Top Family Vacations: Where Should You Go?

When it is time for family fun vacations, it can be hard to decide where to go. If you want to narrow it down, consider that two of the top family vacations people choose are the mountains or theme parks. For those of us in the Southeast, that often means a choice between an Orlando vacation and the Great Smoky Mountains, both of which have some pretty terrific features.

Orlando

Calypso Cay Resort

Orlando is right in the middle of Florida, within easy driving distance of both coasts. This makes it a wonderful spot to vacation, because it gives visitors the option of leaving Orlando to experience some of the other interesting places in Florida. Places near Orlando include St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, Tampa, home to Busch Gardens, Cape Canaveral and the Canaveral National Seashore, and much more.

On the other hand, once you are in Orlando, you may never want to leave! Whether you want to spend time in the thriving downtown area, perhaps riding the swan boats on Lake Eola, take a boat tour through Winter Park’s chain of lakes, or just stick to the Kissimmee area and all the theme parks, you will surely never be bored. Theme parks in Orlando include:

  • Walt Disney World, including The Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and Animal Kingdom
  • SeaWorld
  • Wet and Wild
  • Gatorland
  • Universal  Orlando Resort including Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure

The Great Smoky Mountains

Smoky Mountains

 

Of all the National Parks in America, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited. This is because its natural beauty is breathtaking, its flora and fauna are diverse, and the Appalachian culture it helps to preserve is fascinating. Very near to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it offers visitors such activities as:

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Hiking trails
  • Auto trails
  • The opportunity for shop for treasures, in the nation’s largest arts and crafts community

No matter what your vacation preference, you can find help planning your trip from Best Vacations Ever. With expert advice and know-how on the best ways to spend your travel time, they can help you to plan the vacation of your dreams. Check them out online, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter, to learn more.


 

Family Vacations on a Budget: Theme Park Dining Tips

A theme park vacation is a dream for many families, but for those trying to plan family vacations on a budget, it can be difficult to make that dream a reality. There are some tricks, however, that veteran theme park visitors know, for keeping cost down and value high. Among these techniques are several that pertain to dining at a theme park on the cheap.

  • Eat before you go. Having a big breakfast can push lunchtime back for your family. Load up on carbs, but make sure to have some protein to give the breakfast some staying power.
  • Pack a lunch. Most theme parks, Walt Disney World included, allow visitors to bring food into the park, as long as it doesn’t require heating. Bringing snacks and sandwiches can really cut down on the money you spend in the park!
  • Dine outside the park. Get your hand stamped, so that you can leave and come back. Then head off to eat like a local, and you will save at least 25 percent on your meal.
  • Utilize the dining plan. On the other hand, if packing it in or leaving to find food is not your style, find out if the park offers a dining plan. Walt Disney World, for example, offers vacation packages that include discounted dining for guests staying at one of the Disney resort properties. In addition, some park restaurants offer free meals to children, with the purchase of an adult meal. Do a little research ahead of time, and you will save your family some money.
  • Save money on drinks. It may seem pricey, but if the souvenir mug offered by the park comes with free drink refills, it is probably worth the money. Another strategy is to bring drink flavoring packets, and fill water bottles from the water fountains. Mix in your flavor packet, and you have a tasty beverage!
  • When you do spend, make it count. Steer clear of fast-food type items that you can pick up anywhere. Choose something special, since you are going to spend money that you would not normally spend.

When you are ready to plan a trip, Preferred Guest Resorts can help. Visit them on the web at BestVacationsEver.com to learn more about planning family vacations on a budget. Whether you are interested in a beach vacation, theme park, or another destination, they can offer expert advice and assistance in making arrangements.

Must-Pack Items for a Family Fun Vacation

Family fun vacations are as varied as the families who enjoy them. Your family may be a beachy bunch, or they may prefer the natural splendor of the mountains, or the rugged beauty of the desert. One thing that every vacation has in common, though, is that packing the right items is very important. Here are some must-pack items, no matter where you are headed:

