As adults and parents we may think we know what kid friendly vacations should entail, but if you ask the kids then you’ll really find out what a kid friendly vacation means to them. For the most part our ideas of a family vacation isn’t quite in alignment with what the kids want to do. In this article we’ll take a look at the top kid friendly vacations where everyone in the family is guaranteed to have a great time with nobody having to make concessions.

Disneyland, Anaheim, California

When it comes to the West Coast kids go bananas for Disneyland, and adults do too. The great thing about Disneyland is it has activities for kids of all ages and as adults it has enough to engage us as well. The park is packed with tons of rides, restaurants, shows and much more. For full immersion when visiting Disneyland you can opt to stay at the Disneyland resort inside the park. A family can easily spend two days inside the park, and if you’re feeling like you need more amusement park fun then visit the no so far away six flags as well.

Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

This park is also often referred to as just Disney World, and is the most visited entertainment resort in the entire world. Not only will the size of this park blow your kids minds, but yours as well; the park covers 47 square miles! The park includes 2 water parks, 4 themed parks and 23 themed hotel resorts that you can choose from. For adults you’ll find 5 golf courses, 2 spas, a campground and various other recreational activities. It’s hard to go wrong when planning a family vacation to Disney World.

Circus Circus, Las Vegas, Nevada

Originally not so kid friendly Las Vegas is now a hotspot for family vacations and make a great place to go for a kid friendly vacation.

Circus Circus plays home to the largest permanent big top circus. Each year over 3+ million people take in the Circus Circus experience. Believe it or not the hotel is the 5th largest in all of Las Vegas and sits on 70 acres of land, and sports a stunning 3,800 rooms.

In addition to the circus acts that show every 30 minutes you can roughly 200 carnival games, wandering clowns and arcade games in the adjoining area called Midway in the hotel.

The great thing about being in Las Vegas is there are plenty of additional roller coaster rides, sites and sounds for the kids beyond the walls of the Circus Circus hotel.

Beaches Resorts – Jamaica & Turks and Caicos

Sporting 3 properties in Jamaica and one in the Turks and Caicos these all inclusive resorts are family focused and kid friendly. The hotel’s deal struck up with Sesame Street means the kids can get up close and personal with their favorite Sesame Street characters, while you enjoy the vacation of your life on the most beautiful beaches the world has to offer. Kids can dine with Elmo, watch Sesame Street stage shows and enjoy weekly parades with their other favorite show characters. Additionally these resorts offer certified nannies to watch over your kids at Crayola camps, large family suites that can accommodate the whole family, water sports, surf, sand, food and much much more. If this sounds fun make sure to get in touch with Beaches Resorts to learn more!

Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa

With or without the kids Cancun Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches, exciting night and daytime activities. Being able to take the kids with you, while they also enjoy the vacation of their lives…priceless. Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa helps to make this dream vacation a reality. One of dreams biggest promises is they promise that “children are always welcome”. The resort has a program where kids 3-12 years of age are supervised while they engage in a variety of activities which include: games, nature and science projects. For the adults on the trip there is a first class spa along with 3 beaches that surround the hotel for swimming. One of the newest hotel attractions is the beautiful dolphin lagoon that plays home to 5 dolphins. You can also book a room that looks over the dolphin lagoon if you would like. If you want to take it to the next level, get into the lagoon and swim the dolphins!

In addition to the resort there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Cancun like: shopping, para-sailing, water parks, snorkeling, diving and much more.

Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

Hawaii is always a place that we all want to be, and it is hard to deny it makes for a great family vacation, or kid friendly vacation when it comes to the sun, surf and sand. Taking the Hawaii experience to the next level is the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort. Parents wanting to find a great place for their kids to have fun can sign their little ones up for Camp Menehune. This day & night camp lets kids feed swans and Koi fish, explore tide pools, and hunt for hidden Hawaiian treasures. Additionally at Dolphin Quest, kids can participate in a variety of dolphin interactive programs.

We hope you’ve found these kid friendly vacation ideas helpful and informative. We would love to hear about how your trip to any of family friendly vacation spots went, or if you have one we can add to our list please let us know!

Koh Larn is definitely one of Thailand’s top island destination spots to hit when you’re staying in Pattaya City, Thailand or surrounding area. Because of this we’ve put together the Koh Larn Island, Thailand travel guide to help get your trip to Koh Larn off on the right foot.

Koh Larn Island is a wonderful island situate in the Gulf of Thailand just off the coast of Pattaya City, Thailand. Koh Larn is about 4 km long and is inhabited by about 1,000 people. With this being said the island isn’t very large or bustling making it a great for a 1 or 2 day trip.

The island is very mountainous and is covered in heavy jungle vegetation with about 6 main beaches to visit.

