are a dream come true. No one wants to stay behind while several thousands of their closest campus friends head off on new adventures, so take advantage of bargain travel deals designed to make spring break fun and affordable.

When it comes to saving money on your spring break travel, it all boils down to smart booking and even smarter planning. Here are a few things to consider when you're scouting your trip:

As you browse various spring break destinations, you'll find the term "inexpensive" means different things in different places. Getting a steal on airfare to Tahiti is not quite the same thing as cheap package deal to Ft. Lauderdale. If you want to save money, consider traditional spring break destinations: Florida, South Padre Island, Cabo, and Jamaica. These places have many things in common, they are used to the spring break influx and have a good supply of the kinds of hotels, restaurants and attractions that suit a student's budget. Additionally, travel agents, airlines and other transportation companies are aware of the spring break crunch and tend to price travel attractively for the season to woo students.

Like ordering a la carte items off a restaurant menu, purchasing your spring break travel individually can jack up the cost. If you need a plane ticket, hotel and rental car, don't book them separately. Rather, meet all your travel needs with a package and watch the price tag on your trip go down.

If you really want inexpensive travel deals for spring break, access deals not available to the general public by visiting a student-centric travel agency. There are several companies that deal exclusively with students looking for travel bargains, and they can offer you deals you won't find anywhere else. Airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer these travel agents special deals for college co-eds, which often translate into significant savings. Most college campuses have travel agencies that deal with student travel. If your campus does not have one, you can find them online. Here are a few of the more popular ones:

Booking early is always helpful if you want to save money on travel, and spring break is no different. In fact, some students book even before Christmas to make sure they get the best deals. Remember, there are only so many bargain packages available and airfare prices soar as planes fill up, so it's a good idea to get in early to snag super savings.

There are plenty of little things you can do to make sure your spring break trip doesn't break the bank. Keep these tips in mind to save more of your money for fun:

Get organized: Make sure all of your travel documents are in place well before your trip. A last minute, rush passport is going to take a serious bite of your spring break fund. Travel light: Airline baggage fees are not the way you want to spend your limited cash. Bring snacks: It will help you avoid overpaying for food while you're traveling and will give you something to snack on in your hotel room. Carpool: Whether you're driving to your destination or just heading to the airport, pooling your cash with a few friends to cover gas and parking will be an enormous help.

Finally, be on time. If you have to rebook your flight or other transportation because you lost track of time you may find yourself staying home.

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Best Caribbean Family Vacation

Family friendly resorts are scattered across the Caribbean

Not all Caribbean islands are created equal, so what is the best Caribbean family vacation? Some Caribbean destinations are better suited to adults, and touching down at one of these island hot spots, kids in tow, can be a real vacation bummer. Avoid the disappointment and figure out which tropical locales are perfectly suited to family-friendly fun.

If you're looking for a Caribbean destination that will be fun for the whole brood, consider these options which are sure to please parents and kids alike:

The Breezes Resort on tiny Curacao is tailor made for families vacationing together. The long, private beach the resort sits on is a draw for everyone, but restless kids always have something to do thanks to the on-site Camp Breezes. The specially designed kids' program gets children involved in all kinds of outdoor activities, giving parents some time to de-stress on their own. The resort is also located next to two major tourist attractions: the Undersea National Park and the Sea Aquarium, giving you two family friendly activities right on your doorstep.

Atlantis, located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, is a wonderland for all ages. This mega resort features 11 pools, including two kids-only swimming areas, a movie theatre that shows three flicks a day for free, 35 restaurants, and a 97 acres waterscape, complete with sharks. If that is not enough to keep everyone entertained, there is family yoga on the beach, a waterpark, puppet shows, and a pottery studio. The wide range of options is enough to keep the entire clan entertained.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain is a well known name in the world of luxury hotels, and their Cayman Islands property lives up to the chain's reputation. The hotel boasts a whopping 143 acres with plenty of activities geared towards families. The hotel is situated on famed Seven Mile Beach, which also boasts a number of water sports and outdoor activities. If mom and dad need a break after a long day playing with the kids, the hotel can arrange for a babysitter to take over while they enjoy a night out on the town.

