Top Tips for Holiday Travel

Tis the holiday season and the time of travel. Heed these top tips to help reduce the stresses and hassles of holiday travel so you and your family have your Best Vacation Ever!

Heading to Grandma’s this holiday season or taking the family on a much-needed vacation? Travel analysts say this 2012 holiday travel season is gearing up to be the busiest in nearly a decade. Traveling over the holidays is already notoriously busy, expensive and stressful, but there are still deals to be found, provided you shop carefully and plan ahead. Looking for a last-minute getaway, check out our many promotional vacations to a wide variety of destinations with free accommodations by calling    1-800-656-2780, and you just may find what you want under the tree this year, along with your Best Vacation Ever! But if you’re getting ready to travel this holiday season, take a deep breath and heed some of these top tips to help reduce the stresses of holiday traveling:

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Healthy Eating in Orlando’s Theme Parks

While on your BVE promotional vacation, there are plenty of healthy and affordable dining options at the big-name theme parks in Orlando to please everyone, and every taste bud, in the family. Health-conscious visitors will be surprised by all the healthy choices available!

A vacation used to be a license to splurge—to eat and drink whatever you wanted—but travelers today are much more conscious about healthier eating options and spreading out their family vacation splurging a little bit. A nice dinner out with all the trimmings is always great fun, especially if you’re on vacation in Orlando. But for many parents, healthy eating options are a big concern, especially on the wallets when out enjoying all the city’s theme parks and attractions during their affordable vacation in Orlando, Florida.

You can always bring your own healthy snacks and sippie cups to refill juice or water  in your  backpack (check park websites for policies on bringing in food and water ahead of time.). But there are more healthy eating options today, especially when health and fitness options are top of mind at all kinds of eating establishments—theme parks included! Just ask your vacation representative at 800-656-2780 who can also help with advance ticket purchases while booking your promotional vacation package.

More and more theme-park travelers started expressing strong interests in having healthy eating options, especially after seeing the quick in-and-out joints with burgers, hotdogs, fries, and chicken nuggets,vendor stands with popcorn, decorative ice-cream treats and candy shops, and kids hyped up on too much sugar.

Moderation, obviously, is the key, but you and everyone in your family can eat healthy and still enjoy your promotional vacation in the theme-park capital of the world, so you don’t go back home 5 pounds heavier, with kids that are completely thrown off their healthy eating routines.

Healthy entrees are easier to find at the bigger restaurants at the theme parks, but the smaller, quick-serve joints do serve healthy options, too. If you take time to read the menu you’ll find plenty of alternatives to fries like Jello, applesauce, fruits slices or carrot sticks. Having two members share a meal also is  a great way to monitor portion control and save money while on vacation.

Your promotional vacation package to Orlando can be as fun, healthy and affordable as you want it to be. Remember that your Preferred Guest Resorts representative can help you with any advance ticket purchases and reservations too, if you call 800-656-2780. There are plenty more options available if you just look around while you’re at the parks or if you check out the dining options at each website ahead of time. But, to give you a head start, here are a few suggestions for  healthy eating options at some of Orlando’s big-name theme parks.

SeaWorld®Orlando

SeaWorld has one of the best healthy dining programs out of all the Orlando attractions, making it easy to stick to healthy eating habits. Don’t worry, there’s something to please everyone and every taste bud in the family. Along with a mesmerizing tableside view of sharks, you can get freshly prepared, upscale entrees of all varieties, from assorted salads to freshly grilled seafood and chicken at Sharks Underwater Grill. It’s may be a bit more expensive, but it’s truly memorable experience. One the kids will totally enjoy, no matter what they are eating.  Makahiki Luau serves up incredible Pacific Isle cuisine that’s full of fresh fruits, salads, prime entrees, along with plenty of traditional luau entertainment. (Call your vacation representative ahead of time at 800-656-2780 too see if they can assist with the required advanced registrations.)  SeaWorld also caters to vegetarians with a delicious super- low-calorie vegetable plate or a yummy garden burger at the Spice Mill. There’s also the cold veggie wrap in the Antarctic Market that’s a nice, refreshing bit to nosh on during a hot summer’s day. The delicious smells and succulent flavors from the Voyagers Smokehouse might tempt your taste buds to go off the wagon, but its just-as-flavorful yet healthy turkey sandwich is an equally delicious alternative that’s flattering on your figure, too.