Tien Beach, Koh Larn Island - Thailand

Getting to Koh Larn Island

From Pattaya City you head down to the end of Walking Street to the pier (Bali . From the pier you can catch a private speed boat (about a 15 minute ride) or a ferry (about a 30 minute ride). The private speed boat tickets can be purchased on the spot for about $10 for a round trip. The ferry tickets are also purchased on the spot for about $2 each way.

The pier also has motorbike parking if you would like to leave your motorbike for the day.

Arriving at Koh Larn

When you arrive at Koh Larn you will immediately see the small downtown area. This area includes a 7-11, some small shops and restaurants. This is a good place to get some food, water, and snacks before venturing out on the island for the day.

Getting Around Koh Larn

You can rent a motorbike when you arrive for about $6 a day. Most motorbikes need to be returned at sundown. You can also take a song thaew to any of the beaches for a few dollars. The islands terrain is mountainous and most roads are narrow and covered in pavers, so if you’re not proficient on a motorbike it’s best to take a song thaew.

Koh Larn Beaches

Naul Beach

Probably the quietest of all the beaches on Koh Larn. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds this is your spot. The beach has many trees and plenty of places to seek shelter from the sun.

Samae Beach

This beach has a nice breeze all year round with a lot of sand from the water to the back of beach. This large amount of sand area near the rear of the beach plays home to many restaurants built on the sand. This is one of the busier beaches on the island being rather large, but also making it easy to find a spot and some good food to eat.

Tien Beach

This is one of our personal favorite beaches. This beach is secluded by rocks on your entry to the beach and back-dropped by high mountains covered in green. The beach has a limited amount of restaurants, but many of them have excellent food. If you’re looking for a quieter beach this is definitely your place.

Tawaen Beach

What seems like the largest and most crowded beach on the island. This beach has a nice long shallow entry into the water which is great for sitting and relaxing. The beach has plenty of shops off the sand with a slim road separating the sand and shops. This beach is an excellent choice with plenty to do and see when spending the day in Koh Larn.

Tong Lang Beach

This is a smaller beach located near Tawaen. The beach doesn’t boast as much room from front to back, but is secluded and a nice place to relax. Taxis will drop you off here, but it is a little more difficult finding one at the waiting area to take you back to the pier.

Other Koh Larn Activities

Besides swimming and spending a day at the beach, you can bike around Koh Larn, rent a jet-ski, snorkel or take a banana boat ride.

This Koh Larn Island travel guide should get your trip to Koh Larn Island off on the right foot. Remember for the most part the Thai people are some of the most friendly and helpful anywhere in the world and can help point you in the right direction if the need arises.

If you’re thinking about heading to the east coast to getaway then you’ve come to the right place because we’re going to take a look at some of the best East coast vacations. The East coast is a great place to vacation because it has a wide variety of offerings no matter whether you’re heading that way in the winter or the summertime. Another great thing about East coast vacations is that in many cases they are very economical especially if you already live in the United States. For those living in the Midwest or the West it’s a hop skip and a jump and for those folks on the East coast already you don’t have to travel far. With that being said lets take a look at some of the best East coast vacations to be had.

New York City, NY

It is hard to mention the East coast without starting off with one of its main attractions, New York City! New York City is a wonderful place to explore with many options for singles and families. The city has a plethora of things to do from morning to night. The city is known for its wonderful food and entertainment. Whether you want to see a Broadway show or a comedy show you’ll find it in the “Big Apple”.

With so many things to do you don’t even need to book much in advance, you can just show up and start finding things to do with a map and subway ticket. We’ve found the best and most affordable accommodations on websites like Craigslist.com. Hotels in NYC can be expensive, so renting someone’s apartment for a week usually not only ends up being nicer, but much more affordable.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod and Boston, MA

If you like beaches and good food then look no further than Cape Cod. A beach bum’s paradise, Cape Cod is a great place to relax and dine on lobster until you can’t get out of your chair. The great thing about “the cape” is its flexed arm shape which form an inner and out cape, giving you two distinct areas to explore. A Cape Cod trip is perfect to pair with a trip to Boston since the two are so close to each other. We like to start in Boston, wind up, and then leave the crowds and traffic behind to unwind in Cape Cod. In addition to its beaches and food, the cape offers great shopping, some great nightlife and entertainment.

Myrtle Beach, SC

When it comes to East coast vacations Myrtle Beach is one of the top spots. The area attracts millions of visitors each year and for good reasons. You’ll find wonderful beaches, great shopping, and acres and acres of well manicured golf courses to choose from. Myrtle Beach blew up in the 1990s with rapid development of restaurants, golf courses, shopping malls and condos. In 2010 they opened a new boardwalk and promenade. The slower pace of life in South Carolina makes Myrtle Beach the ideal vacation spot for those looking to relax and unwind.

