Aaron's Cheap Family Vacations

Cheap Romantic Getaways

2011-04-03T17:00:00.001-07:00

Only in fairy tales does love come naturally and the romance stays no matter what. It is we who are to be blamed if the original love we had for our spouses starts to fade with time. Love needs to be kept alive, and that requires attention, time, a willingness to keep things fresh and new, and learning how to reconnect when necessary. Yes, it is time to break up old habits! The hustle and bustle of daily work schedules leaves many with little time for anything else. However, beginning to take time to plan a romantic and exciting time together could be magical, even if it is only for a short period of time. For old couples, the romantic getaway will give them a chance to rekindle their romance, and for a younger couple, it gives them a chance to get to know each other better. Whether you are saving money for a big purchase, or just trying to cut back on expenses, you don't have to sacrifice the romance in your relationship just because you are on a financial plan. Below are some interesting tips and ideas on affordable romantic getaways. Read on to learn more about them.

Inexpensive Weekend Romantic Getaways

Camping

Going camping with your loved one can be very romantic and it will not even burn a hole in your pocket. Love will blossom under the star lit night, and cuddling up around a bonfire, with grilled chicken and a few drinks will make it a very memorable getaway plan.

Take A Boat Or A Ferry Ride

Rowing a boat or going on a ferry ride in a nearby lake or river is a good option. A few prior arrangements that include chilled wine, some delicious food, chocolates and flowers will set the mood just right. As you both pick a bench on the outside deck and huddle together as you watch the water and breathe in the crisp air you will realise that a romantic getaway is not actually about how much you are spending or where you are taking your sweetheart, it is more about what you say or what you do when you are with that special person in your life.

Off-Season Holiday Getaway
Always choose an off season time while planning a romantic yet affordable weekend getaway. This will give you better deals and a larger choice in terms of hotels to be selected for your stay. For example, a deserted cold beach can be incredibly romantic with your partner. Both of you can wander down the relatively empty beach hand in hand; cuddle up in a warm blanket to enjoy the view of the chilly sea, or sit by a fireside deep in conversation. Going during the off-season also gives you a chance to interact with the locals in the area. In this way you can have a few stories to share with your friends when you get back home!

Package Deals From Travel Agents

A package deal will allow you to explore new places and save on added expenditure. There are many options available with travel agents like cheap airfares etc. These package deals can be tailor made to suit your requirements. The key here remains in smart and economical planning and exploring new ideas. Well, the place you choose will hardly be of any importance once you and your partner decide to have a good time! With love all around, isn’t it time for you to pack your bags and enjoy a much-deserved romantic getaway?

Travelling to North Carolina

2011-04-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

North Carolina lies in Southeastern United States and contains 100 counties. Raleigh, its capital and the second largest city is also known as the ‘City of Oaks’ because of its abundant oak trees. North Carolina has a humid sub-tropical weather with short and mild winters and sultry summers. Spring and fall bring them refreshing periods of transition. It leads the nation in furniture, tobacco, brick, and textile production. Metal working, chemicals and paper form the state’s important industries. An exponential growth is evident in various sectors including engineering, biotechnology and finance. Tourism is also an important industry with the estimated annual revenue at 1 billion Dollars. Sporting events like golfing, skiing at mountain resorts, fishing and hunting also draw many visitors to this state. Some of the major attractions in North Carolina are the Great Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge National Parkway, The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, Carl Sandburg’s home near Hendersonville and the Old Salem Restoration in Winston-Salem. Read on to know more interesting facts about North Carolina in the section that follows.

