If you are your family are interested in taking a summer vacation, you will have to make a number of decisions.  Two of the most important things to consider when scheduling a summer vacation is what your destination will be and how much the vacation will cost.

When researching popular summer vacation destinations, it is likely that you will come across vacation packages.  If you are wondering exactly what a summer vacation package is, you are not alone.  A number of individuals are unsure exactly what they are.  Summer vacation packages are often viewed as deals or discounts.  Instead of having to pay separately for your hotel and beach or park admission, you likely only have to pay one lump sum.

While hotel accommodations and nearby vacation facilities are often included in a vacation package, you are encouraged not to assume this when purchasing one.  Summer vacation packages are offered by a wide variety of different companies.  Each company is likely to offer their own package styles. This means that while one vacation package may include the cost of admission to a private beach, another may not.  

Hotel accommodations and nearby attractions are often found in a hotel package; however, they may not be the only thing found.  You may be able to find travel accommodations included as well. These packages are often found with large resorts or cruise ship packages. The travel included in your vacation package is likely to be either by airplane, bus, or train.

With summer vacation destination packages, there is a misconception among the general public. This misconception involves the amount of money you will save by purchasing a summer vacation package.  As previously mentioned, these packages are often viewed as deals or discount; however, that is not always the case.  Before agreeing to purchase a package, you are encouraged to compare the package cost to the cost of vacationing and paying as you go.

When comparing the cost of a paying as you go to purchasing a summer vacation destination package, you are encouraged to keep the cost of travel in mind.  If your vacation package includes the cost of travel, you should determine whether or not the travel arrangements are even needed.  If you select a summer vacation destination that is close to or within driving distance to your home, you may save a substantial amount of money driving there instead of flying.

To determine whether the hotel accommodations included in your vacation package are worth the cost, you will need to compare hotel costs.  By contacting the hotel listed in a vacation package, you can easily determine the cost of stay.  The same information can also be obtained by visiting the online website of the hotel you wish to request information from. You may be surprised to see a difference between the two. Depending on the vacation destination package in question, you may find the difference saves you money or ends up costing you more.

When searching for vacation destinations online, it is likely that you will be bombard with package deals and discounts.  If you are not presented with these offers you can easily find them.  Most vacation packages are not offered directly by the owner of a specific hotel or restaurant.  If vacation packages are available for direct purchase, they are often from a large resort.

Online travel websites and professional travel agents are where most vacation packages are found.  Online travel websites are nice because they are often free to use, but you are encouraged to watch for hidden fees.  These hidden fees, if they do exist, could cause a significant increase in the cost of your summer vacation package.  If you intended to use the services of a professional travel agent, their services will cost money, but their fees are established upfront.

The only way that you can determine whether or not a summer vacation destination package will save you money is by closely examining the details of the package.  Be sure to read all policies and exclusions.  Closely examining vacation package details will ensure that you do not lose money, when you should be saving it.

Located on the southwest side of Maui, the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui overlooks the amazing waters off of Polo Beach.  The beach here is the center of all water activities such as snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and even windsurfing.

Visitors here can play on any of the Wailea Golf Club’s three championship golf courses or enjoy a game of tennis at any of the 14 courts the tennis center offers.  Parents that are tired can get some much deserved personal time with a massage at the Spa Kea Lani.

The resort accommodations are either suites or villas, so there is no need to squeeze your entire family into a tiny room.  There suites here are a minumum of 840 square feet and offer a separate living room and marble bathroom with a separate tub for soaking.

The private two levels villas here are minutes away from the beach and are between 1,800 – 2,200 square feet as well.  The villas are ideal for larger families as they offer a full service kitchen and a private courtyard with a plunge pool and barbeque for grilling out.

Keiki Lani is also the hotel’s activity center for kids as well.  It’s a state licensed facility for children between the ages of 5 and 13, giving parents a break from watching their kids.  Here, children can enjoy painting coconuts, building sand castles, exploring the tide pools, learning how to dance hula, and even making real flower leis.  The activity center can accommodate up to 19 children, so be sure to call ahead and reserve a space for your children.

Rates
The rates for stay start at $325 per night for a suite.  One of the benefits of a family vacation here is the special deals that are almost always available.  The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui has several packages available for family vacations.

If you are planning to explore the island with the kids, you’ll save a lot of money by taking a package that includes a free rental car.  This way, you can explore the island at your will without having to worry about paying any extra money.

For a family vacation, Maui is truly a one of a kind destination.  There are many different things to do here for everyone in your family, even if they are indeed hard to please.

Once your family experiences Maui and everything there is to offer, you’ll never look at beach vacations the same way again.  Maui has that kind of power – especially when it comes to warm weather and pleasing people from all over the world.