Ocean City, NJ

Most are pretty familiar now with the “Jersey Shore” television show on MTV. While the show may have turned many off to visiting the Jersey shore; many locals would be able to convince you otherwise. Ocean City has a lot to offer single travelers as well as those coming with families. The city offers tons of things to do from morning all the way through the evening. You can take the kids to the Ocean City boardwalk for some fun, entertainment and food. For those who are single you can pass the night away in one of the many dance clubs getting lost in tranquil techno beats. This colorful little city is for those looking for a good old American vacation spot.

Washington D.C.

When most think about “DC” they think about the our government, Capitol Hill, The White House and more, and these places alone are enough to warrant a trip to Washington D.C. However, DC is more than just a bunch of government buildings and monuments. DC also plays home to Georgetown, the Potomac River, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian, and much more. For those seeking great food, entertainment and culture, DC is the place to visit!

The list goes on and on when it comes to great East coast vacations. These are only a few of our favorite spots that we would highly recommend you consider when planning your next trip to the East coast.

Some other great places you may want to consider include:

New England, Long Island, Vermont, Upstate New York, and Atlanta.

Thanks for stopping in we hope you’ve found our East Coast vacations article helpful and informative. We would love to hear about your East coast vacation, or favorite East coast vacation spots, so make sure to leave us a comment below!

Well, Puerto Rico might not exactly be the “New Hawaii” but it’s a great tropical location for those wanting to travel within the United States, and a great alternative to the Hawaiian Islands. Just like Hawaii you’ll find beautiful beaches, great food, friendly people, and plenty of fun vacation activities. While technically you’re still within the United States you’ll find some distinct contrasts in regards to the culture, language, food, and more.

A recent article in the Miami Herald touts “Puerto Rico: An exotic family vacation without leaving U.S.” and goes on to say:

“…Puerto Rico, it feels like you’ve left the States: Spanish is the primary language, gas is sold in liters, and architecture resembles Mexico…”

“The island, though, has been a U.S. territory since 1898, and there’s no need for a passport or currency exchange.”

For those not really keen on leaving the United States but wanting something a little different Puerto Rico is the perfect vacation destination! Puerto Rico is conveniently located in the beautiful Caribbean. The Caribbean is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches and weather in the entire world.

Reasonable airfare, accommodations, food and entertainment are easily found in Puerto Rico, and with the right planning, vacationing in Puerto Rico can be less expensive than Hawaii.

If you have been fortunate enough to have traveled to Hawaii and Puerto Rico we would love to hear you weigh in on Hawaii vs. Puerto Rico!

For some ski vacations are necessary because they do not have any snow close to where they live and for others they are just looking for something bigger and better than what they have close to home. No matter what the reason if you’re interested in finding out more about some of the top places to hit for your next ski vacation you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll take a look at our top 3 favorite ski vacation spots, along with all the most popular ski resorts around the United States from East to West Coast and all the way up to Canada!

Whistler, BC

Even if you’re not a ski enthusiast you may have heard of Whistler Ski Resort in British Colombia. For many this great resort remains the holy grail or mecca of skiing and snowboarding. This awesome mountain played host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, need I say more?

The slopes at Whistler are only part of the great offerings that this resort town has to offer up. After stroll through the village will open your eyes to all the great offerings ranging from shopping, eating to just lounging around and chatting with others.

There is no shortage of great accommodations with Whistlers Four Season’s townhouse rentals the best of their kind in the Pacific Northwest. Additionally you’ll find other hotels boutique hotels and accommodations.

Vail, CO

Vail has ton of appeal from it’s swanky downtown shopping scene to its blissful mountain terrain. Skiers coming here for won’t be disappointed as Vail boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain! With this much terrain Vail is perfect for bringing the whole family along, and can play host from kids to world class skiers.

Besides having great skiing there is no shortage of things to do in Vail. You’ll find it all here from great hotels, restaurants, bars, to boutiques. Vail’s reputation definitely doesn’t disappoint making it one of our top ski vacation destinations within the United States.

Squaw Valley, Ca

When you’re talking about ski vacations in California you almost definitely have to spend at least one day at Squaw Valley. Squaw Valley is famous for having hosted the winter Olympics, and has some of best ski terrain one could possibly hope to find. This resort offers terrain for skiers of every level which makes it ideal for all types of ski vacations; whether it be with the family, for couples, or for a “boys” or “girls” trip.

In addition to offering great skiing Squaw Valley also has many other perks like the cable tram, and plenty of lodging. While you could spend the whole weekend in the Squaw Valley village you are also able to make your way to Tahoe’s South Shore to visit the nightclubs or do some gambling. Tahoe also has many other great resorts which you can ski that are only a stone’s throw away from this great resort!