Interesting And Fun Facts About North Carolina

The first powered flight by man was flown by the Wright Brothers at Kill Devil Hill near Kitty Hawk in North Carolina.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts was founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Fontana dam the tallest dam in the Eastern United States is situated in North Carolina.
North Carolina was home to O.Henry, the famous short-story writer known for his surprise endings. He was born in Polecat Creek in 1862.
North Carolina has the largest state-maintained highway system in the United States which currently has 77,400 miles of roads.
The carnivorous plant ‘Venus fly-trap’ is native to Hampstead in North Carolina.
In 1987, North Carolina declared milk to be the official state beverage.
The women of Edenton opposed the British tax on tea by deciding not to drink it. A teapot-shaped monument pays tribute to this decision.
Mount Mitchell in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It towers 6,684 feet above sea level and is situated in North Carolina.
The largest producer of sweet potatoes in the US is North Carolina. Interestingly, the humble sweet potato is also the state vegetable.
North Carolina towns include names such as Frying Pan Landing, Sandy Mush, Lizard Lick, Whynot, and Climax.
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is the largest private house in the world with 250 rooms.
The first state owned art museum in the country is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
High Point, the Furniture Capital of the World, in based in North Carolina.
The state motto of North Carolina is “Esse Quam Videri” i.e., “To be, rather than to seem”.
The first outdoor drama in America, The Lost Colony, is staged every year in Manteo, North Carolina.
The largest air base in the Marine Corps is Cherry Point in Havelock in North Carolina.
Tarheels is theUniversity of North Carolina's mascot. It is a nickname for North Carolinians that supposedly came from the days when the state produced a lot of tar, and someone saw a set of footprints made by someone who had stepped on it.
Texas is not the birthplace of Texas Pete hot sauce. The spicy condiment was actually developed in the 1940s in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

These are but a few interesting and fun facts on North Carolina. The state is also famous for its jewels, impressive homes and beautiful national parks.

World Best Beaches

2011-04-03T16:56:00.001-07:00

If you think that a journey isn’t just about the destination, then go round the lavish beaches and dunk yourself amidst the soft sand and warm sun and you wouldn’t yearn for anything else. Ask a beach bum and he or she will tell you that there is absolutely nothing like spending the day at the beach lying down on a lounger with a chilled glass of Sangria in hand and listening to the gulls caw. The very thought of soaking up some sun while rolling in the sand is good enough a proposition to make anyone’s heart pine for a beach vacation. A day at the beach is without equal. Whether you are digging for summer getaway options or just planning a weekend trip, all you have to do is head to any beach, park yourself almost anywhere along the sandy stretch, put your feet up and bid adieu to your snags. Apart from pure relaxation, you can also treat your eyes to the sight of gorgeous goddesses stretched out under the sun or see macho hunks flexing their muscles. For more information on the best beaches in the world, read on.

Best Beaches In The World

South Beach, Miami, USA

The ultimate haven for the hedonists, South Beach packs in a real adrenaline rush for passionate beach bums. With slew of things to do, see, and indulge in, a trip to Miami is more than just about the cool seas and the blasting sun. Whether you lust for a perfect tan, romance the idea of sauntering in the golden sands or catching a glimpse of supremely hot babes clad in thongs, South Beach definitely sums up as the gorgeous destination for beach freaks. Huddled against the Atlantic Ocean, this surf capital, apart from its sapphire seas and iron-rust sands boasts of sidewalk cafés, lounge bars, designer boutiques, and the best of nightclubs. You, therefore, can park yourself in the beach or indulge in the many pleasures that South Beach has to offer.

Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles

If your idea of a perfect beach is all about topaz seas, pale pink sand and picturesque bays, then the scenic Anse Source d’Argent is the beach you need to go to. Huddled beside the Indian Ocean, this alluring archipelago with its pristine beaches, powdery-soft sand and stunning reefs offers pure relaxation to sun seekers. Apart from snorkeling, sunbathing and splashing in the cerulean waters, you can enjoy pedaling down the roads or go on an ox-cart ride for a never before kind of experience.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii, USA

Head to the postcard-perfect Lanikai Beach and indulge in its sparkling white beaches, perfect shoreline, swaying palm trees, lush greenery and perpetual sunshine. This quintessential Hawaiian beach is every naturist’s ultimate paradise and makes for a perfect destination. Wander aimlessly on its seashore or just recline under a palm tree with a glass of margarita and enjoy the feeling of the warm sand against your soft skin.

Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This surfers’ paradise, which teems with tall, tanned, lovely and young garotas, has been rightly labeled as the sexiest beach on the earth. Whether you wish to perfect your tan, flaunt your super-toned body, get yourself punch-drunk on aphrodisiacal drinks, or just unleash the sport in you, the Ipanema beach is the place for you to go. The seductive and utterly filmic beachscape is thronged by the right crowd. So, park yourself anywhere on the beach and watch the pretty ladies moving around in thongs or go for a round of surfing, skim boarding or body boarding.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Queensland, Australia

Have you ever seen Australian postcards that present endless stretches of eddying white silica sand lined against stunning blue lagoons? This amazingly untouched beautiful beach is unspoiled by the charms of urbanization and is the perfect place to laze around. A true treat for the senses, Whitehaven Beach offers a plethora of attractions like overnight sailing, a visit to the underwater playground and a trip to the Great Barrier Reef as well.

With these can’t-miss beach destinations scattered all across the globe, it’s surely time to forget the casino studded cityscapes and natural resorts and hit these world’s best beaches. Rest assured; you won’t feel like taking a detour back home.

Free Timeshare Vacations,

2010-12-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Time-Share resorts sometimes offer free lodging to potential buyers in exchange for their attendance at a presentation about properties the developer has for sale.

You may be offered a vacation certificate by telephone, in the mail, or on the Internet. Offers vary, but they are often for a three day, two night stay at the resort itself or a nearby hotel.
Common Terms & Conditions

•Nearly all offers are subject to certain conditions, including age and income requirements. Read the fine print.
•If you're married, both you and your spouse must usually attend a sales presentation.
•Upon arrival you will be asked to show proof of identity.
•An advance deposit may be required to guarantee your time. It may not be refundable if you do not attend, or upon compliance with the terms of the offer.

Learn the Lingo

•A processing fee is probably nonrefundable.
•If deposit funds are actually called a deposit, refund status could go either way.
•Some deposits are refunded when you arrive at the location or after you attend the sales presentation.

Before You Accept a Vacation Offer
•Contact your local Better Business Bureau for a reliability report about the company.
•Make sure you meet all of the guidelines listed in the offer's Terms and Conditions.
•Determine exactly what you are required to pay for.
•Get a copy of the state's Time-Share laws. If the resort cannot provide them, request a copy from the state

Real Estate Commission.
•Ask if you must stay during specific days of the week, and if reservations are firm. Verify cancellation rules, too.
•Find out when (or if) the company will return your deposit.
•Is free transportation to and from the resort included?
•Will you stay at the time-share resort or at a local hotel? Is loging free? Are taxes included? Will the resort provide free transportion from the hotel to the resort?

Phone Solicitation

If you are contacted by phone, ask for all details in writing. Reputable companies with valid offers shouldn't hesitate to send written information. Never give your credit card, Social Security, or checking account numbers to an unknown solicitor.

If you're on the No Call List, you hopefully won't receive calls from Time-share solicitors.

Don't Be Scammed

•You may be promised free airfare to your destination, but when you arrive you find lodging is billed at a higher than normal rate.
•You might have free lodging, but higher airfares.
•Question everything, read the fine print, and remember that it's usually not realistic to believe you are getting a totally free vacation.

If the urge to buy kicks in... and you're sorry later

Read the laws that govern Time-Share developers in that state. There's usually a 'cooling off' period where Time-Share buyers are allowed to back out of a sale with no loss of funds.

The Bottom Line

If you are truly interested in the property being offered, the free lodging probably isn't a bad deal. If you're just going because it's free, think carefully before you accept, especially if you discover hidden costs.
Is there someplace else you'd rather go? Chances are you'll have a better time at a destination of your choice, even if it does end up costing a little more.

If you find a Time-Share resort that appeals to you, e-mail or call to ask about free time. Resorts sometimes offer unadvertised free or reduced-price stays for potential buyers

Looking for the ultimate Costa Rica Vacation?