Universal Orlando® Resort

Universal Orlando Resort combines adventure and healthy meals. No matter where you stop almost all of Universal’s dining options offer healthy alternatives to French fries or other high-calorie sides. Choose from veggies, side salads or fruit to help balance any meal. The Beverly Hills Boulangerie, Louie’s Italian Restaurant and Richter’s Burger Co. all offer a selection of soups, salads and sandwiches that won’t leave you feeling guilty or wondering if you’ll fit in that new swimsuit you bought for the hotel pool. When you’re in Islands of Adventure, try the Garden Burger at Burger Digs or the Chicken Caesar Salad at Pizza Predittoria for a quick, wholesome meal that won’t leave you too full for the rides. For an award-winning meal, look for the towering rock formations, cascading waterfalls and ancient figures carved into the side of Mythos Restaurant® and get ready for a top-rated meal with a scenic view and plenty of healthy options, such as the succulent Cedar Plank Salmon. Passing in between the two parks, the healthy options abound at Universal CityWalk®, which has a host of renowned restaurants you can sit a spell for a great wholesome meal for the whole family. Head to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville® for the Caribbean Chicken Salad, or a plethora of options at restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe®, Emerils® Restaurant Orlando, NBA City, Bubba Gump Shrimp™ and many more.

Walt Disney World® Resort

Healthy snacking is the key to keeping both parents and kids happy while visiting the most magical place on earth. A colorful assortment of fresh fruit, veggies and juice can be found cold-packed with vendors at any of the parks, like in Animal Kingdom’s decorative Harambe Fruit Market, which entices children with its cold-packed variety of colorful fruits, water and juices. You can also find delicious, low-fat smoothies at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom that are great for beating the heat while being healthy. For lunch? Head into Tomorrowland where you’ll find tofu and noodle bowls at the Terrance Noodle Station and Turkey Bacon Wraps at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café. Hollywood Studios also offers veggie sandwiches and a Southwest Salad with chicken at Starring Rolls or Backlot Express. There’s no skimping on flavor to eat healthy at Animal Kingdom’s Yak & Yeti, with its Mandarin Chicken Salad, or the hibachi-style grilling Teppan Edo or the many eateries in the countries at Epcot®. There are also a bounty of options for healthy eating at the many eateries within the countries of the World Showcase. French fries are popular and pretty much a staple item, so you’ll always find those on menus. But at least there are alternatives, like salads or fruits, that are offered at most establishments and at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée are now offered at all table-service restaurants.You can even satisfy your sweet tooth with a Dole Whip or a naturally super sweet mango smoothie that fills you up, too, instead of those hard-to-resist fudge bar or Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bar. A couple during the vacation week is almost a tradition, but keep it a minimum… a special treat!

It’s much easier to eat healthy at the parks than people think, especially with so many options and a shared consciousness to serve and keep park visitors happy and healthy. Sometimes, it’s having the will power to follow through that’s the hard part. Remember, you can always stash away a few healthy treats and some water bottles in your backpack to help save money, time and stave off the kids’ boredom standing in long lines, depending on park policies you should check ahead of time online.  Whatever you decide, know that there are plenty of options to suit all your needs as you and your family enjoy your promotional vacation in Orlando. Be sure to call your vacation representative at 800-656-2780 for any information or assistance in booking your vacation, getting theme-park tickets or hard-to-get dinner reservations in advance, as well as notice of any dietary restrictions the hotel can be advised of. Then go ahead and have your Best Vacation Ever!

 

Preferred Guest Resorts is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST37842.

This advertising is being used for the purpose of soliciting the sale of a vacation ownership plan.

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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.

Inexpensive Family Vacations – Tips for Saving Money during Your Vacation

Everybody needs to get away, but the financial stress of vacationing can sometimes ruin the relaxation you were hoping for.  Here are some tips to have fun family vacations on a budget so you don’t regret your time away when you get back.

