Taking a family vacation is a favorite past time of many families during the summer. Sometimes it can be hard finding that perfect destination if you have a young family. There are many places to choose from and many attractions geared towards younger crowds. Knowing where to find them can be hard sometimes. Here you will find information on places to go and things to do for you and your children. From beach trips to amusement parks, there are so many things to choose from. So pick your favorite spot or try out something new.

1. Family Travel Check here for great tips on places to go and things to do with your family.
2. Vacations Find places like beaches, train trips, and other locations that are great for young families.
3. California If California is your destination, here is a great site to find all things family friendly there.
4. Locations Look here for some great locations to choose from that your family will enjoy.
5. Utah Valley Learn what there is to do here for families.
6. Avoid Long Lines Try taking a trip to Virginia for some great fun without all the lines and crowds of theme parks.
7. Midwest Learn some favorite spots in the Midwest for family vacations.
8. South Seas Take a look at this resort in Florida that offers great programs for families of all ages.
9. Beach Vacations Here you will find tons of ideas for a great beach vacation for your family.
10. Top 10 Look at the top 10 places to take a family on a tight budget.
11. Florida Stop here and get a few ideas on places to go in Florida that are perfect for your young family.
12. Choosing Here are a few tips on how to choose the best vacation spot for your family.
13. Family Tips One blogger shares her tips on spots for vacations and tips to make it the perfect vacation for your family.
14. 9 Best Baby Places Here are the top 9 favorite baby destinations for vacation.
15. Baby Spots Learn some great places to take a vacation while you have a baby.
16. Babies and Toddlers Here are some great tips and locations to take your young children.
17. The Keys Learn all the best places in The Keys to take your family.
18. Toddler Trips Read one blogger’s tips on taking a trip with a toddler and where you should go.
19. Best Spots Here are some tips on great places to take your family.
20. Kids Club Take a look here at the kids club at The Homestead hotel. A great place for your young family to have fun.
21. The Bee Bunch Learn about this great place in Colorado springs for your children.
22. Resorts Find fun for everyone in the family at one of these resorts.
23. Shady Acres Get one with nature and have a lot of fun with your family at this resort.
24. Trails Here are a few trails that you and your children will enjoy.
25. Cape Cod Find all kinds of family vacation ideas at this guide to Cape Cod.
26. Five Best A blogger shares their views of the five best vacation spots for you and your children.
27. Great Spots Look here to find all sorts of information on travel destinations as well as tips on enjoying yourself while there.
28. 75 Places Here one blogger shares the top 75 places to take your family.
29. Cancun Learn how to have a great family time in Cancun.
30. Best places Look here to see some of the best vacation destinations.
31. 10 Must See Here are 10 must see summer destinations.
32. Best Places to Go Look here for a top list of family friendly vacation spots.
33. Five Fast Spots Here are the top five locations for a fast family vacation.
34. Budget Vacations Learn how to take your family on a vacation while sticking with your budget.
35. New England Visit New England learn all the insiders tips for traveling with children there.
36. Disney on a Budget Learn how to go to one of children’s favorite places in the world on a budget.
37. Tips on a Budget Learn here how you can have a wonderful vacation without breaking the bank.
38. Eating Out Learning how to feed your family while on vacation and sticking with your budget at the same time.
39. Theme Park Learn how to plan your theme park trip and stay within your budget plans.
40. Best Locations Look here for tips on great locations for you to take your family.
41. Guide Here is a guide to kid friendly vacation spots.
42. Popular Spots Look here at the most popular vacation spots.
43. New Jersey Stop here to learn about visiting farms in New Jersey that your children will love.
44. Great Wolf From story time to the water park, there is always something going on at this resort for you and your family.
45. Special Needs Here is a guide to taking your special needs child on a vacation that they will love.
46. 25 Reasons Here are twenty five reasons to take your family to Williamsburg.
47. 10 Places Here are the top ten attractions you must see in Pennsylvania.
48. Kids Eat Free Stay Free Here is a list of the best eat free and stay free deals out there.
49. Vegas Take a look at the family friendly attractions to go to in Las Vegas.
50. Kid Friendly Tips and Reviews Look here to find out all sorts of reviews on kid friendly vacation ideas.
51. Vacation for Less Learn some tips here like renting a house instead of a pricey hotel room and saving money on your trip.
52. Ideas Look here to find all types of ideas to take vacation like a ranch or a beach.
53. Baby Tips From booking to traveling safely, learn tips here for vacationing with a baby.

