Dec. 18, 2008. Media only: Family vacation experts acknowledge recession-proof cheap vacations that always deliver the best consistent value.
(Dec. 18, 2008, New York, NY) Family Travel Forum (FTF), the leading publisher of family vacation and travel websites, congratulates the winners of its 11th annual “Top 10 Getaways” awards. For 2008, FTF editors searched beyond the “Sale” signs to find hospitality and travel companies that are always committed to value, offering families a budget vacation, with or without an economic crisis.
FTF’s Top 10 (Cheap) Getaways for Family Travelers range from a nationwide child-friendly campground chain to a tropical island paradise and majestic ski slopes. No matter how different, the Top 10 (Cheap) Getaway award winners raise the bar for family vacations by delivering friendly service, shared experiences and innovative amenities without breaking a parent’s piggybank.
FTF honors these 2008 winners for providing family travelers with consistent value.
Top 10 (Cheap) All-Inclusive Getaway
Divi Caribbean Resorts – Tamarijn Aruba. A beachfront all-inclusive where kids under 18 stay free all year long.
Top 10 (Cheap) Ski Getaways
Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California. World-class terrain, snow and weather with prices that locals can afford.
Western White Mountains, New Hampshire. The pristine environment, cozy cottages and lift ticket prices of a bygone era.
Top 10 (Cheap) Cruise Getaway
Carnival Freedom, Florida. An affordable first-timer’s Caribbean cruise has been tailor-made for families by the funships crew.
Top 10 (Cheap) Reunion Getaways
Crystal Coast, North Carolina. It’s 50% cheaper than the Outer Banks and boasts huge oceanfront homes for your clan.
Asilomar Conference Grounds, California. A landmarked Arts & Crafts style retreat serves three meals during multigenerational bonding.
Top 10 (Cheap) Hotel Chain Getaways
Premier Inn, Europe. This group blankets the U.K. with family rooms for just US$75 per night and a cheap breakfast option.
Candlewood Suites, US. They smartly offer kitchens, free laundry and sofabeds, just like home, at an average $72 per night.
Top 10 (Cheap) Campground Getaways
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, US & Canada. “Bear-Bones” cabins for six begin at $80 and lots of activities make going green fun.
Eurocamp, Europe. With choices from $6 per night kids’ tents to furnished cottages and waterparks, these glamorous parks are a steal.
“For 10 years, many families using FTF’s custom trip-planning service have told us the budget for their perfect vacation is ‘whatever it takes,'” says publisher John Manton. “This is the year it should take less, and with FTF’s Top 10 Cheap Getaways winners, it will.” To read more about this year’s winners, visit FTF’s Top 10 (Cheap) Getaways for Family Travelers.
About Family Travel Forum
Family Travel Forum (FTF) publishes professional family vacation coverage as well as personal reviews and travel accounts from a global network of frequent travelers. The company’s family of award-winning vacation websites contain vast libraries of destination research, including first-hand reviews of tropical and ski resorts, reunion destinations, attractions, multi-generational travel, holiday weekends, family festivals and cruises. Additionally, FTF offers trip-planning consultation and discounts from preferred vendors, licenses content to major brands, and consults with the industry to develop product and campaigns designed for the frequent family traveler.
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Great advise and said in very simple language in order for a range of readers to process. I must add that the symptoms and solutions are equally as important in adults who suffer from abdominal illness.
the family market is indeed very important and very lucrative. Focosing on the Family market is what Wal-Mart made big.
Thank you for posting this comparison. I've been looking for something like this but so far I've found only comparisons of individual plans not family ones. This will help me a lot while I'm budgeting for next year's gap holidays.
This place is awesome. We have delivered baby equipment rentals there a couple times and love it. It seems to work great for families traveling with young kids because the age range is usually between 2-8 years old when we deliver. Great beach and location. Thumbs up!
I am planning for a visit of Columbia …. Lets see When i wills be able to visit the same scene..
Orlando, is a perfect place for the kids to explore about Disneyland. A good feature post.
Love your brother in law! Would love to drive cross country with him and his brood!
Another great travel search engine is http://www.travelmarket.com/ it gives you a list of the cheapest flights and hotels. Try it and see what you think.
Good tips all – they sure beat my brother-in-laws advice for dealing with kids on long haul drives, which was, "Tie em to the roof!"
I too would be interested in viewing a list of apartments for the budget traveler.
Great article. I always, and still believe, if you feed a cold you will starve the fever.
I through my own experience, would advise against air travel with any ear, throat or nose infections. It is difficult to move through the change of air pressure, without adding a cold to it.
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It's a shame more airports don't take steps to make travel for families more convenient and fun. I'm sure they are focused on the core income stream of business travelers, which makes sense. Still, why not try and appeal to both?
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I would like to visit every day, thanks for your sharing.
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really a great info which much more useful to lot of them
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That place totally awesome. A perfect place for family vacation. That waterfall really make me jealous. It shall be refreshing to soak up under that waterfall. The beach also really charming, I wonder how much it cost to go there?
I want to go their. Really that is a great place.
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I like the way of your writing.!
You are so right Banfos, thanks for the heads up. Mystic CT is quite remarkable and has much to see besides the aquarium. We have made the change.
Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Mystic Seaport is a world-renowned maritime history museum. It is not an aquarium as stated in your article.
Jennifer:
There are enough fun activities for the whole family to spend either as a day trip or overnight.
I wish I could have went to the play lab – sounds like Fisher Price is really doing a great job of keeping up with today's trends – and of course smart kids! Great update!
Wow…cannot wait to have a visit there!
Well, I think kids can enjoy some special joys there….
hey this is a great source for my cousin…..
How long would you allow for this excursion? It sounds like a fun side trip while visiting San Diego.
thanks for the <a href="http://ecoblublog.com/2011/02/10/ecotourism-green-vacations">eco vacation</a> ideas. don't know if i'll be able to afford overseas yet but always good to know the options 🙂
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It is bound to be more scenic than the A1,
Nice post,
Well, I love your post. Thanks to create this article.
Really? That idea sounds pretty amazing….
Wow..I really cannot wait to make a trip to Italy…sounds very great!
hey thanx for the top 10 resorts…I will Surely look forward during my last visit.
When you mentioned "flashes" that people were starting to see, I first thought that you were gonna say that you were experiencing the northern lights! But what amazing "flashes" you did see! The whales are one of my favorite parts of Alaska.
Nice points but my baby is too much stubborn.
You gave great points here. I found nearly all people agree with your blog.
Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading. Thanks for the great content. Look forward to coming back for more.
Holidays are managed mostly for kids. They get know new places with different weather and cultural attractions. It is good.
wow, this would be a great journey..
I liked the whole post and bookmarked the blog. Hopefully, I will get more helpful information from this blog. Thanks.
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It is admirable that this hotel employs locals and also promoting the local culture. This is something that is lacking in many big name hotels today.
Sounds very romantic. I was thinking about a trip with family for a long time but when I landed here my problem is solved.