Saturday, November 5, 2011

Planning Fun Road Trips

family in carMichele Wanke

The key to planning fun road trips is having the right attitude. For some, hitting the highway is worse than giving birth, while others look at long road trips as a chance to fulfill a life-long fantasy.

Whether you are crisscrossing the country on a month-long road trip or you are simply heading to grandma's house for the weekend, preparation is key when driving long distances. Road travel can be your ticket to big adventures or it can lead you down a disastrous detour to vacation purgatory. To ensure your next journey is filled with f-u-n, consider the following road trip tips:

Loading up on individual handheld video games is one option to keep the kids calm and your sanity in check, but nothing spells fun more than a classic road trip games, such as I Spy, 20 Questions and License Plate Bingo. What's more, even the youngest members of the family can get in on the action by playing car versions of Simon Says and Scavenger Hunt.

Another option is to turn storytelling into a game. Simply select a rider to start by having him make up a sentence or two with a cliffhanger ending, such as: "Once upon a time there lived a big brown moose who loved chocolate, but every time he sunk his teeth into a piece he…" The next person finishes that sentence and adds a couple more funny lines before adding his own cliffhanger. Rev up your creative juices and you can keep the story going for miles.

Music is a quintessential part of a road trip. Decades ago long car rides consisted of passengers taking turns singing "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall," but these days you can create your soundtrack and load it on a MP3 player or burn a bunch of CDs to make cruising down the highway an enjoyable experience.

Today's technology allows you to choose music that the entire clan can rock out to, from children's favorites to rap, country, pop and everything in between. Play your personal road trip compilation when the chorus of "Are we there yet?" rises to an uncomfortable decibel level. You will be surprised by how a little car karaoke can lighten the mood of crabby passengers.

If you are really inspired, you could burn travel-themed songs onto a single CD. Some titles for consideration include:

Ventura Highway by America Every Day is a Winding Road by Sheryl Crow My City was Gone by The Pretenders New York, New York by Frank Sinatra Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

In addition, consider packing some audiobooks when planning fun road trips. You can choose from colorful kids' books to current New York Times' best-sellers. Books on tape are the perfect alternative to played-out playlists.

You can't survive a road trip without good eats. Food is often a saving grace when you are trapped in a moving vehicle for hours on end with friends or family. Pack a cooler with your favorite portable snacks and make eating fun by picnicking at wacky travel attractions, such as:

World's Largest Ball of Twine in Darwin, Minnesota The Toilet Bowl Museum in Alamo Heights, Texas Museum of Bad Art in Dedham, Massachusetts World's Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois

Road side gourmets can also pack a small grill to make hot meals at scenic rest areas along the way. Grilling your own hamburgers and hot dogs can help save a ton of money and you can have fun in the process by swapping stories with fellow travelers who are also making pit stops on the side of the highway.

The bottom line when planning fun road trips is to eliminate as many road blocks as possible. Make sure to have your vehicle inspected prior to hitting the highway. Change the oil, check your tire pressure and make sure you have enough gas to get where you are going. Also, make sure your license, registration and insurance are current. Finally, don't forget to pack a few trash bags. Nothing is less fun than driving in a moving landfill piled high with food wrappers, empty soda bottles and mounds of half-eaten sandwiches.


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Tampa, Florida Travel Guide

TampaMichele Wanke

Tampa, Florida is a dream escape for anyone longing for fun in the sun. The tropical vacation destination is located along the Gulf of Mexico and boasts a bevy of spectacular attractions, restaurants and shops. Regardless of your age, the west central Florida city will keep you coming back for more, year after year.

From family-friendly amusement parks, gorgeous beaches, awe-inspiring natural areas and a host of professional sports teams, Tampa has something for everyone.

You don’t have to look far to entertain kids in Tampa. The city is home to the uber-popular theme park Busch Gardens, which features several major thrill rides, as well as an African animal park and a children’s area complete with a massive tree house. If that’s not wild enough for your brood then head to:

The Florida Aquarium: This undersea wonderland is filled with more than 20,000 plants and sea creatures housed in fresh and saltwater environments. It also boasts dozens of interactive exhibits, including a million-gallon coral reef display. If you are truly adventurous, then consider signing up to dive with denizens of the deep in the aquarium’s Shark Bay exhibit.Hillsborough River: Nature lovers will enjoy getting up close and personal with the residents living along the Hillsborough River. Spend the day navigating the historic waterway in a rented canoe, and meet popular riverside residents such as herons, deer, otters and a variety of other animals.