Image Credits: Sids1

Colorado has a deserved reputation for its splendid outdoors. from the Rocky Mountains to the prairie, natural beauty covers most of the area. Although Colorado is more well-known for its winter vacation spots, like Aspen and Vail, there are some great places to go for a summer vacation. One such place is Fort Collins. Fort Collins, in addition to appearing on many “Best Places to Live in America” lists, has some great places to check out in the summertime.

Fort Collins is an area built on the idea of community, so there are so many options for cheap or free entertainment. You and your family are sure to have a blast for only a few dollars. And you might even see Chris “Big Black” Boykin from Rob & Big fame wandering the grocery store aisle as he and his wife have made their home in the Fort.

Photo via Kables

One drawback about living in our nation’s capital is its distance from large vacation hot spots. It takes a few hours of driving to get to popular beach resort towns such as Ocean City, Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, among others. However, there are some little-known beach destinations to check out in Southern Maryland that are very cheap. If you want a low-key, close-to-home vacation, there are a few spots to check out. Here are a few:

New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. the Big Easy has allured people from all over the world for hundreds of years. With New Orleans having a reputation for amazing, unique restaurants and decadent nightlife, many tourists expect to spend many dollars while staying in New Orleans. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Here’s some tips to save money while visiting the city that care forgot:

1.) Don’t spend all your time on Bourbon Street. Certainly, no New Orleans trip is complete without a sojourn down Bourbon Street, but there are many reasons why you will want to make sure you venture out to other areas of the city. Everything on Bourbon Street is expensive and mostly marketed towards tourists. Even the fam

Famous New Orleans landmarks, like Pat O’Brien’s and Galatoire’s, will burn a hole in your pocket before you can realize it’s there. See all you need to see on Bourbon Street in one night. If you want to get an idea of more genuine New Orleans nightlife, check out Frenchman Street. Frenchman Street is home to many of the famous New Orleans jazz clubs, and drinks are usually a little cheaper. The attitude is far more relaxed than on Bourbon. If you want to get really crazy, check out some of the bars in the Uptown and Garden District Areas. Bars around Tulane University have cheap drinks and good specials. sometimes these bars get wilder than even the wildest bars on Bourbon. A good place to visit is Ms. Mae’s/The Club, on Magazine Street. Ms. Mae’s is a favorite among New Orleans locals of all walks of life. It isn’t the prettiest bar, but it has the cheapest drinks in the city and usually a decent crowd any time of the day. It’s impossible to list all the great New Orleans bars here, so there’s no excuse for partying on Bourbon every night of your trip.

2.) Good food in New Orleans is everywhere, and it’s cheap. All the staples of New Orleans cuisine, such as Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, and Po Boy sandwiches were all created to provide a hearty, filling meal while costing very little money to make. Some of the most delicious food in the city comes from homely-looking establishments. It’s perfectly reasonable to spend under 30-40 dollars a day on food, while still gorging on generous amounts of authentic Creole and Cajun cuisine. A good number of New Orleans delis are inside convenience stores (such as the famous Central Grocery, birthplace of the Muffaletta sandwich), so be curious and explore.

3.) If you need to do any shopping, get out of the French Quarter. There are a few supermarkets and a Wal-Mart on Tchoupitoulas Street not that far from downtown. Most grocery stores in New Orleans sell beer, wine, hard alcohol, and cheap souvenirs. If you visit the shops along Canal Street or around the French Quarter, you will always spend too much money.

Few places on earth hold as much mystery, romance, and adventure as the Philippines.  A land of high contrasts, this island nation is nestled deep in the western Pacific Ocean. An intoxicating blend of traditions come together to make this unique culture unlike any other. Undertones of Asian, Spanish, and American influences ripple through the region lending voice to everything. If you are in the mood for something off the beaten path, then the Philippines is the destination for you.

Where to Go
The Philippines offers diversions for every taste, which vary as much as the landscape. If you want the five-star hotel experience than a stay in Manila, the second largest city in on the island and home to some of the best-rated hotels in the region. Contact your local travel agent for package deals with hotels in the area. If you are searching for something more exotic than heading toward the coastal areas will be for you. Check out Puerto Galera on the northern tip of the peninsula. This dreamy tropical escape is awash in serene elegance and once played host to weary buccaneers steering clear of typhoons. This port of call can be your refuge too, there are several surrounding hotels offering 3 day/2 night packages.

When to Go
As with all aspects of this exotic country the weather serves up its own eclectic mix. You can plan your trip according to what you would like to experience on the island. The weather tends to run on the warmer, more humid side thanks to the tropical maritime climate. The wetter months where rainfall is at its heaviest occurs from June to November. The hotter, drier season happens from March to May leaving the cooler, drier season from December to February. Here’s a tip: If you are looking to get out of the heat during summer time, then the city of Baguio will leave you calm, cool, and collected.