2010-11-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

Costa rica is a friendly and vary progressive, "the Rich Coast" is one of the world's top eco-tourism destinations. With almost a quarter of the country either a national park or a protected area, opportunities to explore natural wonders are abundant. See big cats in Corcovado National Park, monkeys and turtles in Tortuguero or oodles of orchids in Monteverde Cloud Forest. Central America's most visited nation also offers great surfing, amazing beaches at Tamarindo and the spectacularly active Arenal volcano.

Pura Vida or ‘pure life’ is the easiest way to sum up all that a Costa Rica vacation has to offer. Abound with stunning natural beauty. This tiny Central American country embodies the perfect appreciation of life’s simple delights. It is no doubt that Costa Rica was named "the happiest place" on earth for its most content people, best ecological footprint and the average life expectancy according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). So, whether you’re a beach bum, surf nut, nature enthusiast or just someone looking to chill out and escape the world, come to Costa Rica and experience a vacation like no other

Visiting Costa Rica

2010-07-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Pura Vida or ‘pure life’ is the easiest way to sum up all that a Costa Rica vacation has to offer. Abound with stunning natural beauty, thrill seeking adventures, picture perfect hotel room views, friendly locals and a laidback lifestyle; this tiny Central American country embodies the perfect appreciation of life’s simple delights. It is no doubt that Costa Rica was named "the happiest place" on earth for its most content people, best ecological footprint and the average life expectancy according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). So, whether you’re a beach bum, surf nut, nature enthusiast or just someone looking to chill out and escape the world, come to Costa Rica and experience a vacation like no other!

Take a Ski Vacation

2009-12-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

Treat your family to something new and exciting. Go see the winter wonder labd, Play in the snow. Many people when selecting Vacation spots think about for the warm, tropic areas with beachfronts and sand. But while frying in the sun is all well and good, you could just as easily enjoy wonderful ski vacations.

Vermont is considered the top ski vacation spot of the Eastern United States. With downhill skiing mountains and Nordic skiing trails.

Ski at Big Bear. Here you can go skiing on a mountain with a 650 foot vertical drop. Spend Holidays in a Big Bear Cabin. Walk to Ski. Spas and many other attractions.

www.Google-Pays.com

Occidental Allergo Papagayo Resort – Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2009-10-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

This All Inclusive Resort is one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. A must see. Located on the beach in Guanacaste CR. Out of my 8 trips to Costa Rica! I got to say, this is my favorite. While your stay here at the Occidental Allergo Papagayo Resort. You will enjoy the full effect of Costa Rica from the rainforest to the beautiful beaches. Everything is included with your stay, from meals to alcohol, to activates for the kids. You name it, they got it. They have three fabulous restraunts. From an all you can eat buffet to two dine in. The food is outstanding. They also have a really nice pool with a swim up bar. This resort offers two beaches with crystal clear water. One located right on the resort and the other is by boat, which is offered by a free shuttle. There is plenty of wild life all around. From Monkeys swinging in the trees, colorful parrots and ignuaes. The staff is very friendly and always willing to serve you. The rooms are nice and clean with comfortable beds. For the price your will pay for your stay stay, you can’t get a better deal. It is totally worth coming back. I included some links below to help you book a dream vacation to Occidental Allergo Papagayo Resort – Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I hope you will enjoy the same beautiful experience I did.

http://www.occidentalhotels.com/allegro/papagayo.asp

Bookit.com from $69. per Night. You Cant Find a Better Deal $$$$
http://www.bookit.com/costarica/liberia/hotels/occidental-allegro-papagayo/?roomId=SUP&fd=2009-10-30&td=2009-11-03&rm=1&ap1=2&mp1=0&tripType=hotel #

Walt Disney World

2009-10-04T13:45:00.000-07:00

Take a Trip to Disney World
Walt Disney World is located in Central Florida, in the incorporated cities of Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake, in southwestern Orange County, and a portion of unincorporated northwest Osceola County.
There are two types of Disney visitors. The first types just show up, trusting the theme park's reputation to guide them along. The second do some research, make dining reservations in advance, and decide which rides are must-sees ahead of time.