Taming your inner shopping beast is a breeze thanks to the vast array of stores Tampa has to offer, including:

Hyde Park Village: Located in one of Tampa's oldest neighborhoods, Hyde Park Village is a mecca for popular retailers. Follow the shopping center’s luxurious outdoor pathways to familiar stores, such as Restoration Hardware, Anthropologie, Williams-Sonoma, and Brooks Brothers.International Plaza: If you have money to burn in the sizzling Tampa heat, then head to International Plaza. The city’s premier shopping center is adjacent to Tampa International Airport and attracts hundreds of thousands of shoppers to its upscale stores, including Tiffany and Co., Burberry and Neiman Marcus.Swiss Chalet Gift Shop/Tampa Bay Visitors Center: The unique structure does double duty as a superbly stocked souvenir shop and information center. Not only can you purchase one-of-a-kind local merchandise and staples, such as stamps, cameras, and postcards, but you can also buy tickets to tours, shows and other area attractions.

The combination of blue skies, soft sea breezes and crashing waves is enough to whet anyone’s appetite. Fortunately, Tampa is home to a variety of different restaurants that offer culinary masterpieces from around the world, including:

Columbia Restaurant: The southern city is heavily influenced by the Spanish culture, and the Columbia Restaurant is no exception. Family-owned and operated since 1905, the iconic eatery offers colorful ethnic dishes such as paella and Spanish soup with garbanzos and chorizo.Catch Twenty Three: Located in trendy West Park Village the stylish seafood restaurant is a tropical paradise in and of itself. Island music plays in the background while servers dish up everything under the sea, from fresh calamari and shrimp scampi to yellow tail snapper and seared mahi.Pink Flamingo Cafe: If you are looking for cheap eats that are packed with flavor, then visit the Pink Flamingo. As the name implies, the restaurant is home to dozens of pale wading birds. However, the flamingos are not the only draw. The cafe serves up tasty down home dishes, including corned beef hash, turkey melts and crab cake Benedicts.

Nighttime is hot, hot, hot in Tampa. When the sun goes down on the Florida city, you can let the rhythm move you at one of Tampa’s flashiest clubs, including:

Club Prana: From Latin to hip-hop, reggae and pop, Club Prana plays it all. The five-story, high-tech club features multiple dance floors, a rooftop bar, celebrity DJs, and an endless drink menu.Orpheum: Live music rules at the top-rated Orpheum. Local and national musicians take turns heating up the dance floor with their tunes. In addition, the club boasts a huge selection of draft beers, as well as several unique tropical libations.Empire & Climax: This massive nightclub is a haven for Tampa’s night owls. Aside from its powerful sound system and enthusiastic DJs, the two-story club also has areas where you can play darts, drink and mingle.

Before you solidify your Tampa travel plans, keep in mind that the Florida hot spot is a year-round vacation destination. Consequently, you will likely run into crowds regardless of when you travel. Fortunately, with so many things to see and do in Tampa, you won’t be bumping elbows with visitors your entire trip. If you are wary of sharing space with large numbers of people, then pick up a Tampa, Florida travel guide or log on to the Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website to get tips on when to visit popular attractions.


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Planning a Trip to Paris

Paris at NightH.V. Long

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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St. Petersburg, Florida Travel Guide

woman on beachMichele Wanke

St. Petersburg, Florida, is a dream getaway for sun worshippers or those looking for a subdued southern escape. Located at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula, St. Petersburg is surrounded by water on three sides. The picture-perfect locale means you are never far from the lull of crashing waves or stunning, panoramic ocean views. Most travelers flock to St. Petersburg to enjoy the area’s spectacular white, sandy beaches. While the sun, sand and surf are intoxicating, the city offers so much more.

Florida is one of the most family-friendly travel destinations on the planet. If you are planning to visit St. Petersburg with multiple generations, and are interested in activities that will keep the entire clan happy as clams, consider these attractions:

Great Explorations Children’s Museum: Take a break from the beach to visit this mecca for hands-on exploration. Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about the wonderful world of touch from the museum’s high-tech and traditional exhibits. Kids are given the freedom to explore music and science rooms, or they can learn how to design cars and sail boats.Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary: This one-of-kind public avian hospital gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the work it takes to mend injured wildlife. The sanctuary is staffed by professionals and knowledgeable volunteers who care for and rehabilitate a variety of birds from herons and raptors to egrets and pelicans, and you get a front-row seat to see their efforts.Pier Aquarium: St. Petersburg's legendary Pier Aquarium boasts an ocean’s worth of amazing watery exhibits. Visitors learn about different marine creatures and their environments. In addition, the educational facility allows guests to partake in a number of interactive exhibits, including the ultra-popular touch tanks.