Like Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons name is synonymous with quality and luxury. At their resort on the tiny island of Nevis, kids are pampered as much as their parents. The "Kids for All Seasons" camp is operational every day and takes kids on exciting adventures around the resort, including water sports, tennis lessons and storytelling. Every evening, adults have the chance to enjoy a free beverage during the resort's cocktail hour while youngsters can attend a separate fun-filled kids' party. On-site babysitting is also available.

Located on a 237-acre former sugar plantation in St. Croix, The Buccaneer, has plenty of elbow room for kids to get out and explore. The resort's kids' programs are world-class and include fun adventures like a day sailing trip to Buck Island Reef and nature walks where kids pick and taste local fruit.

As a chain, Beaches consistently wins awards for their family-friendly resorts, but their Turks and Caicos location is the jewel in their crown. Kids can hang out with their favorite Sesame Street characters, take part in a variety of activities and camps, and dine in their own special restaurants on the resort's grounds. For parents looking for a break, there is an on-site nursery facility and babysitting can be arranged upon request.

Puerto Rico's El Conquistador is serious about giving kids, as well as parents, an experience to remember. While parents soak up some rays or visit the spa, young guests can take a free water taxi to a special, kids-only island called Palomino where they attend Camp Conqui. On their special island, kids can take part in water sports and nature hikes. Water sports are also available for families to experience together, plus, the resort boasts a water park offering thrills for the young and young at heart.

If you're ready to get your best Caribbean family vacation underway, visit one of these websites and start booking your trip:

Keep in mind that prices vary according to seasons. Expect to pay more during winter and spring. To save on your tropical family vacation consider traveling during the fall.

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Planning a Trip to Paris

Planning a trip to Paris begins with choosing the best time of year to visit. Poets and films often depict Paris in the springtime. Spring is indeed one of the most popular times of year for tourists to flock to the historic French city.

International trip planning requires you to have your travel documents in order, including your passport. Travelers flying to France are not required to get any unique shots or take particular safety precautions. However, you should stay informed via the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrolling?on the website allows you to receive travel updates as they are posted. The Embassy Paris webpage also keeps you notified of any current travel notices.

Flying?is the most common method of travel from locations within the United States to Paris. Flight times vary depending on what part of the country you depart.? Typically, you can expect the flight to take eight hours from New York, a little over nine hours from Chicago and?11.5 hours from Los Angeles. Charles de Gaulle airport is located near Paris and has a number of passenger options from the airport to the city.

If you are plannig to rent a car while in Paris, check international driver’s license requirements. For the record, the French drive on the right just as they do in the United States.

Depending on the amount of time you have for your vacation, you’ll want to plan your itinerary to include?Paris'?major attractions. If you aren’t sure what you want to see the most, plan a bus tour. It’s a must for any first time visitor to a major city particularly those that offer the double-decker type tours. One such bus tour in Paris is called L’Open Tour, which?allows you an unobstructed view of the city. The tour is provided in eight different languages and features stops at all the major attractions from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame and more. Passengers who buy the day pass can get on and off at the different attractions including:

Eiffel Tower – The quintessential Parisian landmark was constructed for the World’s Fair in 1889. Visitors can travel to the top and take stunning pictures of the French landscape. It’s best to visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the afternoon crowds.Notre Dame – Built in 1163, Notre Dame is a historical and architectural marvel. You can tour the entire cathedral and climb to the top as well as see the gargoyles. Visit the website for tour information.Catacombs of Paris – The subterranean tunnels and caverns are gothic in?nature, and will appeal to the historian, the romantic and the adventurer in you. Explore the official website for more information.The Louvre – The world-famous museum is well-recognized by the geometric pyramids decorating?its front. The collection is enormous and includes Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory. The enormous museum may be hard to navigate, so allot?plenty of time for the visit.Les Invalides – The complex of buildings is the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Many of France’s war heroes are buried amongst the museums and monuments here.Champs Elysees – Take a long walk down the famous avenue. The Arc de Triomphe is located on the street. Built by Napoleon to commemorate his victories, the arch also holds the tomb of France’s unknown soldier.Disneyland Paris - Located just outside of Paris, Disney enthusiasts will enjoys?visiting the European jewel in the Disney crown.