92 Percent of U.S. Travelers Taking Family Trips in the Coming Year, Up 4 Percent from Last Year Today’s Generation of Children More Worldly Travelers than Their Parents

TripAdvisor announced the results of its annual family travel survey. Ninety-two percent of travelers with children plan to take at least one family vacation this year, up from 88 percent who did so last year, according to more than 1,100 U.S. travelers surveyed. 2010 may also see a trend for traveling further abroad, with 33 percent planning to take both domestic and international family trips, up five percent from last year.

Generation Jet-Set

The youth of today are better-traveled than ever, according to TripAdvisor’s survey.

• 75 percent of travelers’ children (those under the age of 18) have visited more than six U.S. states – only 37 percent of these children’s parents had traveled as extensively by the same age.

• 73 percent of travelers’ young children have experienced international travel, compared to 44 percent of their parents by the same age.

• Travel is very important to a child’s education, according to 52 percent of travelers with children, while 35 percent believe it is somewhat important.

Family Finances

• 28 percent of travelers with children expect to spend more on family trips in the coming 12 months than they did in the past 12 months, while 47 percent expect to spend roughly the same amount.

• 30 percent anticipate spending $1,000 – $3,000.

• 22 percent predict they will spend $3,000 – $5,000.

• 19 percent foresee spending $5,000 – $8,000.

• 10 percent of families expect to spend more than $10,000.

Popular Pursuits

• The most enjoyable aspect of family vacations is spending quality time together, according to 48 percent of parents.

• The five most popular activities that families plan to indulge in together this year are:

1. Relaxing at the beach – 69 percent
2. Visiting a historic site – 62 percent
3. Visiting a museum – 50 percent
4. Visiting a national park – 46 percent
5. Visiting an amusement / theme park – 41 percent

Travel Tribulations

• When it comes to traveling with children, airplanes are the most stressful mode of transport, according to 44 percent of parents.

• 16 percent maintain that car journeys are the most difficult to endure.

• 11 percent have tackled the challenges by giving their child an antihistamine before a journey, in order to help them sleep.

• 31 percent of parents don’t find traveling with children nerve-racking at all.

Plane Stressful

• 56 percent of travelers maintain that in the event of a tantrum before take-off, the parents should be given an amount of time to settle their child, after which the family should be removed.

• 6 percent believe the family should leave the plane immediately, while 38 percent believe they should be allowed to fly as planned.

In-Journey Entertainment

When it comes to avoiding the dreaded cries of, “Are we there yet?,” technology beats more traditional pastimes hands-down.

• 45 percent of parents turn to a TV or DVD player to entertain their offspring.

• 23 percent encourage their children to read books.

• 10 percent rely on the appeal of new toys.

• Classic travel games hold a place in travelers’ hearts, too. ‘The License Plate Game’ is the top choice for 32 percent, followed by ‘I Spy’, the preferred game for 19 percent, and memory games, favored by 11 percent.

Child-Free Vacation Zones

Many travelers would happily pay a premium to enjoy some child-free space on vacation.

• 33 percent would shell out for a seat in a child-free section of an airplane.

• 32 percent would foot the bill for a table in an adults-only section of a restaurant.

• 26 percent would pay up for a lounger in a ‘no kids’ section of a pool.

• 21 percent would fork out for a room in a tyke-free section of a hotel.

• 21 percent would splurge on a spot on a child-free section of beach.

• 9 percent would pay up for a visit to a child-free museum.

Family-Friendly Brands

According to travelers with children, the most family-friendly hotel brand is Embassy Suites.

The Family-Travel Survival Guide: Expert Tips from TripAdvisor.com

Lesley Carlin, Travel and Etiquette Expert for TripAdvisor.com, shares tried-and-tested tips on traveling with children:

1. When planning your travel schedule, use common sense. If your baby usually fusses for two hours after dinner, don’t fly then. If you expect your kids will have trouble sleeping on a flight, find an empty gate before boarding and have them run laps.

2. Stop at a grocery store on the way from the airport to your hotel, in order to avoid packing a week’s worth of diapers, wipes and more. Just bring what you’ll need on the plane.

3. A hotel suite with a kitchenette might cost more than a regular room, but preparing most of your meals there instead of eating out could save
money in the long run. A vacation rental can also be a great deal.

4. While taking public transportation might be less convenient than renting a car, it can save you a lot of money – not to mention the hassle of dealing with car-seats.

5. If you can, build in an extra “recovery” day before you have to return to work or school. At the very least, try not to fly home late at night if everyone needs to be up early the next day. It might mean no beach time on your last day, but it’s worth it.

Offers, Amenities, Awards Have Guests Doing a Double Take

Having reigned as the premier golf and beach resort on Florida’s Gulf coast for more than three decades, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort knows a thing or two about creating the perfect beach vacation.

Whether returning for an annual week at the beach or visiting for the first time, here are 10 timely reasons why Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort continues to top the list of beach destinations.

1. Vacation at One of the Best Places in the World – No Passport Required! – Tunisia, Vietnam, Paris, Argentina, and……the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast? Absolutely! Northwest Florida joins the coveted ranks of these international dream destinations on the Frommer’s 2010 list of twelve Top Destinations in the World. Citing stunning beaches, nature trails, great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community, Frommer’s makes a compelling case to include this vacation destination among the world’s best. Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is “destination central” with its seven miles of miles of beaches, charming Destin beach rentals, restaurants and a multitude of activities.