Western Ski Resorts

The United States’ West coast offers up some of the very best skiing and snowboarding in the entire world. There are no shortage of ski resorts on the west coast ranging from California all the way to the Mid-West. With that being said let’s take a look at some of the best in the west places where people opt to take their ski vacations.

Eastern Ski Resorts

Though the East Coast of the United States doesn’t boast quite as many resorts as the west there are still some great ski resorts offering some great ski vacations for those opting to stay East of the Mississippi. Let’s take a look at some of the best ski resorts the East Coast has to offer up.

Canada

Without a doubt Canada offers up some of the best skiing in the world with world famous resorts like Whistler. If you are lucky enough to have the time and the money Canada is one of the top places you should plan on hitting for your next ski vacation.

We hope this article has given you inspiration for planning your next ski vacation. There are so many great ski resorts in North America it would take numerous ski vacations to be able to visit them all. We would love to hear about your ski vacation experiences so please leave us a comment and let us know how your trip went!

After all the planning and stress that can sometimes come along with planning a wedding, there is no better way to relax then by taking a honeymoon vacation after everything is said and done. For many a good honeymoon destination is a relaxing and tranquil place, while others like to keep the party rolling along. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the most popular honeymoon destinations for those who have just gotten married, or for those who have who been putting their honeymoon off.

Hawaiian Islands

For many the first place that pops into the mind when planning a honeymoon is the islands of Hawaii. Hawaii has always been very popular due to its fantastic tropical weather, beautiful beaches and bath-tub like ocean waters. The various islands offer nice variety when it come to honeymoon destinations. For those who prefer to be super secluded you may want to visit the island of Kauai. Kauai offers secluded private beach villas on one of the smallest islands; along with beautiful beaches, and great hiking trails. Mix one part big city, with one part beach bum and you have Honolulu. For those wanting something a little in between these two dynamics you may want to check out Maui. Regardless of your preference it’s hard to go wrong with a honeymoon vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.

Puerto Rico

Situated in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico offers it all from its beautiful beaches, great sites, to vibrant nightlife. Head to El Morro fort to and soak in the 500 year old history, or spend the day at the beach snorkeling and swimming. Follow a fantastic day up by enjoying the a wide variety of great food including suckling pig, and then dance the night away in San Juan.

Florence

Most have dreamed of visiting Italy as some point in their lives, so why not for your honeymoon? Florence makes for an ideal honeymoon destination because of its intimacy, beauty, food, wine, architecture and more! The town is small and the perfect size for taking a stroll around because you can walk just about everywhere. The atmosphere in Florence is relaxing and the perfect place to clear your mind.

Paris

Where do we start; there is no other city in the world like Paris! Paris has it all, great food, architecture, shopping, museums, cafes and the pastries! Spend a day at the Louvre, or picnic at the base of the Eiffel Tower, either way it is hard to make a wrong turn in such a beautiful city. Even when you’re not seeking out the sites, the sites find you in this wonderful city.

Las Vegas

For those who are getting married in the “City of Sin” you don’t have to travel far to honeymoon in Las Vegas! Regardless of whether you were married in Las Vegas or not, this city is a great honeymoon destination because it has endless activities you can enjoy to put your mind and thoughts in the moment. Enjoy a night out at a show like Cirque Du Soleil, or check out Elton John. Dine at some of the best restaurants in the world, check out Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, or dance the night away in some of the top nightclubs in the world. Relax the next morning by having breakfast by the pool, and then follow it up with a swim while catching some rays poolside in your own private cabana. Other attractions include gambling, as well as roller coasters; there really is something here for everyone.

Santorini

The white and blue mountainside landscape of Santorini is unmistakeable. Enormous volcanic explosions are not only responsible for the landscape of this city, but also play large role in the activities that it has to offer its honeymoon vacationers. Enjoy beautiful sunsets from the steep ocean cliffs, after bathing in the hot springs which surround the islands volcano of Kameni. The island also plays home to a small but flourishing wine industry; with this being said make sure to visit some of these boutique wineries on your honeymoon vacation to this wonderful island.

Cancun

Known for its endless stretch of hotels along the beautiful Caribbean seashores and vibrant nightlife. This vacation mecca offers an endless amount of hotels which you can choose from depending on your budget. Opt for an all inclusive honeymoon vacation package, or piece the trip together yourself, either way the options are endless when it comes to Cancun. Spend a day on the white sand beaches and bathtub like warm waters. Take a trip to the world renowned diving island of Cozumel, and then dance the night away in a beach bar in Playa Del Carmen, or make your way back to one of the larger premiere discotecas in Cancun. If you need a break from the beach, there is plenty of shopping to be had at the various markets and shopping malls in this wonderful city.