Don’t travel all the way to St. Petersburg without sampling the area’s sumptuous regional cuisine. Dive into delicious dishes at these eclectic eateries:

Guppy’s: No trip to Florida is complete without dining on fresh seafood. Locals and visitors love the underwater eats at Guppy’s. The outdoor dining area offers incredible views of St. Petersburg’s sensational sunsets and mouth-watering epicurean delights such as blue crab tacos, Asian tuna filets and potato-crusted salmon.Habana Cafe: For adventurous palates, Habana Cafe offers a taste of the old country. Dine on authentic Cuban fare, including roast pork with white rice, black beans and arroz con pollo. The food is as vibrant as the setting, which is decked out in colorful murals and live Latin music.Six Tables: If you are celebrating a special occasion or simply have money to burn, head to Six Tables. The upscale restaurant pampers guests with an exceptional multi-course prix fixe menu, which includes appetizers, champagne, soup, salad, sorbet, an entree, cheese and fruit, and a decadent dessert.

Shopping in St. Petersburg is a dream for big spenders and frugalistas alike. The city offers an eclectic mix of traditional upscale department stores, trendy boutiques and antique shops. If you are looking for unique gifts and trinkets, don’t miss these shopping centers:

The Pier: This local landmark is a sight to see. The five-story complex juts over the water of Tampa Bay and features an inverted glass pyramid. Inside you can shop ‘till you drop at popular chain stores and local boutiques. The shopping venue also boasts dozens of restaurants, an aquarium and boat rentals.BayWalk: This open-air shopping plaza caters to high-end shoppers. BayWalk is home to a collection of luxury stores, movie theater and upscale eateries.Central Avenue Antiques District: Home to Florida’s largest antique mall, this retro-style stretch of stores is a haven for treasure hunters. In addition to antiques, you can find distinctive jewelry, handcrafted accessories and stunning artwork.

Whether you are on a romantic holiday or in town for a reunion with your high school pals, St. Petersburg’s nightlife has something for everyone. Top picks include:

Cha Cha Coconuts: This festive club comes to life at night with a host of tropical-themed activities. Live entertainment, vibrant drinks and pub grub make the club a must-visit for travelers looking to soak up the casual Florida vibe.A Taste for Wine: When you tire of sipping tropical libations on the beach head to A Taste of Wine for a more sophisticated escape. This top-rated wine bar is a popular nightlife outing for those with upscale tastes. In addition to the excellent wine selections and outstanding microbrews, the bar offers live music, amazing appetizers and a hip outdoor balcony.New York, New York: This mega-popular club epitomizes St. Petersburg's nightlife scene. New York, New York is the place to see and be seen in the city. The bar and dance floor are always packed with customers who cram in to listen to local bands bust out hit after hit. Fortunately, the ambience more than makes up for the long lines.

With so much to see and do in St. Petersburg, it’s a good idea to research your options before making the trip. An excellent?guide to city life can be found on the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website.


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Day Trips from Knoxville, Tennessee

City of KnoxvilleKimberly Sharpe

The third largest city in Tennessee, the Knoxville area is rich with things to do. Situated near the Appalachian Mountain system, outdoor enthusiasts flock to this southern city year-round. If you're staying in the Knoxville area, there are several day trips that are sure to delight.

Knoxville is one of the largest cities in the Appalachia region. Located just 20 minutes for the Great Smoky Mountain range, as well as bordering on three major rivers, those who want to get in touch with the natural side of things will not lack for something to do.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is within an hour of Knoxville. The park is open year round; however, some campgrounds, trials and roads are closed during the winter, so be sure to check before heading out to the great outdoors. Entrance to the park is free, but if you are doing more than picnicking or hiking, there are fees. There is no shortage of oudoor sports such has hiking, fishing, camping and horse back riding. In addition, the park boasts one of the best collections of log buildings in the United States. There are over 90 structures to visit. You can also pick up a self-guided tour to find out more about this slice of America's past. In addition,

Outside Knoxville runs the Ocoee River, where adventure seekers can opt to take a day trip down its whitewater expanse. The river provides Class III and IV whitewater rafting for those seeking a thrill or two. However, don't go it alone. Use a whitewater rafting guide such as Outdoor Adventure Rafting. They offer guided raft and tube day trips with experienced guides to help you navigate the river. Prices vary according to the length of the trip. Kayakers can also opt to try their hand at the river's whitewaters.

