Cheap Vacation Archives - My Family Travels
Practicing Tai Chi on the shores of Breakneck Lake in Harriman State Park.
Article
10 Reasons To Love Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Adventures

We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a...

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Parents and kids are scrambling over rocks on summer hike in Vail Valley.
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13 Reasons to Try a Top Value Mountain Resort in Summer

Ski mountain resorts offer great summer values at rental condos, which also make a cozy home away from home. Just select your destination resort carefully.

Read More    4 min read

A two-bedroom family suite sleeping 6 at the Endless Summer Dockside Inn, one of Universal Orlando's best options for value lodging.
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Budget Family Suites Hotels At Universal Orlando Resort

A few years back we reviewed the budget family suites at Universal Orlando. During a recent stay at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, we toured them again and found...

Read More    6 min read

New, posh glamping tents are weatherproof and well furnished for outdoor living.
Article
How Luxury Glamping Tents Redefine Outdoor Experiences

Camping has long been associated with simplicity, rugged living, and a direct connection to nature. However, the evolution of outdoor travel has brought a new level of comfort...

Read More    4 min read

Florida is ideal for budget summer getaways because there is water everywhere. Photo c. Denys Kostyuchenko for unsplash.
Article
Weekend Wanderlust: Florida Mini Adventures That Don’t Require A Passport

Many Florida residents are choosing to explore their own backyard. It makes sense. Planning a vacation that involves long flights and complicated bookings is not always possible....

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Dusk falls over beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Article
Explore Cheapest National Parks – Save Big on Adventures!

Save money by exploring America outdoors on a cheap national parks vacation with our eight budget-saving trip planning tips.

Read More    7 min read

Boy and girl spalsh in the water off of the Nantucket beach. Photo by Garrett Patz for unsplash.
Article
51 Summer Trip Ideas – Plan Your Perfect Family Vacation

It’s time for our annual roundup of the 51 best family summer trip ideas! Wave goodbye to work and school stress, and forget about travel hiccups or economic woes. Right now,...

Read More    44 min read

Groupd doing a tour on Segways at the Palm Beach marina in Florida.
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Road Trip USA: Florida Beach Road Trip Along US1 From Jacksonville To Key West

Welcome to Routes 1 and A1A, the twin coastal roads along the Atlantic coast between Jacksonville and Key West that form the greatest Florida beach road trip.

Read More    15 min read

RVs in campground with kids on bikes.
Article
Resources For Family Camping Vacations

An enthusiastic camper, let me share some resources for family camping vacations to help in planning your next big U.S. camping trip. My tips should help whether you prefer a tent,...

Read More    6 min read

Rearview mirror with a road receding into the distance.
Article
Favorite Resources For Planning Family Road Trips

Planning family road trips is a major undertaking, but long distance driving makes for one of the best value and most rewarding vacations you can do.

Read More    5 min read

Kayak and canoe launch by the side of a river with kayaker in the background.
Article
Explore Vermont Camping On Lake Champlain

Sleep under the stars with close friends and family at a Lake Champlain camp when exploring Vermont. I've been there so I know the Lake Champlain Islands guarantee the summer's...

Read More    8 min read

Hikers walking past olive trees and grapevines approach a Spanish village along the Camino. Photo by B. Meyendriesch for pexels
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A Family Adventure On The Camino de Santiago: How To Make It Fun And Safe For Kids

The Camino de Santiago is much more than just a tourist journey or a pilgrimage route; it is a life-changing experience that can bring families together in a unique and unforgettable...

Read More    4 min read

Bus brings skiers and snowboarders to the slopes in Park City, Utah. Photo c. Visit Park City.
Article
12 Favorite Family Winter Getaways And Travel Deals

Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaways? Maybe your winter escape is that long-delayed trip to Orlando. Perhaps it's a cruise with extended family or experiencing...

Read More    14 min read

A 400-pound Peeps chick rings in the new year in Bethlehem, PA.
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Celebrate First Night On New Years

Archaeologists believe the Babylonians were the first civilization to celebrate "First Night" or the New Year. They planned an 11-day holiday tied to the vernal (spring) equinox...

Read More    5 min read

Vintage photo of guests enjoying the Tiki Bar on the sand outside the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Photo c. Hilton
Article
3 Great Florida Beach Towns to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

A family vacation for a Florida New Year's can be a low-cost, beachside adventure. Enjoy hiking, biking and plenty of outdoor attractions by day and join holiday festivities at...

Read More    6 min read

Family studies Christmas lights in Myrtle Beach.
Article
Top Holiday Lights Celebrations Across America

We love holiday lights celebrations — the decorations, evergreens, religious displays and multicultural celebrations that light up cities and towns everywhere from November to...