Barcelona

Another great honeymoon destination where you can learn or practice your Spanish. Barcelona offers up wonderful food, a laid back way of life where siestas are commonplace, beautiful beaches, phenomenal scenery, and much more. Take a tour of the city on a double-decker bus, or just stroll the narrow cobblestone streets hand in hand with your new significant other. When you get tired plop down at a sidewalk cafe for some cafe and tapas. The city has a wonderful subway system as well and getting around is a breeze.

Alaska

For those who love the outdoors then Alaska could be the perfect place for your honeymoon. Pick a single location and go, or take an Alaskan cruise and see it all. Alaska offers everything from panoramic scenery, fishing, hiking, hunting to many other great outdoor activities for those who love nature.

Bahamas

Another vacation destination that goes hand and hand when most think of honeymoon vacation destinations is the Bahamas. When heading to the Bahamas one can take their pick of one or several destinations to visit. The Bahamas are made up of over 14 different islands, with some of the most popular being Grand Bahama and Paradise Island. The Bahamas offer up beautiful beaches and fantastic weather, along with a plethora of daytime activities which include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, shopping, and much much more.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our exploration of some of the top honeymoon destinations around the world. We would love to hear about your trip to any of these places, or any places you would suggest we add to the list!

Arizona provides one of the very most diversified landscapes in North America. You’ll find panoramic desert drives, water-based activities, snow skiing, backpacking, site seeing, sports and outdoor camping which are merely the beginning when it comes to the various Arizona vacations one can choose from. One of the most difficult parts of planning an Arizona vacation is deciding on which activities or attractions you are going to “hit” when you come here. Unless you have a few weeks to spend in Arizona you are probably going to have to plan several trips to this great state in order to see everything you won’t want to miss.

Below we’ve done our best to give the “must see” Arizona vacation spots. It helps to be prepared so you can visit as many destinations as possible.

Fact: Arizona plays home to some of the best day spas in the country; for those interested in spoiling themselves you’ll want to checkout Scottsdale!

Tip: It’s a good idea to purchase a detailed map of Arizona before you vacation here. Having a map will ensure you don’t miss any of the hidden gems Arizona has to offer as you venture from one of your “planned” vacation spots to another. You’ll be surprised at how many little Arizona vacations you’ll find within the big vacation you’ve planned. Vacationing in this state is very much like the quote “Life is what happens while you are making other plans.”

Grand Canyon National Park

I don’t think there are many people that are not familiar with the Grand Canyon; it’s credentials speak for itself. Many Arizona vacations use this well-known attraction as the main focal point for building the rest of their trip around. Over millions of years the Colorado river has carved out this beautiful site. Not only is the Grand Canyon one of the most visited National Parks in the United States, it is one of the most visited places in the whole world, and is also one of the 7 Natural Wonders of The World. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this wonderful place.

Hoover Dam

Looking at or over the Hoover Dam will take your breathe away! This dam is truly a modern marvel of engineering feats. The Dam is located in the Northwest part of Arizona and shares a border with Nevada. The Dam was among one of the biggest projects of it’s time and was named after former President of The United States Herbet Hoover.

Sedona

Just South of Flagstaff is where you will find the red rocks of Sedona. Sedona plays host to the rich and famous; many of whom have houses here, and for good reason. Many have exclaimed that it looks like “something from outside of this world” in reference to the red rocks and unusual landscape. The landscape plays host to many hiking and biking trails that will take your breathe away. Make sure to check out the Slide Rock Park, and the Solid Rock church.

Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu is well known for it’s boating, fishing and spring break party scene. The lake also plays host to the London Bridge which was brought over in the sixties, and helped in putting this lake “on the map”. Take a lake tour, or just take a walk and enjoy the sunset; either way this lake is definitely one of Arizona’s vacation destinations.

Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town Scottsdale mixes a little bit of the old west with some modern day shopping. Taking a trip to Old Town is great way to take a break from the great outdoors and enjoy something a little more urban. The sidewalks are constructed of wood, and you’ll find plenty of outdoor Western artwork, along with hitching posts for your horse if you should have one. Old Town is filled with quaint western wear shops, specialty Southwestern stores and tasty treats for the whole family.

Painted Desert

This muli-colored landscape is absolutely breathtaking. Painted Desert which is on the south rim side of the Grand Canyon is a must see; especially at sunrise. This trip is good to combo with the Grand Canyon, and Meteor Crate.

Tombstone

For a taste of the old west you can make a trip out to Tombstone, AZ. This notorious mining town has survived 2 major fires, a number of violent encounters, as well as the loss of it’s mining industry. Walk the same streets that villains and heroes worked, lived and fought on. This town didn’t earn it’s nickname “The Town To Tough To Die” for nothing!