One Last Word of Advice
The Philippines is a place where almost anything can happen. As with any travel planning, an itinerary will be invaluable as well as Tagalog (the official language of the Philippines) and Spanish (popular “adopted” official language) phrase books. Immunizations will also be in order as well converting some of your American money to Philippine pesos. Transportation around the country is developing, and there are many public transportation options. If you want the most authentic experience take a ride in a jeepney, a flamboyant streetcar popular with locals and tourists alike. Technology is highly prized, as Philippine citizens enjoy one of the most advanced cell phone infrastructures in the world. Don’t forget to bring your WIFI as well as your swimsuit.

Photo via patoy

Mention the word “California” and it conjures up idyllic vistas, sweeping mountains, and long beaches. There are many destinations for a budget-conscious traveler in the golden state, but few come close to the wonders of the city of Santa Cruz. For generations visitors have come to the tranquil shores of Santa Cruz searching for their ideal getaway and all have found this little slice of heaven. This little gem of the central California coast offers delights that dazzle and entice, without stretching the checkbook.

Santa Cruz in a Nutshell

This beach town is chock full of what makes California so magical. Coastal redwoods dance above luscious meadows that flow effortlessly to the Pacific Ocean. Beach runs alongside dangling surfers like ornaments along the pristine surf. Eateries both upscale and down-home commingle on broad avenues mixing the intimate with the immense. People of every persuasion approach life with the carefree attitude that keeps this enchanting destination such a joy to return to again and again. Whether you choose a mountain retreat full of fishing, and hiking, or a metropolitan outing full of 5-star dining and local hot spots, you will not be disappointed.

Points of Interest

Santa Cruz has many must-see spots to investigate. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is the first stop for any seasoned traveler. A fun-filled day full of exciting roller coasters, miniature golf, and games of chance await. For those in the know, the Santa Cruz Diner is the quintessential experience that no visitor should go without. Featured on nationally syndicated shows this diner offers the best eats around and serves it all with local color and flair.

The Natural Bridges State Park is a postcard opportunity waiting to happen. As its namesake suggests an awe-inspiring naturally formed rock bridge spans a large section of the park. There visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the pounding surf. Pleasure point offers world-class surfing attracting wave riders from around the world to catch a wicked rip curl.

This town has it all, packed neatly into a small area. One thing to keep in mind that green rules here and organic is the mantra. The pace of life in Santa Cruz goes to the beat of a different drum and it can take a little getting used to, especially for visitors who are accustomed to more harried and stressful surroundings. Consider your visit to Santa Cruz a snooze button on your alarm clock of life.

Photo via digital deadhead

Planning a getaway to North Dakota? There is more to the Roughrider State than high rolling plains and square dancing. A vacation in North Dakota can be filled with adventure, romance, and everything in between-all without putting your wallet out to pasture. Following some tried and true tricks to plan an inexpensive getaway to North Dakota is easy.

For those who are looking for some rough and tumble fun, then Medora is the place for you. Medora is one of North Dakota’s top vacation destinations, especially if your taste leans toward an authentic experience. The Medora riding stables offers a taste of the cowboy way for all ages. If hiking and biking are more your speed than nothing beats winding through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. When those hunger pangs get a bit much you can visit the famed Pitchfork Fondue where you can savor steak served in by the picturesque bluffs that only North Dakota can offer.

If you are looking for something on the romantic side then look no further than Bismarck. With its historic districts steeped in the legendary history of the most romantic of eras, Bismarck is the quintessential North Dakota experience. The Candlewood Suites offer a luxurious getaway filled with flowers and chocolate. While you’re out on the town you can enjoy some fishing along the serene Missouri River. The Expressway Casino offers sexy thrills that let the sparks fly. Round out your visit with golf for two in North Bismarck offering the most beautiful links this side of Pebble Beach.

Travel tips for your visit to North Dakota: visit in the spring. Winter time can be witness to record-breaking snow levels, which make for some amazing downhill skiing, but don’t allow for much else. Many hotels in North Dakota have partnered with major airlines to offer vacation packages on and off season. If you would like to book during the winter to shoosh the slopes, the best time to visit is after the first of the year. Generally speaking the northern part of the state is less populated with more wide open areas, these contrasts to the southern areas which have become more metropolitan. If you are in the market for something more upscale, stick to major cities like Bismarck and Grand Forks. Whichever time you choose to visit the great state of North Dakota you will have the time of your life, partner.