Read More    14 min read

Covent Garden is festooned with Christmas ornaments at the holidays. Photo by Ben Pipe Photography for London Partners.
Article
What’s Free In London Over The Holidays

While spending money during Christmas seems the thing to do, there's a lot to do free in London England. Yes, London actually offers great traditional family activities that come...

Read More    5 min read

Glass holiday ornaments that commemorate an adventure are an ideal gift for frequent travelers.
Article
Best Gifts For Frequent Flyers

Our annual holiday travel gift guide for frequent flyers is back in time for the gifting season. With many two-week long

Read More    5 min read

Sandos all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are offering great family vacation travel deals for Travel Tuesday. Photo c. Hotels.com
Article
Big Family Vacation Travel Deals On Travel Tuesday 2024

Travel Tuesday is coming (Dec. 3, 2024), offering some of the best family vacation travel deals of the year. Some deals will be available longer; others (typically from airlines)...

Read More    7 min read

Motorhome parked on side of winding, dirt road leading to snow-capped mountain. By Siggy Nowak for Pixabay.
Article
Ten Safety Tips For Winter Road Trips

We've prepared these winter road trip tips because highway safety is a major concern on winter family adventures. With the anticipation of the holidays and exciting

Read More    3 min read

Road trip snacks are essential car trip accessories. Photo c. Ladislav Sturcell for unsplash.
Article
50 Tips For Road Trips

Here's our top 50 tried n' true road trip tips, culled from families who've logged enough car miles to circumnavigate the globe. 

Read More    6 min read

Journey to the center of the earth at Luray Caverns Photo: luraycaverns.com
Article
The Throwback Charms Of A Big Shenandoah Valley Roadtrip

A Shenandoah Valley road trip combines small town Americana charm, natural wonders and a multitude of attractions that are tailor-made for kids -- even those with disabilities....

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Teens love apples too.
Article
Massachusetts Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

Massachusetts apple farms are the ideal destination if you're looking for a bargain staycation. Make it u-pick fruit farm daytrip or plan a weekend at a family...

Read More    5 min read

Tractor rides are very popular on U Pick weekends at Alstede Farms
Article
Apple Picking In New York Tri-State Area: Farms To PYO And Enjoy

Late summer and early fall are perfect for apple picking in New York Tri-state and metro area U-Pick farms. According to Lawnstarter.com, New York is #2 in the nation in the number...

Read More    9 min read

boy holds apple
Article
Pennsylvania Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

September and October are our favorite months to tour the Pennsylvania apple farms for u-pick fruit and pumpkins. Plan a day in the fields to round out a long...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Autumn Adventures In A Corn Maze

Visit a farm with a huge corn maze the kids can puzzle on for a great autumn family getaway. Our favorite farms feature Escape Rooms carved into living cornstalks as the main attraction....

Read More    6 min read

apple on tree
Article
Oregon Apple Farms – U Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

Follow us to the U-pick Oregon apple farms, orchards and pumpkin patches outside Portland. Fall in the countryside means leaf-peeping on a staycation...

Read More    3 min read

People joining in on the watermelon eating contest in Hope, Arkansas. Photo c. Hopewatermelonfest.com
Article
Don’t Miss the Hope Watermelon Festival in Arkansas

If you're heading for Arkansas and have a love for games, music, and most of all watermelon, make your way to the Hope Watermelon Festival and other easy-to-plan events around...

Read More    3 min read

Baby boy looks at pumpkin in his lap.
Article
Illinois Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

Drive with us to U-Pick apple farms in the Illinois countryside. Pick a farm near Rockford, Caledonia, Winnebago...

Read More    4 min read

apple cluster
Article
Washington Apple Pick: Your Guide to Fruitful Adventures

The late summer and early fall is apple picking time at the Washington apple orchards and u-pick farms and pumpkin patches surrounding the city...

Read More    6 min read

apple on counter
Article
California Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy

The late summer and early fall is apple picking time for San Francisco and Bay Area families. Start with our list of California apple farms and u-pick pumpkin fields in Mendocino,...

Read More    4 min read

Aerial view of woman walking on pristine white sand beach in Miches, Dominican Republic. Photo c. Viva Miches by Wyndham
Article
What Makes All-Inclusive Viva Resorts By Wyndham A Good Deal

Viva Resorts by Wyndham is a chain of tropical all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean where value and fun are guaranteed. We have long praised this chain because their...

Read More    7 min read

Huttopia Adirondacks bistro has snacks for all ages who enjoy hanging out in the central lodge.
Article
Glamping In Lake George NY At Huttopia Adirondacks

For an all natural family vacation, look to upstate New York and Huttopia Adirondacks. It is one of a new breed of glamping resorts outside Lake George – just...