2. A New Meaning to Family Values – Sandestin packs in value with a host of complimentary amenities including free rental of bicycles, canoes, kayaks, tennis courts; free fitness center access; free children’s activities (in season) and complimentary resort-wide tram service- offered every day of a guest’s stay. Also, take advantage of the Spring “Stay Three and Get One Night Free” promotion, which is good through May 26th.

3. A-Z Amenities – Beyond the beautiful beaches, Sandestin features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, a full- service, 98-slip marina with an array of water sports, a fleet of bicycles, an action-packed Baytowne Adventure Zone with a Zip line, Ropes Course, Euro-Bungy, Rock Wall, Adventure Landing Playground, and more. After a day of play, guests can even indulge in the day spa and salon featuring more than 50 professional services.

4. Stay a Week and Never Eat at the Same Place Twice! – With more than a dozen restaurants on the Florida beach resort property, not only will guests never go hungry, their palate will never get bored! From the surfside fare of Finz Beachside Grille to the family friendly atmosphere of the Village at Baytowne Wharf, it is all within walking distance or on the resort shuttle route.

5. Park the Car and Forget About It! – Covering 2,400 acres from the beach to the bay and everything in between, the luxury beach resort’s complimentary shuttle service is always just a phone call away. Guests can simply pick up the house phone and request a shuttle; it will be dispatched. Kind of like having a personal driver. Let someone else take on the mantle of “Family Chauffeur.”

6. Listen to the Stars – Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort’s Free Wednesday Night Concert Series features fun music and entertainment at a price that is music to your ears – Free! Held at the resort’s Baytowne Village every Wednesday from March through summer, the series showcases new talent from a variety of genres from southern rock to the legendary Florida pop/reggae sensation Heritage.

7. You Only Live Once - At least that is the motto of Y.O.L.O. board founders who developed this fast growing sport fusing surfing with paddling. Perfect for any age and skill level, standup paddling offers a whole new point of view: from paddling to Jolee Island to sneaking up on blue crabs, to dropping in at a favorite surf-break, the act of YOLO-ing or stand up paddling has evolved from its surfing roots to a far more extensive means to enjoy time on the water from a new perspective. Available at Baytowne Marina.

8. Far From Your Average Guestroom – Forgo the standard room with two double beds. Here, the majority of Destin accommodations come in the form of studio, one-, two- and up to five-bedroom cottage, villa, and condo rentals. High-rise condominiums, townhomes, and villas include fully-equipped kitchens, living areas whirlpool spa baths, laundry facilities and more. With more than 1,500 accommodations serving up
views of the beach, bay, fairways and village, Sandestin offers a variety of options.

9. Wine Down - With a cool wine bar, wonderful wine menus and award- winning wine events, Sandestin is the toast of the town for wine lovers. The award-winning Sandestin Wine Festival held each April (this year April 23-25, 2010) hosts nearly 3,000 people who gather to learn about, taste and purchase more than 600 domestic and imported wines. Now in its 24th year, for wine lovers this festival is considered the “Kentucky Derby” of wine events.

10. New Airport Brings Direct Flights from Southwest Airlines – The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opens May 23, 2010 with new direct service by Southwest Airlines making Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort more accessible than ever. Most major airlines are already offering affordable airfare from many markets into Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) and the Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS).

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the premier destination resort in the Southeast. Located in Northwest Florida between Pensacola and Panama City, Sandestin is nestled on 2,400 spectacular acres, including seven miles of pristine beach and bay front. The resort features 1,500 condominium, villa, town home and brand-name hotel accommodations within 30 charming neighborhoods. Sandestin also features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a 29-acre village featuring boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants and nightlife. Sandestin is part of Intrawest, a leader in destination resorts. www.sandestin.com

Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski resort in the state. It is more than just a ski resort, however. It is a complete family vacation spot with an amusement park, indoor ice skating, a bungee tower, an alpine slide, and many other activities and attractions – there is something to please everyone.

With an elevation of 3301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600 feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two beginner trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. There are three lifts, including two quad lifts, one double lift, and one surface lift. The season runs from the middle of December through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport School.

You can also easily find food at the many snack bars, food carts, the café, the restaurant, or in the lounge.

You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the south! You will see awesome views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will also get a bird’s eye view of some of the slopes, and you can have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don’t ski, don’t worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the chair lift as well. Don’t forget the Tramway. The tramway departs from downtown Gatlinburg and takes you to the ski resort and the amusement park.

Even if you don’t ski, you can still explore the thrill of flying down a mountain at a high speed – or a slow speed if you choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is approximately 1800 feet long, and takes you down a winding wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a water race, go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, water rides, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a trip worth taking– especially if you have younger kids or senior citizens traveling with you.