Havasupai Falls

Last but not least and rounding out our Arizona best vacation spots is Havasupai Falls. This canyons allure is its emerald blue-green waterfalls. The water maintains a constant temperature of around 70 degrees during the whole year. The falls are absolutely “a must see” in our book. After taking one look at these falls in a photo and you know you’ll have to go.

Now that you have a better idea of the various Arizona vacations you can choose from it’s time to choose your favorite attraction or attractions and start planning your trip. You can combine several of these top attractions into your trip, but like we stated previously, unless you have several weeks to vacation here you may have to plan several trips to Arizona in order to visit all of these spots. We hope you’ve found this article helpful and informative. We would love to hear about your trip to Arizona, or other places you would recommend our readers visit; so leave us a comment below!

Christmas vacation ideas are ideal for getting imaginative with and leveraging your time off from work and/or even the kids’ holiday break from school to come up with something fun to do! Regardless if you’re trying to get the whole family away, or it’s just a Christmas vacation for couples; the week between Christmas and New Years has always and continues to be one of the most popular times of the year for people to travel.

Rather than spending the break in your own home this season, why don’t you choose from our list of top 10 Christmas vacation ideas to get away? You can select from snowboarding getaways as well as surfing journeys, sand or snow take your pick.

For the most part people fall into one of two categories when it comes to vacations over Christmas; sand or snow! While some people prefer to escape the cold weather conditions for the tropics, others couldn’t imagine Christmas without the cold and snow. Regardless of whether you enjoy the warm or cold, it’s very important to make sure you plan and book your trip as far ahead as possible. As Christmas nears prices head North, and the selection of flights and accommodations begins to dwindle; so make sure to plan and book your Christmas vacation well in advance!

New York City

“The city that never sleeps” is a great place to get away for the holidays. If you like to be around people and lots of action New York City makes a great choice for a Christmas vacation. Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting and some ice skating at Rockefeller Center. No matter what kind of Christmas meal you may want to eat or cook, you can find everything you need New York City!

The Mayan Riviera and Cancun

Leave the cold weather behind and take your pick from a long list of awesome resorts in Cancun and The Mayan Riviera which line the beaches for miles upon miles. Trade in your traditional Christmas dinner here in Mexico for some margarita’s on the beach and then some tacos al pastor for dinner. Dance the night away in one of Cancun’s discotecas, or relax at a beach bar in Playa Del Carmen!

Sydney

How about a trip down under for the holidays? Just like many other major cities around the world there is no shortage of activities to do here. Visit the iconic Sydney Opera House, you know the one with the white pointy roof. After your trip to the opera house swing by famous Australian Bondi Beach, or visit Hyde Park, and the Royal Bontanic Gardens. Trade in Christmas dinner for some traditional Australian meat pies and a pint of Fosters Lager!

Aspen

This once obscure mining town is all grown-up now. Named for its beautiful aspen trees this town now plays host to some of the most exclusive ski resorts in the United States. Over the years this city has attracted some of the biggest name celebrities and is hosts its own film festival. Enjoy some skiing or a stroll down one of the many streets in this small quaint town. There is no shortage of snow for those who like having a white Christmas!

Montreal

A city that has been described as “a mountain of churches”, along with many outdoor ice skating rinks, it couldn’t be more ideal during the holiday season. After a long day of shopping in the cold winter air, head back to your rented house in the suburbs, or if it’s just you and your spouse check into a beautiful hotel in the city. The city has a plethora of outdoor markets and great French food as well as excellent pastries…what more could you want!

Santa Cruz, California

Even in the summer these beaches aren’t so warm. Enjoy the crisp cool air as you stroll down West Cliff Drive and past the lighthouse at “Steamer’s Lane”. Rent some bikes and head downtown to catch a movie or pick up some groceries to bring back to “your place”. Go on a hike in the nearby mountains and enjoy the thousand year old redwoods; this is not your typical beach vacation.

Boston

The city has a nice old world feel, and the coziness of New England. The streets of Beacon hill dusted in a light coating of snow makes for a picture perfect holiday getaway. Trade in your traditional Christmas Eve or Christmas day dinner for a Boston roasted lobster, and some Boston clam chowder!

Miami

Another place where you can escape the cold if you prefer warm weather to cold. Miami has it all with it’s beautiful beaches and undeniable nightlife. Enjoy some “rays” while taking a stroll down Ocean Drive, or grab a chair and enjoy a drink at a sidewalk cafe before Christmas dinner. Trade in your traditional Christmas dinner for some tasty authentic Cuban food!