Almost an hour from Knoxville, you'll find the family-friendly town of Gatlinburg. For many, this mountain resort town is the destination for visiting the Smoky Mountains. However, in addition to offering beautiful views, Gatlinburg boasts a host of interesting tourist attractions. There is something for everyone in this not-so-quiet resort town and is definitely worth a trek from Knoxville if you have time.

exhibit at ripley's museum

Those who love the bizarre and fascinating will want to visit the world famous Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. While the museum itself has 12 galleries and over 500 artifacts to peruse, it's the cluster of buildings that your family might want to explore. In addition to the museum, you can also:

Explore two different mini-golf courses Visit the World Guiness Records Museum Take a ride at Ripley's Moving Theatre Get spooked on the haunted adventure Visit the aquarium

Save money by buying a combo ticket online. You can get a combo ticket for the museum and as many attractions as you'd like to see.

You may have never heard of Pigeon Forge before, but rest assured this town is busting at the seams with quirky, but family-friendly attractions as well as popular destinations that outdoor enthusiasts will love. Rent an ATV, go whitewater rafting or check out some of the locally unique attractions that bring families back to Pigeon Forge.

If you're wanting a theme park experience with a bit of southern charm, try Dollywood. The Dollywood Theme Park boasts rollercoasters, great entertainment and shows, and kiddie rides. Tickets for the day will run you around $60 for adults and $50 for children. The season passes are priced considerably lower, and are well worth it if you think you can make it back in one season.

If nautical history is your thing, you aren't going to want to miss the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. The museum is a living history museum, in that it boasts costumed interpreters that help bring the story of the Titanic to life. Tickets will cost around $23 for adults and $12 for children. However, if you make your reservations in advance (which is highly recommended as they tend to sell out very quickly), then you can buy a family pass for $60 which will cover two adults and two children.

zorbing

Zorb is literally not for the faint of heart. In fact, you need to sign a consent form and general liability waiver to do it. However, if adventure sports if your thing, Zorb Smokey Mountains might be what you're looking for. At Smokey Moutnain Zorb, you can roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball with your buddies or alone. Your purhcase tickets per ride, and some rides require special types of clothing. The minimum age is 8 and the maximum weight is 220.

Cades Cove is an isolated valley at the base of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the most frequented area of the national park due to not only the beautiful scenery, but also to the historical significance of Cades Cove to the area. From Civil War monuments to reminders of a village that once was, Cades Cove is a favorite hiking destination.

For many families, Knoxville is the perfect combination of pristine natural wonders, and great family fun. No matter what time of year you go, you'll never run out of stuff to do. To keep up to day on special hotel offers, events and local attractions, make sure to sign up for the free visitors and tourists guide.


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Friday, November 4, 2011

Summer Vacation in Houston, Texas

Houston skyline Michele Wanke

Planning a fun-filled summer vacation in Houston, Texas, requires a game plan. With so much to see and do in the popular southern tourist town, you need to buckle down and research possible itineraries to ensure that you make the most of your seasonal getaway.

When it comes to wrangling some down-home family fun in the summer sun, it doesn’t get much hotter than Houston, Texas. America’s fourth largest city has something for everyone, from massive parks and high-tech adventures to art-tastic exhibits and dozens of historic hot spots. Houston is also home to some of the most popular tourist attractions on the planet. If you are planning a summer vacation in Houston, Texas, be sure to stop off at the following must-see sites:

Escape the scorching summer heat by diving into Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. The massive structure features Texas-sized adventures for visitors of all ages. At the center of the awe-inspiring six-acre entertainment and dining complex, sits a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland which boasts more than 200 species of aquatic life from around the world. Along with dozens of denizens of the deep, the aquarium also houses the sunken hull of a 17th century Spanish galleon shipwreck, ruins of a lost Mayan civilization and a 20-foot long Reticulated Python. If that’s not enough to float your boat, then consider that the aquarium also features a Ferris wheel, a train ride that tunnels through a shark tank, and a couple of white tigers.

No matter what the season, Space Center Houston is rated as the city’s number one tourist attraction. The facility provides out-of-this-world experiences for guests thanks to its various interactive displays and famous moon rock. You can also view astronauts training for their next space walk, blast off in a space shuttle simulator, and tour the Astronaut Gallery which houses the planet's best collection of spacesuits. Astronaut John Young's ejection suit and Judy Resnik's T-38 flight suit are just two of the most memorable spacesuits on display in the gallery.

