Cities for Family Vacation

Summer time is here and for families that means loading up the car or rolling through the airport to head somewhere fun, educational, and family friendly before the kids head back to school.  Here’s how families can navigate summer’s top destinations with the kiddos in tow:

Washington, D.C.
The District is the perfect place for a big-city family getaway.  Divided into four manageable quadrants and home to one of the cleanest subway systems in the country, Washington, D.C., makes it easy to have a fun (and even slightly educational) summer break.

Nearly everything is open to tour, from the Capitol Building in the heart of the city to the National Cathedral in Glover Park. The Kennedy Center rooftop terrace offers a bird’s-eye view of Georgetown, Arlington and the east side of the National Mall. Greenscapes such as Rock Creek Park and Alexandria’s Founders Park allow a slip away into nature and are just steps from the city. But perhaps the best thing about a trip to DC is that there are plenty of free things to do, thanks in large part to the Smithsonian’s 20 properties, including the National Zoo (which are all free?!).

New York
To a tourist, New York City can seem overwhelming. But with a map and a little bit of planning, the Big Apple can be conquered without losing sanity or the family. One of the keys to exploring NYC is to take it in bite-size sections (or neighborhoods). Thankfully, New York has one of the best public-transportation systems in the world. It takes more than 3.5 million people to and from the office each day, and subway lines run up and down the East and West sides of the island, across town, and even down to Nathan’s hot dogs in Coney Island.  Must-see landmarks include the New York Public Library, Union Station, Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 5^th Avenue, Central Park, Times Square, Ground Zero, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, and, if timed right, a Yankee’s game in the team’s new stadium.  A trip to NYC also offers nearly every type of food a palette can desire—from corned beef and pastrami sandwiches in Times Square to greasy gyros from street vendors.

Chicago
With two major airports, solid public transportation, five pro-sports teams, and a lakefront with ample water activities, families can choose from a wide variety of Chicago vacations. Millennium Park’s famous “Bean” is a must-see on the way to the waterfront and Navy Pier. The Chicago Children’s Museum is close to the pier and has many family activities—from riding the Ferris Wheel to catching movies at the IMAX theater. Meanwhile, mom can slip away to the Magnificent Mile shopping district while Dad and the kids check out the breathtaking views from the top of the John Hancock Building and the skydeck at the Willis (formerly Sears) Tower.

 

Best Festivities for July 4th

It’s hard to beat the festivities that come with the Fourth of July.  here are the top destinations to celebrate with a bang.

Washington, DC, will always be a top destination for July 4th.  The entire day is full of parades, festivals, and concerts, all of which are family friendly.  The celebration ends with fireworks launched over the National Mall and Washington Monument.  It’s certainly a spectacle to see!

Philadelphia is the place to celebrate our nation’s independence.  The Wawa Welcome America festivities go on for almost two weeks! There’s never a dull moment with parades, multiple fireworks shows, historical presentations, and our favorite…an All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival!

Everything is big in the Big Apple, including the famous Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show.  This digitally synchronized show dazzles spectators for nearly a half hour and blasts off close to 40,000 fireworks each year.  But before you find your perfect viewing spot, check out the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on nearby Coney Island; it has been a patriotic tradition since 1916.

For those West Coast people, Lake Tahoe’s “Lights on the Lake” is one of the largest fireworks shows in the west.  Plan a long weekend relaxing on the water and take in the magnificent fireworks that are launched off barges near the South Shore.

So fire up the grill, ice down some beverages, and look to the night ski in observance of America’s birthday.

Bachelor Party Weekend Ideas

The countdown to the “Big Day” has begun, but before the wedding vows are exchanged, one last dudes-only party must take place.  At Away.com we’ve rounded up three destinations to help the groom-to-be say “so long” to bachelorhood.

New Orleans is one of the best options for a bachelor party because it’s not complicated to plan. Just reserve rooms in the French Quarter, show up, and step outside—the Big Easy will take care of the rest. Go during Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, or even Halloween….the good times roll all year round.

Don’t settle for any big city, go to the big city: New York, New York.  With so many things to do, it takes very little planning to have a blast with the guys in the Big Apple. Start by fueling up at one of the grade-A steakhouses, then make VIP reservations at a club, or buy tickets to see one of the city’s many sports teams for some male bonding time.

Vancouver, Canada, is a hip, active town that combines metropolitan pleasures with outdoor recreation.  The summers are warm, perfect for kayaking or tackling the mountain-bike trails. And in the winter, you can have an epic ski trip while still enjoying the nightlife scene in downtown Vancouver.

