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These Pro Tips Can Help You Plan Your Dream Vacation

March 6, 2015 by

Planning a vacation on a budget? These expert tips will show you where to save, where to splurge, and exactly how to turn that dream vacation into a reality — one step at a time.

  1. Choose a location (rationally). Think of the top five places that you would visit in the world, then narrow it down to just one place by considering what’s most important to you. For example, if you’re looking for adventure, a sleepy coastal village may not be the best choice.
  2. Determine your budget. You’ve likely already saved up some money to put toward your vacation, but ask yourself honestly how much you’re comfortable spending. Factor in airline costs, lodging, and day-to-day expenses.
  3. Choose when to go. Now that you have a budget and a location, do some research about when that destination is the most affordable. Be cautious, however; while you don’t want to go at the peak of tourist season, you also don’t want to go too far into the off-season when many local businesses are closed.
  4. Find affordable airline tickets. Because this is usually the most expensive part of any international trip, you want to be very smart about your plane tickets. Check travel comparison several times throughout the week to find the best rates, and don’t forget to look into smaller carriers.
  5. Book lodging. Save this for last, as there are usually a wide variety of places from budget hostels to luxury resorts where you can rest your head.

How to Plan a Vacation [WikiHow]
How to Plan Your Dream Vacation [USA Today]
How to Plan Your Next Vacation in One Breezy Sitting [Mashable]

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Trip Idea: San Diego, California

September 19, 2013 by

San Diego is one of America's most popular vacation spots. Make sure you check out these great spots.

The Beach
San Diego is full of great beaches, all of which are free to the public. Swim, surf, or sun bath on one of the beaches. Some beaches like Pacific Beach and Mission Beach even have a boardwalk so you can bike, roller skate, or just check out some great shops during your beach day. 

San Diego Zoo
Located in Balboa Park you will find one of the countries most famous zoos. 4,000 animals call this 100-acre zoo home. See animals up close like pandas, monkeys, elephants, and colorful birds. Guided bus tours are available or you can just walk the zoo by yourself.

Old Town
If you like history head over to Old Town. This is the spot of the Mission San Diego de Alcala which was founded in 1769 basically creating the town of San Diego. Tour the original mission and the Old Town State Historic Park. Check out the shops and restaurants. If you're feeling brave tour the haunted Whaley House! 

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Trip Idea: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

August 8, 2013 by

Looking to take a trip? Consider Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There's plenty to see and do. Make sure you visit these top attractions during your stay!

Museum of Osteology
This fun little museum is America's only skeleton museum. It's definitely worth a visit during your stay. Almost 300 skeletons are on display. Tons of different animals are represented with informative signs posted throughout the building. Entertain children with the fun scavenger hunt throughout the museum and the hands on exhibit on the second floor. Admission is just $7 for adults and $6 for children. Visit the website for hours before you go. 

Oklahoma City Zoo
After learning about the science of animals at the skeleton museum, see animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo. There are so many animals to see like lions, tigers, zebras, hippos, peacocks, and turtles. There is even an aquarium! Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids. 

Nic's Grill
Traditional American eats are on the menu at Nic's Grill. Regulars say these are some of the best burgers in Oklahoma. The restaurant may not be that big but the burgers are huge. Don't be intimated by the line. Nic keeps everything running smoothly so you never have to wait that long for your burger. Ask for your burger loaded. In addition to the regular toppings you'll get bacon, mushrooms, and jalapeños. 

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Great Tips For Summer Travel With Kids

June 6, 2013 by

If this summer you’re planning a trip with your kids away from The Marquis at Canyon Ridge, you probably already know that vacation can feel more like work if their needs aren't met. If you’re thinking that you might return from vacation feeling like you need another one, check out these simple tips to smooth out any bumps along the road.

Pick a kid-friendly destination
If you’re going away with young children, be certain that your hotel has features that will make it appealing to your kids. Things such as a pool, family-friendly restaurants, and a kids’ club or kids’ room will ensure your kids will be happy too.

Don’t overload your plans
To keep your kids entertained, you may feel like you should fill your day with lots of activities to keep your family busy, but remember that kids tire easily, especially when out in the sun. Instead, keep to a slower pace, and allow for down time — it will serve you well too. Scheduling time for rest and naps will keep kids happier in the long run.