Limit Eating Out

It’s easy to justify eating out for every meal when you’re on vacation, but the bills will add up quickly and your nutrition may suffer.  Choose how many times you’ll eat out, such as once a day, and hit the local super market for the other meals.  Buy fresh fruit and veggies to keep yourself energized with quality calories and save money at the same time.  This tip for inexpensive family vacations is easiest to accomplish if you have a kitchen in your hotel room.

Don’t Go Overboard with Souvenirs

Decide how worthwhile certain trinkets are and whether they will really be put to good use when you get home.  Many knick-knacks will catch your eye on vacation, but you must limit the gifts you buy for friends and family at home as well souvenirs for yourself if you want to save money on vacation.

Fly Midweek

Tuesday through Thursday are the cheapest days to fly.  You can save a bundle on travel expenses by planning your flights well in advance for the middle of the week.

Buy Vacation Packages

There’s no reason to ever pay full price for your flights and hotel room if you plan ahead.  There are travel packages for all kinds of destinations that allow you to save hundreds on your plane tickets, accommodations, and even with restaurants that are affiliated with the hotel or airline.

Travel Light

Many airlines charge you a fee to check your bags.  You could end up paying hundreds of dollars to check your family’s luggage.  To save in this area, ask everyone in your family to pack as light as possible.  Remember, most hotels supply basic toiletries so you don’t have to bring these along.

Take a Trip during the Off-Season

By traveling in the spring or fall instead of the summer months, you can save big time on all kinds of vacation expenses.  If your children are homeschooled, or you’re willing to take them out of school for a few days, you can enjoy inexpensive family vacations during the off-season.

All of these tips will help you save money on your next family trip.  Traveling doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know what it takes to accomplish fun family vacations on a budget.

Family Vacations on a Budget Are Possible with Preferred Guest Resorts

Promotional Vacations, like those found at BestVacationsEver.com, offer travelers special incentives in exchange for participation in an introductory sales tour of the sponsoring Preferred Guest Resort destination.

The freedom to choose your discount or promotional package allows families to customize their vacation experience. And most promotional getaways are good for a year, so families have flexibility in planning their vacation when it’s most convenient for them.

For more information about available promotional packages, be sure you join our social network on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find more helpful videos just like this one on our YouTube channel.

Top Family Vacations – 10 Must-Do Activities at the Beach

Many top family vacations include a visit to the beach.  If you have this kind of vacation planned for your family this summer, you may have splashing in the waves and lounging on the beach in mind, but there are several other must-do beach activities that will cost you very little money.  Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune on family fun vacations at the beach to achieve lasting vacation memories.  Here are the top 10 cheap or free activities you can participate in on the beach.

Fly a Kite

Choose a store-bought option or be even more frugal and make your own kite.  Make it a contest to see who can keep their kite in the air the longest.

Go Fishing

You don’t need an expensive reel and bait to catch something on the beach.  Grab hold of some netting or a bucket and wade into the water to see what you can catch.  Kids love this activity, and it can even turn into an educational experience.

Make Sand Angels

You might end up a little sandy, but that’s what going to the beach is all about!  Claim your patch of sand and wave your arms and legs to make a sandy angel.  See how long it takes for the tide to come in and fill in the outline.

Set up a Treasure Hunt

Plan this fun activity for your children, complete with treasure maps and an X marking the spot!

Go Snorkeling

If your beach vacation comes complete with clear waters, forgo the trip to the aquarium and bring your own snorkel along instead.  You will view sea life up close without spending a dime.

Play Beach Bowling

Set up empty cans or half-filled water bottles as the pins.  Take turns trying to knock them down with a beach ball or soccer ball.

Collect Sea Shells

This activity is like a treasure hunt without any effort to set it up.  Walk along the shoreline and see what treasures catch your eye.  Later in your vacation, see if you can find a jewelry maker to turn the shells into a bracelet or necklace to take home.

Build a Sand Castle

It’s a classic beach activity that never gets old.  Use buckets and other containers to shape the castle walls, or simple shape it with your hands.  Don’t forget to have fun destroying your creation before you leave!

Create Footprints

Be creative and shape prints of dinosaurs, giant birds, and other creatures in the sand.

Draw Pictures

The beach is a giant sandbox where you can design pictures with pebbles, shells, and the sand itself.

These activities will keep you and your family entertained on the beach without spending nearly anything.  When it comes to family fun vacations, nothing beats the beach.

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