 

So round up the guys and celebrate the bachelor’s last hours as a single man.

Theme Park Vacations on a Budget

Since The Cyclone first drew thrill-seekers to Coney Island in 1884, theme parks have become an ultimate family destination. Today, the U.S. boasts more than 400 amusement parks, and with summer’s heat and crowds subsiding, now’s the ideal time to plan a trip to the rides. However, hauling the whole family somewhere, especially to a theme park, can turn into a big budget buster. These five tips can save you money so you can make your theme park vacation a reality. Your kids (and your bank account) will thank you.

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1. Opt for a Regional Park
Fifty percent of Americans plan to visit an amusement park within the next 12 months, according to a survey by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. While national theme-park chains may have the most marketing dollars to spend on advertising, visitors can bag great savings and avoid major crowds by hitting up smaller regional theme parks.  At Carowinds, a 337-acre park that straddles the North and South Carolina border, prices start at $42 for a single-day ticket when purchased online. Colorado’s Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park costs about $38, also when purchased online. In comparison, a day at Disney World will set you back $85 for each person age 10 and up. Many regional parks offer discounted tickets, so check local businesses like banks and grocery stores for special offers.

2. Buy Online
Consumers also can save a significant amount of money by purchasing tickets online before visiting rather than purchasing admission at the gate.  Some regional parks offer more than $10 off, and even bigger parks, such as Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, offer an online special for $25 off the general admission price.  Search the internet for the theme park name plus “discount” or “coupon”, however be sure to make sure you are dealing with a reputable website before purchasing.

3. Go After 4pm
Some parks offer deep discounts on “Twilight Tickets” that are valid during evening hours. If the park is open till 10pm, that means you can spend up to six hours in the park without the sun beating down on you (a double bonus of savings and comfort).

4. Watch Extra Cost
It’s easy to plan for known costs like airfare, hotel, and admission tickets. It’s the little things that will get you: the $15 a day parking, the $6 bottles of water, and the $10 funnel cakes. Buying burgers and fries for a family of four might cost you the price of a nice steak dinner at home. Saving for the trip ahead of time and being conscious of prices while in the park can help alleviate the money headache once the gates shut behind you.

5. Travel During the Off-Season
Another easy way to save money is to travel when others aren’t.  Parks might not offer substantially lower priced tickets, but you will most certainly find cheaper airfare, hotel deals, and specials at local restaurants, which can score you even bigger savings than discounted tickets.  Plus, in many areas the weather is better in the spring, fall, or even winter (i.e. Florida), and the parks are a lot less crowded, meaning you can ride Batman The Ride as many times as your heart desires.

Spectacular 4th of July Celebrations

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start of summer, but as far as parties go, it’s hard to beat the celebrations that come with the fireworks of July 4^th. So fire up the grill, ice down some beverages, and look to the night sky in observance of America’s birthday. Need some inspiration? Here are the top five places to see fireworks this year:

Washington, D.C.
A top five fireworks list is not complete without including the nation’s capital. Attracting more than half a million people each year, Washington, D.C., is a beautiful backdrop for the 4^th of July celebrations. The all-day event starts with a parade down Constitution Avenue between 7^th & 17^th streets featuring marching bands, military, and some special VIP’s. Festivities start on the National Mall at 10 a.m., and all visitors are required to enter through a security checkpoint. The U.S. Navy Band performs a free concert near the Washington Monument, and the National Symphony Orchestra performs on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Starting at dark, fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and can be seen throughout the National Mall area. 

Philadelphia
If you want to celebrate America’s independence for more than one day, then head to Philadelphia! The Wawa Welcome America festivities  include live performances, historical presentations, Taste(s) of Philadelphia, multiple fireworks shows, and other events such as Philly at the Movies, Wawa Hoagie day, photo exhibits, All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival, and, of course, a parade. The grand finale fireworks conclude the 11-day celebration on July 4^th.  Most activities are free; if that’s not enough patriotic fun, then we don’t know what is!

New York City
Head to the Big Apple to see the annual Macy’s 4^th of July Fireworks show, that will go on in style this year over the Hudson River! The digitally synchronized show starts at 9 p.m. and is expected to include more than 40,000 fireworks lasting a full 25 minutes for the millions of spectators. For prime viewing spots check out local restaurants, the Empire State Building, or a NY Waterway Cruise. Before the fantastic show, take the orange or yellow subway out to Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest that has been a patriotic tradition since 1916. 