Photo via sirrobot

If you look at which countries monetary denomination is trading the lowest against the dollar  - i.e. a place whose economy is doing a lot worse than ours (yes there are some, even now). Europe’s monetary value has been slipping as has Mexico’s and many other destination countries. Because the U.S. was one of the first countries to experience what is now a global recession, we are likely going to come out of it faster, or at least adjust to the new economic reality more quickly than other countries who are just now coming to terms with it. That means we should enjoy a nice period of time where our money is worth more than many other countries denominations.
So if you want a cheap vacation, start looking at exchange rate trends, pop on CNBC, MSNBC or CNN Money once in awhile and see what Lou Dobbs and the boys are saying is going on. Increasing your global awareness will make you a more savvy travel shopper and help you plan further ahead when you see what places are on the downturn as we come out of this darn recession. Life, money and business are all cyclical entities – we are always either on our way up or on our way down. And while we move in one direction, other places in the world move in their own direction, either for their own reasons or often times as a result of things that occurred here in the states.
Whether it is a budget family vacation or a solo adventure you have in mind, you’ll get a lot more value for your dollars when you plan this way rather than just try to comb the papers and the web for prices to get low to places you want to go. If you can learn to see what kinds of things actually create an atmosphere that leads to lower prices to one destination or the next, then you can almost learn to see the future in travel pricing trends and you can know that next Christmas you will likely see some great deals on hotels and flights to go skiing in the Austrian Alps. Or if you prefer laying out on the beach or surfing, you might notice that Nicaragua’s economy is a lot less powerful than ours and you may want to look there or if you are really bold, to Venezuela as a possibility for next winter’s escape.

A European vacation in 2010 may be a great idea and, thankfully, with the current economic climate you don’t have to break your bank to make it happen. There are so fewer travelers flying the friendly skies and backpacking the roads less traveled today than there was in 2004, travelers can be choosy when it comes to selecting a destination, travel method and place to stay. You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get over to Europe. Aer Lingus, for example has great deals from Los Angeles and Chicago and if you are diligent you can find no shortage of other airlines as well that will bend over backwards offering deals to try and get your business just so they can keep their planes in the sky, their employees busy and their companies afloat.
You can find some all inclusive vacation deals in Europe that are different than the ones we are used to in Mexico and other places south of the U.S. For instance at the Pink Palace, a budget hotel on the Grecian isle of Corfu, you can get a place to stay, dinner, breakfast a welcome shot of ouzo and, if you are there on a Saturday in the summer, even get to take part in a free toga party with another free shot of ouzo – and all for 18-55 Euros a night. And now with the Euro being down against the dollar, deals like that look even better.

And if you want to stay longer and chill for awhile that is easier to do now than ever before as well, sue to the lower number of travelers out there. I found a two bedroom second floor apartment on the beach in Portugal in the off season for 500 Euros a month. I could see the ocean and the sand from my front porch and my bed. And out the back were small local farms, which I could buy my fruits and veggies from. And though it was tourist low season, it was surfing high season, with monster waves pounding the beach every day and often, with me as the only surfer out there, as most of the locals that lived on the beach were busy farming, fishing or working jobs in Ericiera or Lisbon.

Planning a group, solo or family vacation on a dime is a lot easier at the present than it was before these lovely recessionary times hit us smack dab in the jaw.  If you are one of the few in this country that can still afford a vacation, you are very lucky as, for the most part, there are still just as many hotels, motels, planes, trains, buses and tourist attractions vying for your business in 2010 as there was in 2004, but exponentially less consumers who can actually manage a normal vacation or three in their personal or family fiscal reality.  And because of this fact, you can expect and ask for a lot more for each dollar you spend than you previously could earlier in the 2000s.  Because of that, a cheap vacation doesn’t necessarily have to mean skimping on amenities, extras and quality any more.

In today’s economic reality in the hospitality industry, hotels, airlines, tourist attractions and vacation destination states and cities are falling over themselves to try and snare your business. So you do not need to accept anything less than the best or even think about compromising for something other than what you and your family or friends really are looking for in a vacation plan. Expect the best in service, amenities, extras and freebies – and if you aren’t getting it from one provider, go to their competition or a different location and you likely will get what you want from another provider. You should ask for and expect upgrades to better hotel rooms or better situation hotel rooms in the least, low air fares, free bonuses like play, concert or other event tickets in conjunction with your flight booking or hotel stay.

You can often save money by planning your vacation on your own at the best of times, but now in these down recession times, you can save even more by getting creative and not just accepting what is advertised or offered.  Ask for a lower price, ask for free dinner coupons, ask for a bigger room or a class upgrade on your flight. And if they don’t give it to you, ask their competition and enjoy for once being on the winning end of them battling for your business instead of you and your bank account getting worked over for their benefit. These times will not last forever, so if you can afford to take a trip, be sure take advantage of the savings now before they are gone.