Puerto Rico

A stone’s throw off the coast of Florida, the beautiful Caribbean. Enjoy the salsa beats, exotic florals in place of your Christmas music and scents of pine trees. Stroll through a 500 year old Spanish colony while eating an ice cream. Enjoy some Puerto Rican style suckling pig (called lechon) instead of your traditional Christmas dinner. Take a walk on the beach and watch the sunset, instead of being bundled up in a blanket and inside your house.

Charleston

Get all traditional in Charleston by roasting some pecans fireside in place of chestnuts. Feel free to sneak a little bourbon into that eggnog! How does a nice country ham or rack of lamb sound for Christmas, or why not do both between the Eve and the actual day!

We hope you’ve found our Christmas vacation ideas interesting and helpful. Perhaps you didn’t find exactly the trip you were looking for? Take a look at some of our other articles to get some great ideas that you can use for a holiday vacation as well!

If you’re thinking about taking a vacation in California and you are not sure where or what to visit, let us help you out. In this article we will provide you with all the “can’t miss” California vacation spots. You could spend months in California just trying to get around to all the sites, but if you’re ambitious you should be able to cover a few if not more than a few of these on your next trip to California.

Whether you’re visiting California during the summer or winter you won’t be let down as the weather is pretty mild throughout the year. However, if you are looking to do some snowboarding or skiing there are plenty of California winter resorts which you can visit in Lake Tahoe. Squaw Valley Resort has even played host to the winter Olympics.

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Quite possibly the single most well-known bridge in the United States. The Golden Gate Bridge is definitely one of the most identifiable symbols of San Francisco, maybe even of the the whole state of California, and for this reason has definitely earned its place on the list of “must see” California vacation spots.

Looming over the San Francisco Bay’s mouth, the 8,900 ft. long red bridge links the northern point of San Francisco to city of Sausalito in Marin County. The bridge was completed in 1937 and at the time was the longest expansion bridge in the world; however now it sits in the #2 position just behind the Veranzo-Narrows bridge located in New York City.

Seeing the Golden Gate bridge won’t consume a whole day, so make sure to enjoy the rest of San Francisco or take a trip across the bridge and hangout in the beautiful city of Sausalito for the afternoon. Some other San Francisco things to check out include the: San Francisco Zoo, Fisherman’s Wharf (Pier 39), Union Square, The Museum Of Modern Art, and The Palace of Fine Arts.

South & North Shore Lake Tahoe

Regardless of whether you are visiting Tahoe in the summer or winter there is plenty to do. If you’re heading to Tahoe in the winter enjoy skiing at one of the many winter resorts which include: Heavenly, Squaw Valley, Sugar Bowl and many others. If you’re heading to Tahoe in the summer you can enjoy a swim in the lake or a hike somewhere on North Shore of Lake Tahoe. If you’re craving a little action you can visit one of the many resort casinos on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore. No matter how you do on the tables or slots of South Lake Tahoe you’ll come out a winner at this California vacation spot!

Hollywood, Los Angeles

Most recognizable from its Hollywood hills sign or perhaps because it is so closely associated with the American television and film industry, either way you’re probably familiar with Hollywood in some shape or form. Hollywood is an area of the greater Los Angeles area; located in the West-Northwest area of downtown L.A. These days much of the film industry has moved out of the Hollywood area in favor of less crowded surrounding cities like Burbank and the Westside.

Though Hollywood remains the place people think of when they travel to Los Angeles there are also many other great California vacation spots nearby like: Malibu, Venice Beach, Westwood, Santa Monica, City Walk and Downtown L.A. There is no shortage of things to do when you turn up in L.A. So make sure to plan out your trip ahead of time so you’re head won’t be spinning trying to figure out what to do when you arrive.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is just one more reason to visit beautiful Monterey. The aquarium features 500 various types of sea creatures and marine plants. The Aquarium plays host to over 1.8 million people each year! It takes more than 400 workers and about a 1000 volunteers to maintain this huge aquarium; which is much more than an aquarium. The aquarium probably won’t consume a whole day, but could eat up at least a half a day. Make sure to book your tickets online in advance to avoid lines.

After visiting the Aquarium make sure to stroll around Cannery Row made famous by the characters in John Steinbeck’s many books centered around this particular area. Some other great nearby attractions include: Carmel By The Sea, Downtown Pacific Grove and the world famous 17 mile drive!

San Diego Zoo & Sea World, San Diego

If you love animals and great weather then point the car towards San Diego. There is no shortage of animals at the San Diego Zoo which boasts over 100 acres which plays home to around 3,700 endangered rare and animals.

If you’re feeling like checking out some marine life, why not visit Sea World San Diego? This wonderful marine life park is located on the shores of Mission Bay and consumes 22 acres of prime Southern California coastal real estate. In addition to providing some great entertainment both of these parks also educate their visitors, making a trip to either great for kids, and adults.