No matter what time of year you visit Paris,?you should consider taking?at least one sunset cruise on the River Seine. The lazy drift of the river coupled with the picturesque lights and view of the city at?night?is a worthy addition to any trip to Paris.

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Affordable Family Vacations in Hawaii

Affordable family vacations in Hawaii are possible with a little research and planning.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not hard to keep an entire family entertained in Hawaii without breaking the bank. The island paradise boasts a number of ways to save while vacationing with multiple generations. From lodging to food, entertainment to souvenirs, the following tips will help make your dream of taking an affordable family vacation in Hawaii, a reality:

The "Aloha State" is home to a bevy of beautiful resorts. However, these sprawling properties, which boast everything, from dolphin swimming adventures to ocean-front multi-room suites with private butlers, don't come cheap. If you are toting the entire family to Hawaii, then consider staying at a budget hotel or condo with an attached kitchenette. Having a small refrigerator, microwave, and cooktop at your disposable will help save big bucks by allowing you to prepare meals in your room. What's more, most families visiting Hawaii rarely spend much time in their hotel rooms when there's so much to see and do around the island.

Eating out can really add up when you are vacationing in Hawaii. If you have a large family, skip the traditional sit-down restaurants and opt to dine at the state's popular "lunch wagons." These food trucks pepper the streets and beaches of Hawaii with affordable, yet delectable, menu items. You will be shocked by how large the serving portions are. A typical combo plate sells for five dollars and includes a number of island favorites, including Hawaiian Kalua Pork and Korean Short Ribs on a bed of fresh island cabbage, plus two scoops of rice, and a scoop of macaroni/potato salad. The massive meal will leave you and your wallet full.

Forget about shopping at local souvenir shops for trinkets to bring home from your family vacation to Hawaii. Some of the best deals on souvenirs can be found at area farmers' markets. In addition to selling fresh pineapple, papayas and other local fruit, which vendors will box up for you to ship home, the markets are filled with handcrafted Hawaiian mementos that appeal to everyone in the family, from authentic hula skirts to shell necklaces and hand carved toys made from local woods. Also, forget about purchasing a flower lei from the airport to take back home. Rather, by buying one at a local farmers' market you are guaranteed fresh flowers at drastically reduced prices.

Hawaii boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world, and most of them don't cost a dime to visit. Families can spend the entire day at Hawaii's beaches for free while soaking up the sun, enjoying powder-soft sand, island breezes and miles of unspoiled views of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to the gorgeous beaches, the state also offers a number of other attractions free of charge, including the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo located on the Big Island of Hawaii. The 12-acre zoo is home to more than 80 animal species, including the endangered Nene bird and white Bengal Tiger.

For clans with active-duty or retired military members, scoring affordable family vacations in Hawaii is a breeze. The 50th state has one of the most generous military discount programs in the world, which makes visiting the tropical paradise down right cheap for veterans. From hotels to rental cars, popular tourist attractions to restaurants, the savings for military personnel are huge. For example, Hawaii's Hale Koa Hotel, located near famed Waikiki Beach, operates for the exclusive use of retired and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, and National Guard. Rooms there cost 50 percent less than ones at comparable properties throughout the state. Adding to the savings is the fact that guests at the Hale Koa are exempt from paying Hawaii sales tax on rooms.

In Hawaii "ohana" means family, and that's exactly how you are treated when you visit the Pacific paradise. Hawaii's Aloha spirit is palpable in its warm and friendly people and litany of family-friendly vacation options.