Pack some snacks
Even if you’re just heading out for a few hours, pack a few snacks and some bottled water. You never really know when your children's hunger-pangs will hit, and having something handy will keep them smiling.

Bag of entertainment
If your travels will have you in a car or plane for a significant chunk of time, pack an entertainment bag for your kids. Fill it with coloring books, crayons, playing cards, worksheets, small toys, and perhaps an iPod or iPad if you have one for your kids. The more activities the better! And, even once you reach your final destination, your kids can still reach in to find something entertaining.

Make kids part of the planning process
You may think that you know what your kids would enjoy best, but making them part of the planning will get them more invested in all the activities of the trip. If you have a free afternoon, give them a few choices – would you rather walk on the beach or go mini-golfing? – you may be surprised what they would prefer.

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U.S. Travel Spots That You Must See

January 18, 2013 by

Often when we think about vacationing, we envision far off locales, exotic beaches, and swaying palms. But, travel such as that can be expensive and time consuming. Instead of forgoing travel altogether, why not opt for a destination a little closer to home?!

– Grand Canyon (Arizona). The Grand Canyon is definitely a must-see! Here, you can behold the chasm that was carved by the Colorado River. This natural wonder is visited by five million visitors each and every year.

– New York City. Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty – enjoy some quintessential American culture in the city that never sleeps!

– Washington, DC. As the seat of the federal government, D.C. houses fabulous cultural riches that will delight visitors of all ages.

– Disney World (Florida). If you have young children, Disney World is a great choice! Offering attractions for kids of all ages, this place offers the ultimate theme-park experience.

– Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho). This park spans three states and offers nearly 3,500 square miles of bucolic landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Enjoy a stateside getaway this year, and revel in all our great country has to offer. 

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Five of the Most Beautiful Beaches in America

December 7, 2012 by
Do you love soaking up warm rays while listening to water lap the shore? If you’re like most people, you relish spending time on a gorgeous beach in the summer sun. The next time you’re daydreaming about a beach vacation, consider heading to one of these fabulous destinations:
 
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a breathtakingly lovely chain of barrier islands off of the coast of North Carolina. They have long been one of the most popular East Coast beach destinations. The Outer Banks are known for their calm surf and great swimming conditions, as well as for the variety of great activities offered – horseback riding on the beach, hang gliding, and a variety of water sports. You can also tour shipwrecks, visit the famous Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or make a fascinating trek to the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hill.
 
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is popular with people from all walks of life – well-moneyed vacationers, the 20-something party crowd, families with kids, and folks just looking for a low-key and relaxed getaway. The white sand beaches are stunning and the warm Atlantic water offers wonderful opportunities for recreation, including kayaking and surfing. There are excellent restaurants, shops, and spas in the area, as well as more serious cultural offerings like the Bass Museum and the Holocaust Memorial.
 
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle beach is located just a short drive from gorgeous Charleston, SC. It’s a favorite East Coast hotspot for beachgoers of all stripes. The area offers large resorts at reasonable prices, as well as opportunities for boating, myriad watersports, and snorkeling and scuba diving. Myrtle Beach is also a great choice for you if you’re looking to include some golfing in your vacation getaway, since the area boasts over a hundred high-quality golf courses. If you’ll be traveling with kids, make sure to visit the area’s hugely popular Family Kingdom Amusement Park. 
 
San Diego, California
San Diego is a destination that lets you relish the surf and sand while also enjoying a variety of urban attractions just nearby. The area is famous for its glorious weather, ever-sunny skies, vividly blue ocean water, and bright white-sand beaches. The opportunities for watersports (particularly surfing) are endless. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, you can head out to great cultural and recreational offerings like the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla and SeaWorld San Diego. In addition, the area offers wonderful hiking, walking, and running trails, like the hugely popular trails at the Torrey Pines State Reserve.
 
U.S Virgin Islands
This Caribbean hotspot offers you a wonderful combination of remote peacefulness and bustling entertainment. You’ll enjoy relaxing on the quiet and expansive beaches, as well as engaging in fun watersports like parasailing, snorkeling, and jet skiing. The area also offers wonderful restaurants and shopping venues. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy learning about the colonial past of the U.S Virgin Islands, since there are ample opportunities for exploring the historical background of the area. There are three islands you can visit, each with its own unique flair – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Why not visit all of them while you’re there? 
 
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