After your visit to the either of these parks there is no better way to top off the day or evening then with a visit to San Diego’s Gas Lamp District downtown, or to La Jolla for a nice lunch or dinner!

Napa Valley Wine Country, Napa

Napa is world renowned for its great wines making it a must stop for “foodies”. For those who love great food and wine this is an experience you won’t soon forget. The region supports over 300 vineyards, charming resorts, well known bed and breakfast inns, spas, world renown restaurants and golf courses.

The areas pastoral countryside landscaping will take your breather away while you jump between wineries and tasting rooms. If don’t feel like jumping from winery to winery then catch a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. The train winds through the beautiful countryside while offering up some of Napa’s best wines and food to it’s passengers.

Once you’ve hit all the wineries you can take, rent some bikes to ride around, go on a picnic, or for those feeling adventurous take a hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is a national recreation area situated mostly in the Mariposa and Tuolumne county lines and is definitely one of the must see California vacation spots for those who love the outdoors and nature. Even though the park covers over 761,266 acres, most of the 3.5 million visitors that come each year only experience about 7 square miles of the most frequented and “civilized” parts of the park. Nearly 89% of the park is deemed “wilderness”.

The park is known all around the world by outdoor enthusiasts for its magnificent granite mountains, waterfalls, crystal clear streams, large Sequoia groves, as well as biological diversity. Even if you’re not a hardcore mountain climber, or outdoor person; just about anyone can appreciate the sites to be seen on a leisurely stroll or hike around this National Park!

We hope you have found this article helpful for planning your next vacation to California. These California vacation spots should provide you with plenty to do on your very next or first trip to California. Please come back and leave us a comment as to how you trip went, we love hearing from our readers!

Sometimes staying in at your own house is just not an option, even when you don’t have a lot of money. When your in this predicament inexpensive vacations are the ideal way to get out of the house so that you can clear your mind, and relax, all while not spending too much money. Continue reading for tips on 5 inexpensive vacations to consider when you are on a tight budget, or just trying to save some money.

The Truly Amazing Outdoors

Taking a camping trip is an ideal way to get away while not spending a ton of money. Generally you can rent a campsite for around $15 a day, not bad right? As they say un-clutter your life, and un-clutter your mind, and there is no better place to do this than the great outdoors where you have unlimited amounts of space to think. Whether you decide to go by yourself or with some friends, you’ll certainly have fun cooking s’mores and telling stories around the campfire under the stars.

Charming Bed and Breakfast Inns

Bed and breakfast inns make great weekend getaway options for those looking to get away and save. Jump on the internet and do a search for bed and breakfast inns which are an hour or two from where you live. Generally these inns offer up great homemade breakfast in the morning, along with magazines and sometimes DVD collections which you can bring back to your room to enjoy.

Be sure to find out what sites you can enjoy that are situated around or near these inns. Generally there are beaches, rose gardens and other types of attractions which you can spend an afternoon enjoying for very little money.

With this being said a bed and breakfast can be an ideal inexpensive way to spend your weekend away to decompress and get rejuvenated for the work week to come.

Wineries and Vineyards

Get up early on the weekend and grab a few friends and make your way to a close by winery. Enjoy the tasting room while bonding with some close friends. Wineries provide the perfect ambiance for anyone to relax whether they enjoy wine or not. There is nothing more comforting than beautiful panoramic views, great conversation and good wine!

The great thing about wineries is they come in bunches just like grapes; which means you can hit up several wineries without having to travel very far at all. Tastings are usually very reasonably priced and this is why this kind of getaway makes our list of inexpensive vacations.

National Parks

Even when you do not wind up camping out at a national park, it without a doubt makes for a great all day or half day trip (depending on how close or far it is from your home). These types of trips are already inexpensive vacations, but even more so if you visit the park on a day when they have free entry (fee-free days). Visit the parks website or call the park to find out when and if they offer these types of free entry days. Nevertheless the fees are usually reasonably priced and may cost approximately $10 for each individual if you choose to go on a normal day.

Beach Adventures

Listening to the surf crashing across the beach front while talking and walking together with your close friends is most likely the vacation you really need to get the stress out of your life. The beach is usually a good choice for an inexpensive getaway when you really need to relax and let get the stress out of your life. The beach offers up a wide variety of activities which you can choose from: volleyball, Frisbee, picnicking, a bonfire, swimming and much more. A lot of beaches even let you dig for clams and then cook them up for a nice dinner meal after all your hard work!

Thanks for visiting our inexpensive vacations ideas page. We hope the next time you need to get away on a tight budget you can use one of these ideas to save and relax at the same time. If you have any ideas of your own that we can add to our page please leave us a comment; we love hearing from our readers!