  • A good camera. Do not miss a moment of the fun! Make sure you have a record that will be enjoyed for years to come.
  • Effective sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, but protecting your family from UV rays is crucial. Do your research ahead of time, and bring the correct sunblock.
  • Sunglasses and hats. Another important way to block harmful sun exposure is by using glasses and hats. Whether you are in the car, on the trail, at the pool, on the beach, or at a baseball game, remember to protect your skin and eyes.
  • Extra swimsuits. Chances are, no matter where you are headed, you will be spending some time in the water. Few things are more uncomfortable than squishing back into a cold, wet swimsuit, so make sure to bring an extra suit for each member of the family.
  • Good reads. Whether old or young, everyone in your group should have some quality books to devour during downtime.
  • Maps and travel guides. You cannot arrive if you do not know where you are going! Be sure to research your location ahead of time, and bring along some helpful guides.
  • Hand sanitizer. This is the parents’ best friend. Whether you prefer wipes or gel, make sure you have some tucked in a few places, so that you never end up with a germ situation that you cannot handle.
  • An extra bag. Most people find that the contents of the suitcase seem to expand during vacation. Make sure you have an extra bag, so that you can get it all home.
  • Needed medicines. In addition to any prescriptions, make sure you have pain and allergy medication.  Vacations can be unpredictable, and you never know when someone is going to fall, get stung, or have some other minor crisis.
  • Comfortable clothes.  It is imperative to have clothes in which to go out to dinner, or meet someone important. However, the clothes for traveling should be as soft and cozy as pajamas. In fact, for small children, pjs are the perfect travel wear!
  • Entertainment. For some families, this may mean a portable DVD player. For others, travel-sized board games. Whatever it means to your family, smart parents know that even top family vacations can sometimes be sullied by children whining about boredom. Plan ahead, and you will have a ready answer.

Vacation is the perfect time to bond with your family and take a break from your everyday surroundings. No matter where you choose to travel, it is important for people to have time to relax and recharge their batteries. Be sure to plan your packing lists carefully, so that you have less to worry about while you are away.

Family Resort Vacations: Everything in One Place

Some of the top family vacations these days are enjoyed at all-inclusive resorts. When it comes to family fun vacations, this option is often overlooked. For those who have not considered it, here are some reasons a family resort vacation may be right for you:

  • Everything in one place. Often, planning the daily itinerary for a family vacation can be very taxing. Where should you rent kayaks or bicycles? Where is the best beach? Where can you ride horseback? Resorts have a wide variety of activities, right at the resort. No need to run around town hunting down fun things to do—those fun things are right on the resort grounds.
  • Typically more cost-effective. Another benefit of resorts is that you know what you will pay for the vacation, ahead of time. Compared to what it costs to book activities and pay for meals on a typical vacation, all-inclusive resorts are a definite bargain.
  • Something for everyone. No matter the ages of your party, resorts offer fun for all. Because they are meant as a place to stay, not just to visit, you can find fun activities for kids, spa services for mom, maybe golfing for dad, and food to suit every diet. Because resorts plan fun activities and excursions for the little ones, parents can have their own kind of fun, knowing their kids are safe and busying playing.
  • A safe place. Particularly when traveling outside of the country, travelers may have concerns about their families’ safety. Even in the United States, a tourist may not be familiar enough with the city to know which areas are safe. Resorts offer security, and an opportunity to relax, knowing you and your family are safe.

Family resort vacations are a great way to reconnect with your loved ones. Taking your family to a resort allows you to enjoy the benefit of quality family time, without the hassle of planning your own activities. Why not give a resort a try? You can relax and enjoy your vacation, knowing you and your family are in good hands.

Travel Tips: Packing for Your Family

When vacationing with your family, it is helpful to know some travel trips for packing before you begin. It is easy to pack too much or too little, and you do not want to show up at your vacation spot without some vital piece of gear or article of clothing.  Fortunately, there are some tried and true methods for assuring that your family fun vacations are not interrupted by trips to the store for forgotten gear, and your road trips are not bogged down with vacation clutter.

  • Make a list. In a quiet moment, take some time to think through what each family member will need. Then make a list for each person to use during packing. When the packing is complete, be sure to pack the lists, as well. That way, when you pack up to leave your vacation spot, you will be sure not to leave anything behind.
  • Pack a “permanent” toiletries bag. Keeping a bag packed with travel sized shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and so on can save time when you vacation. When it is time to pack your suitcase, you will not have to decide what toiletries to bring- just grab your toiletries bag and go!
  • Use plastic bags. Plastic zipper bags can be a benefit while packing, both in protecting clothes from anything that might leak, and in organization. For children, it can be helpful to pack gallon zipper bags with one outfit per bag: top, bottoms, underwear and socks. That makes it easy for children (or adults who may not be the adults who normally dress them) to grab an outfit in the morning without making a mess of the suitcase.
  • Remember the important things. When traveling with small children, never forget to bring a comfort item. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a little one wailing for a forgotten teddy or blanket.
  • Err on the side of packing light. Chances are there is a store where you are going. Do not pack as if you are headed for a deserted island, only to end up lugging heavy baggage that contains items you could have picked up once you arrived.
  • Pack your itinerary. Especially if you are traveling by air, pack a copy of your itinerary, complete with your address and contact number, in every person’s suitcase. That way, if your luggage is misdirected, it will be more likely to reach you.

Traveling with your family can be a great experience, and is a great way to bond with your loved ones. Using some simple travel tips for packing can be very helpful in making sure the trip goes off without a hitch, and everyone has a good time. For more help planning family fun vacations, visit BestVacationsEver.com, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.  Have a great trip!

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