Edgartown/Martha’s Vineyard
During summer, thousands of people flock to Edgartown on Martha’s Vineyard, escaping their regular lives and reveling in the beauty of the island. July 4^th can be a busy weekend on the island, full of cookouts and fun in the sun, but don’t forget about the annual parade and fireworks.  The parade starts at 5 p.m. heading down Main Street and Pease’s Point Way. After the antique cars and bands pass by, claim your spot near the Memorial Warf to watch the fireworks display that begins at dusk over the Edgartown Harbor. 

San Francisco
The Waterfront Celebration for the 4^th of July can be found on Pier 39 and the Fisherman’s Warf. Starting at 12 p.m. on Pier 39, live entertainment and other activities for visitors begin. But when the sun goes down, stop your dancing and look up at the magnificent fireworks display over the bay put on by The City of San Francisco. Another grand way to see the fireworks is on a bay cruise that showcases the evening skyline before stopping to give guests the prime viewing spot. 

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s Lights On the Lake is the largest light show in the West. Fireworks are launched off barges near the South Shore and can be seen from anywhere on the lake.

Great Family Beaches

Pack up the sand pails, surf boards, and beach chairs; summer means it’s time to head to the beach! Here are some of the top family beaches across America.

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Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, is the perfect playground for families.  The only traffic light here is a red blinker, which tells you a lot about the tempo of this 100-square-mile island.  Walk the quiet beaches and quaint towns, kayak the island’s ponds, or bike along the trails that lead past bogs, brooks, and cliffs. And don’t forget to partake in some fresh New England seafood!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is one of the top family beach destinations in the United States. It’s home to camping, resorts, outlet malls, go-cart parks, waterslides, thousands of restaurants, and more than 250 golf courses. There’s an activity here that will make everyone happy, and your biggest trouble might be convincing the kids it’s time to leave.

San Diego, California, is home to a year-round summer scene, making it the quintessential West Coast pick for a family beach vacation.  With more than 70 miles of beautiful beaches, countless parks, and one of the best zoos in the country, San Diego promises plenty of fun activities for the whole crew.  After a day of outdoor activities, head downtown, where 16 blocks full of hotels, trendy shops, and fun eateries await the entire family.

So pack your sunscreen and bathing suit, and get ready to have a beach vacation that the whole family will enjoy.

Five Places Every Kid Should See

As a parent, you want your child to experience great things.  Here are five destinations every kid should see.

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The thunder of Niagara Falls will leave even the little ones speechless.  Nearly 3,000 tons of water spills over the falls every second, and you’ll want to visit both the U.S. and Canadian side to get the full effect.  If you don’t mind getting wet, try one of the boat tours for a different view.

On the grounds of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, children will learn about one of the most important events in the Civil War.  They can watch reenactments, walk through the battlefields, and look for ghosts of soldiers passed.

There is something about standing in California’s Redwood National Park that makes everyone seem so small.  Take a photo beside trees that soar more than 30 stories high.  There are plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking among the giants, too.

If there is one city everyone should visit, Washington, D.C., is it.  The free museums can keep you busy for days, and a walk along the National Mall leads you to many of our country’s most treasured monuments.

The Grand Canyon is a busy tourist attraction, but there is something amazing about seeing it in person.  Book a mule ride or a whitewater rafting trip to keep the teenagers interested.

So this year, have fun creating memories of a lifetime with your little ones.

Best City Vacations for Families

Traveling to a bustling metropolis can seem overwhelming, especially with kiddos in tow, here are three cities that are fun, educational, and family friendly.

“Free” is the key word for a trip to Washington, D.C., thanks in large part to the nearly 20 Smithsonian museums and zoo, which don’t charge an entry fee.  The National Mall and monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial and World War II Memorial, are all walkable. And tours of the Capitol building and even the White House are free, if you secure tickets online or through your representative.

Chicago is always a top city destination, and rightfully so. With two major airports and solid public transportation, it is easy to get here and get around.  The Windy City has five pro-sports teams, a lakefront with ample water activities, one of the world’s best art museums, and plenty of shopping along the Magnificent Mile.  Plus, Chicago invented the skyscraper, and early editions are on display across downtown.

Everyone in the family will quickly fall in love with San Francisco. Surrounded on three sides by shimmering water, the city has rolling hills, a lively waterfront, cable cars, and a host of family-friendly attractions. Check out Golden Gate Park’s 1,000 acres, with magnificent views of its namesake bridge. Alcatraz Island and Chinatown are also on San Fran’s must-see list.

So don’t be intimidated by the big city, start planning your next family vacation to an adventure-full city near you.