Read More    6 min read

Volunteers sort clothes at a clothes bank near to home to help others. Photo by Julia Cameron for pexels.
Article
Teen And Family Volunteer Vacation Opportunities

Family volunteer vacations, once known as voluntourism, are back in action as the global pandemic comes under control. From community service to building homes, environmental research...

Read More    5 min read

Family fishing on Keen Lake, Pennsylvania
Article
What’s Your Camping Style?

Determine your camping style if you’re dreaming of sleeping under the stars – will it be an RV, cabin or tent experience? Let’s review your options, what camping costs and...

Read More    5 min read

The famous mermaid sculpture in Fundadores Park greets visitors to the beach of Playa del Carmen, on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Photo by Reiez for pexels.
Article
Living The Resort Life Along The Mexican Coast

It's time to plan summer vacations. Have you thought about the Mexican coast? Discover what the Mexican coastlines are famous for, since they have a great number of alternative...

Read More    4 min read

Aerial view of Big Sur along California's Pacific Coast Highway.
Article
Top 10 Family Road Trips USA

Our Top 10 Family Road Trips USA awards go to the original family vacation: the road trip by car. Nearly 80% of Americans have said they consider road trips...

Read More    3 min read

Tent with snowshoes outside the flap in surrounded by a snowy, winter wonderland.
Article
The Essential Guide To Camping In The Winter

Winter camping can be great fun, waking up with frost covering the tent and a beautiful misty sunrise. But it can also be a truly miserable experience if you end up cold and tired...

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Adult points out a country in Europe on a huge outdoors globe to a young blond child.
Article
Predictability Is The Key to Successful Special Needs Travel

Predictability is the key to every family vacation’s success, not only for special needs travel. In researching

Read More    8 min read

Two women have picnic on grass field in site of mountains in San Luis Obispo, California. Photo c. Luke Bender for unsplash
Article
5 Free Things to Do Close to Home During Your Downtime

In this day and age, when the average American only has about five hours of...

Read More    3 min read

Couples dancing to live music at the Sunday Jamboree in the Floyd Country Store, along the Crooked Road. Photo c. Floyd Country Store.
Article
Banjo, Folk, Country Songs – Driving The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail

Spend time in Floyd or Galax watching fiddle pickers perform and fall in love with Virginia's Heritage Music Trail. Old time, bluegrass, folk,...

Read More    5 min read

Wedding gazebo on the beach at an interval ownership resort in Los Cabos.
Article
Is It Worth Going To A Timeshare Sales Pitch: What You Need To Know

We spent three hours of a recent vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico sitting through our first ever timeshare sales pitch. Here’s the reality of our experience. Read on to evaluate...

Read More    6 min read

Living area at the Cashe House hostel, part of the Anvil Hotel in Jackson, Wyoming.
Article
Skiing On A Budget

Mountainside hostels at ski areas -- as well as some private inns and Airbnbs -- make skiing on a budget possible. These cozy, new style ski hostels invite families to enjoy snow...

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three kids sledding in snow
Article
Kids Ski Free And Learn To Ski Passes

Make getting out on the snow your New Year's resolution with amazing Kids Ski Free and Student Learn To Ski Passes. These free and low-cost passes are available to local (and visiting)...

Read More    5 min read

Classic train waiting to depart the Strasbourg Pennsylvania station.
Article
7 Top Train Trips for Exploring the East

With more than 50 years of service experience, Amtrak presents seven top Eastern train trips -- all short ones ideal for family-friendly trips. We know families with little ones...

Read More    8 min read

field of Christmas trees
Article
Real Christmas Tree Farms: Where and How to Harvest Your Own Tree

Family excursions make for great holidays, so why not take the kids to harvest your own tree in the wild or at a real Christmas tree farm? We make it easy with...

Read More    6 min read

New England road
Article
Road Trip USA: Leaf Peeking in New England

New England's beautiful display of foliage and charming towns make Vermont and New Hampshire perfect choices for a New England leaf peeping family road trip. In autumn, the friendly...

Read More    5 min read

Hand drawn illustrations of common travel yoga poses.
Article
Anywhere Travel Yoga Keeps Your Vacation Stress-Free

Take advantage of our 'anywhere' travel yoga poses to stay stress-free while on the go. Family vacationers appreciate these easy, healthy yoga moves you can do on the plane, on...

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Two women pose for a picture in a fun frame from the Montecito Sequoia family camp. Photo c. Montecito-Sequoia Lodge
Article
Top Family Camps In The West

Family sleepaway camps in the West make fun, adventurous bonding experiences possible. They make vacations that focus on family closeness affordable, too. Parents can relive their...

Read More    6 min read

pickup game of cricket on the sand.
Article
9 Last Minute Vacation Deals For One Last Summer Vacation

To help you save on one last summer vacation, we've rounded up nine great last minute vacation deals. Picture how envious your neighbors will be when you head out on a late summer...

Read More    7 min read