Kids of all ages will roar with excitement during a summer trip to the Houston Zoo, which proudly holds the title?of seventh most-visited zoo in the United States. The massive animal refuge is conveniently located in Hermann Park, and features an array of more than 4,500 exotic animals including koalas, tigers, vampire bats and meerkats. In addition, Houston Zoo also offers a number of animal encounters that allow guests to get up close and personal with its furry residents. In fact, you can crawl right into the piranha exhibit and go nose-to-nose with some of the world’s most endangered species courtesy of the zoo’s see-through exhibits. Also, don’t miss the chance to cool off at the McGovern Children’s Zoo. The play area boasts eleven water features, including five jet fountains and three foaming fountains, in a Galveston coastal fishing village setting.

Located in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a stunning mansion nestled on 14 acres and houses a collection of priceless American Folk Art, furniture and antiques dating back to the 1600s. The gardens are equally spectacular and are in full bloom during the summer months.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, Houston is also?known for having one of the most vibrant music scenes in the nation. The city’s hot and humid conditions are ripe for outdoor summer concerts. During the summer months, Houston sizzles with a full slate of live concerts played at outstanding outdoor venues, such as the Showground’s at Sam Houston Race Park and Miller Outdoor Theatre. The summer concert series boasts a diverse mixture of talent to please everyone in the family, from classical music to rock, pop and jazz.

To view a complete line-up of summer acts and get more information on where to go during your summer vacation in Houston, Texas, visit the Houston Visitors Center website. Ask for a visitor's packet geared to your needs to make planning for your crew a cinch. If you're traveling through Texas on your way to Houston, you can visit TravelTex to use their highly-acclaimed trip planner which features an interactive map, so you can plan pit-stops along the way.


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Spring Break Vacation Deals

scuba familyMichele Wanke

Finding super spring break vacation deals is one of the best ways to cure the winter blues. Finding a way to get some much needed sunshine in the middle of winter is easier than you might think!

By March, most people are tiring of Old Man Winter's bitter chill and are looking to escape to warmer climates. Spring break is one of the best times to jet off to sunny destinations to recharge your batteries. Whether you are a college coed, who wants to party your break away, or you're simply looking to take the kids on a quick getaway to the sand and surf, the following popular spring break destinations are sure to please:

Panama City Beach has held on to the title of "No.1 Domestic Spring Break Destination" since the 1990s. Not only does the area offer one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, it also boasts a number of family-friendly attractions, including museums and animal encounter programs. In addition, to the silky sand and cobalt blue waters, Florida is also home to Walt Disney World and a host of other popular theme parks, which attract kids of all ages.

Cancun is the premier spring break vacation destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its turquoise waters, powder soft beaches, and sun-drenched blue skies, Cancun is a thrill seeker's dream vacation destination. The sunny locale offers a variety of water sports, jungle tours, catamaran rides, and cliff diving opportunities. Meanwhile, those looking for a more serene setting can explore Cabo San Lucas, which boasts a slew of upscale resorts and miles of luxurious beaches.

The Aloha State's diverse topography offers something for every traveler despite age and budget. From surfing to scuba diving, hiking, biking or simply relaxing on the beach with a tropical libation, Hawaii provides the perfect setting for a variety of popular spring break activities. What's more, since it is part of the United States you don't have to worry about passports or tightened foreign security when traveling to paradise.

Whether you are traveling with multiple generations or you are looking to spend a long weekend by yourself, California offers plenty of affordable spring break options. In addition to the family-friendly theme parks, including Disneyland, Legoland and Universal Studios, California is home to miles of pristine beaches, dozens of top-notch ski resorts and some of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, such as the San Diego Zoo and Yosemite National Park.

Fortunately, spring breakers on a budget can find a number of money-saving deals to the aforementioned destinations, including:

Group deals: If you are planning to travel with six or more people, then look into group deals. A number of travel companies offer discounts to large groups if they book together. Savings range between 10 to upwards of 25 percent of rack rates. All-inclusive: Another great way to save on a spring break vacation is to visit an all-inclusive resort, such as Sandals or Couples. One price covers hotel lodging, meals, beverages, activities, tips, and in some cases, air and ground transportation. Package deals: These deals bundle flight, hotel and rental car fees, so you are paying reduced rates for all aspects of your spring break getaway. You can look to save up to 60 percent off on air travel and hotel accommodations with package deals than if you were to pay separately for each entity.

Spring break vacation deals can be found all over the Internet, including these top travel websites:

In addition, you can often snag great spring break deals by contacting reputable travel agents. A good travel agent will discuss your vacation needs and wants and help design a getaway that will come in under budget, but won't skimp on fabulous features.

Family on the beach

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