If you are looking to escape to a safe vacation destination with an exotic feel, then check out the following reputable websites, which offer discount vacation packages to Hawaii for frugal families:

Another way to save is to make friends with a local travel agent who can contact you when special deals to Hawaii become available.

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Cheap Family Vacation Packages

Cheap family vacation packages are the perfect solution when your brood is clammering for a getaway, but your bank account is urging you to stay put. By opting for all-inclusive package deals, you can tap into significant savings, allowing you to enjoy your trip without worrying about losing the farm in the process.

Purchasing pieces of your vacation a la carte gives you maximum flexibility, but it also gives you maximum prices. That is where the package deal comes in. If you bundle your airfare, hotel, car rental and sometimes even food and other expenses, you can?save a ton of money.? The companies that provide these services want to keep as much of your business in-house as possible, so they make it attractive for you to do just that.

Package deals are available from a few different sources. The?best outlets?are travel agents?and online travel sites.?Both have deals in place with a wide range of travel and tourism operators, from airlines to hotels and rental companies,?which allow them to bundle services at a reduced cost. The packages vary from company to company, which is why you may see a package deal on Expedia.com that isn’t available anywhere else. Those deals are the result of negotiations between the companies and the travel providers.

Tour companies are another sources for package deals. Say the whole family wants to experience Tuscany in the spring. You can find a tour operator that will bundle together your airfare, accommodation, in-country travel and even tour excursions while you are there at a discounted price versus paying for each facet of the trip separately.

Airlines, rental car companies and hotels may also offer package deals. These deals are the result of partnerships between the various companies involved in the package, and since there is no middle man, the discounts can be steep. Shop for these deals directly with the airline, hotel, or car rental company.

Last but not least, don’t overlook tourism websites for your chosen destination. Most travel hot spots have a tourism department that offers advice to potential visitors.? In?addition to “what to see” tips, you can often find vacation package discounts.

Ready to shop for the best deal for your budget family vacation? Here are some great places to shop for affordable family vacation packages:

Expedia:? The company has an extensive selection of all-inclusive vacations to destinations the world over, including many family-friendly resorts. Booking flights and hotels together through Expedia?equals big savings, but don't forget to search for bigger packages that include rental cars and even some meals.FunJet:? Like Expedia, FunJet offers package deals that are?perfect for globetrotting families.?FunJet's focus is on all-inclusive vacations, and while the site?doesn’t offer these deals to all vacation destinations,?it can land you hot deals for trips to?tourist hot spots?in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Florida and California. The beauty of FunJet for families with little ones is that kids stay for free on many of their trips. You can also get great add-ons, like free golf and excursion packages.Getaway Today: ?If you have your eye on a Disney vacation, Getaway Today is the place for you. They are specialists in matching Disney package trips with families and guarantee that you won’t find a better price anywhere else. Although Disney is their bread and butter, you might be tempted with a Getaway Today Hawaii or cruise package when you go to book your trip.CheapTickets:??Take the entire clan to?Hawaii, Disney, California or Mexico with an all-inclusive vacation deal through CheapTickets. You can get into upscale resorts at deeply discounted prices or save a bundle when you purchase all your travel needs together.Cruises: Cruises are the ultimate in cheap family vacation packages. One price gets you accommodations, food, entertainment, and sometimes?even shore excursions. Many cruise lines offer discounts for?kids, while others can?give you a break on airfare to travel to your cruise departure city. Book directly with the cruise lines or work with a travel agent to find the best deal.

Before you book, consider shopping around.? Price your trip with a few different companies to make sure you are getting the best offer.? Also, look for kid-friendly deals.? It is almost always possible to find special deals for kids, from airfare discounts to free hotel stays to free meals. Look for a package deal that has a little something extra thrown in there for your children.? It also pays to be flexible.? Package deals take away a modicum of control, so you’ll get the best deal if you can be flexible about when you leave, where you travel, and where you stay.? Finally, whenever possible, try to avoid traveling during busy times, like school vacations and holidays.