Walt Disney's Theme Parks
The Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Disney's Blizzard Beach

Stay for FREE

2009-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Many hotels will offer 3rd, 4th, or 5th night free specials based on consecutive night stays. Occasionally if you can stay double the length of the promotion, you can get two nights free! Just call to check if the hotel is able to double the promotion for you based on availability. Free night offers book up quickly, so it’s always best to purchase in advance.

Saveing Money for a Vacation

2009-09-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

There are millions who are continuously searching for their next great vacation. As our economy struggles, planning a vacation becomes more cumbersome. What seems to be the most logical answer? Where can we go for some welcome down time? Where can we stay? How do we get there? When should we plan on leaving? Who is going to watch our place while we are away? How much are we willing to spend for our vacation? Can we budget a vacation? These are the types of questions lingering in everyone's mind and they are all legitimate concerns.

1. There is no such thing as chump change, every penny earned could weigh in mightily upon your decisions. Whenever you break a dollar, empty your pockets as soon as possible. Stash this money away, where you know it is at. Do not borrow from this stash. You will be amazed how much money will have accrued over a year.

2. If you know you want to plan a vacation, you should consider cutting many of your extraneous costs. For example, do you really need to eat out as much as you do? Weekends do not have to be expensive! Forget about blowing your entire paycheck in one weekend.

3. Carpooling is another fantastic way of setting money aside, especially with the cost of gas. these days

Family Vacations

2009-09-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

In today’s economy. We all are trying to save money. Why, Because“Saving Money Makes Cents”.

Here are 10 Tips to help you do just that, with some research and perseverance, you can save money when planning your family vacation.No matter how you buy your travel, do your homework and you will find a deal, the internet is a good place to start? The beauty of the internet is that there are so many options available to you to find the best deal for your next family beach vacation.

1. Did you know, that if you Book a Weekend GetawayWeekend Getaways . You usually get the vacation cheaper than extended vacations. You can be booked last minute, and they are available for hundreds of destinations!Overall, keep in mind the cheaper is not always better. If you save a few hundred dollars by adding lots of stops to your flight or staying in a hotel you are not happy with, it won't be worth it. Save some money but don't compromise too much with what you really want and need for your family vacation.

2. Shop aroundCheck various travel sites and talk to some travel agents to get prices. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples, know what is included. That great cruise deal may not include airfare to the port!

3. Sign up for travel e-newslettersMany airlines, tour operators, online travel agencies and travel sites have newsletters that they will send you via email; these usually include the latest cheap family vacations or last minute travel deals. Don’t forget to sign up for the Family Beach Vacation Fun Guide!

4. Consider all possible discountsDo you have Air Miles or frequent flyer miles you can cash in? AAA membership or other affiliations? Ask about child or senior discounts if traveling with grandparents. Do they have family rates or group rates? Don't be afraid to ask.

5. Find hotels to accommodate large familiesSome hotels and resorts accommodate large families. In some cases it may be cheaper to pay for a suite or studio room than to get two rooms.

6. Travel in off-seasonOff-season will vary depending on where you are traveling so do your research and find out whenthat is. Off-season includes summer and fall for the Caribbean and when the kids are in school for theme parks like Disney and so on. Usually school breaks are the most expensive time to travel to family destinations and cheap family vacations will be hard to find.

7. Traveling during the week can save you moneySaturday and flights during the week are less crowded and therefore more likely to have last minute discounting. Some companies charge a bit less for vacation package that leave mid-week. Also, business hotels are mor likely to charge less on weekends.

8. Read your newspaper's travel sectionThe Saturday travel sections in newspapers are still a good source for travel news, tips and cheap family vacations, departing from your city. Read them religiously.

9. Do some negotiating of your ownJust ask for a deal or a better price! This will usually work if you are dealing directly with a hotel or car rental company directly. It may also work with some travel agents.

10. When Booking earlySome of the best deals may be had booking early and not last minute. Most tour operators and cruise companies offer discounts for early booking. If there is a specific date you want to travel and or you have a specific resort or destination in mind, you are better off to book early and secure your vacation than to risk waiting for a cheap family vacation deal that may or may not happen.