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Tips for New Luggage

Tired of playing the "Black Bag War" each time you fly commercial? Fortunately, there are ways you can win the battle without having to endure a single scratch fighting over similar looking suitcases. Thanks to Antler Luggage's unique line of all-purpose bags, you don't have to engage in elbow-to-elbow combat with other travelers at the airport baggage carousel.

Andrew Hamilton is the president of Antler USA, the U.S. line of Britain's popular Antler luggage brand. He has been working in the travel industry for 10 years and knows the pains that arise when you are forced to commute with inadequate bags. Hamilton provides tips on luggage shopping in this exclusive LoveToKnow interview:

LoveToKnow (LTK): Shopping for new luggage can be very challenging. With so many options to choose from, what tips can you give travelers looking to update their collection?

Andrew Hamilton (AH): When shopping for new luggage, people should always look for something that meets their needs - in both style and function. Simply being lightweight, for example, isn't enough. Weight is meaningless if the bags can't hold up to rough handling on the tarmac. Look for high-quality materials and workmanship, and invest in a piece of luggage that will stand the test of time. Also, review the luggage's testing standards and warranties. Antler products are subjected to rigorous testing and include a 10-year guarantee.

LTK: What makes Antler luggage stand out from other brands?

AH: Innovative design and engineering makes Antler luggage stand out from other brands. The company has been in business for nearly 100 years and has a long and established tradition of producing quality luggage designed for lightness and strength without compromising quality. In addition, Antler bags feature distinctive colors that are easy to see in crowded spaces. From electric blue to flame red, Antler's vibrant colors help busy travelers spot their bags in record time. We're also known as the lightweight luggage experts. Our engineers have devoted decades to solving the age-old puzzle of weight versus durability. Our luggage is known for combining lightness and durability with smooth-gliding engineering and elegant style.

LTK: What are the bags' most popular features?

AH: Our bags are stylish, lightweight and durable, which helps alleviate the strain and headaches associated with heavy, unwieldy luggage. In addition, they allow for maximum packing while staying within airline weight regulations, which are continually getting stricter.

Antler's security features also are very popular. Security is so important to today's traveler, and most of our cases provide the extra protection of combination locks, key locks and TSA padlocks-which are specially manufactured to allow the TSA to open and close the lock without disturbing the combination.

LTK: Not all suitcases are created equal. Even bags of a similar type vary tremendously from manufacturer to manufacturer. What should the average traveler look for in a decent piece of luggage?

AH: All luggage certainly isn't created equal. That's why travelers really need to evaluate luggage material and design before making a purchase. For example, Antler's popular Liquis line, which features four-wheeled, hard shell cases, is crafted from high quality Polycarbonate, while its innovative wavy outer texture adds style and strength.

Other features to look for are sturdy handles that make for comfortable lifting and wheels that allow you to glide and maneuver through the airport. Antler's Liquis cases feature easy-gliding, high-tech wheels made in Japan. Travelers also need to be aware of airline restrictions. Most luggage manufacturers today don't include the grab handle or wheels in their published dimensions, meaning that many bags advertised as "carry-ons" don't actually meet airline carry-on guidelines. At Antler, we measure our carry-on bags the same way airlines do-from the top of the handle to the bottom of the wheels. When consumers purchase an Antler carry-on bag, they can be confident that it will meet airline luggage standards and that they won't be charged any oversize fees.

LTK: What tips do you have for lifting and carrying luggage?

AH: When it comes to lifting and carrying luggage, always use good form to avoid back, neck and shoulder strain. Also, take advantage of rolling, lightweight luggage. Our Liquis cases are available in a variety of sizes. The 22-inch carry-on weighs just over four pounds, while the larger 33-inch case weighs only 8.4 pounds, which means you can pack more without making your bag too heavy to carry.

Traveling can be an extremely stressful experience, which is why selecting high-quality, stylish luggage is so important. The last thing travelers want to deal with when landing in their destination city is damaged luggage and missing personal items. By investing in superior suitcases you can spend your vacation enjoying new sights and sounds, rather than buying a new wardrobe.

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