Spring Into Summer for Free

This weekend marks the unofficial start of summer; a time when most families hit the road in search of sun and fun.  Whether you are heading to the Jersey Shore, making tracks to Florida’s coastal communities or cruising to California, you can experience sun, sand, and surf without sacrificing your entire summer travel budget. The trick is to take advantage of the free activities and amenities offered at your vacation destination. For example, if you are planning to travel to San Diego this summer, there are a slew of family-friendly options that won’t cost you a dime to enjoy, including: … Continue reading

Beach Fun on a Budget

April is almost over.  Time is marching on.  Soon, your spring flowers will be a distant memory as the dog days of summer hit and all you care about is watering yourself rather than your blossoms. Summer fun means picnics, barbeques and visits to the beach, but those good times can add up quickly if you aren’t careful.  To avoid busting your budget on trips featuring the sun, sand and surf, consider these money-saving ideas: DIY Beach Towel Large decorative beach towels don’t come cheap.  If you have a large family, buying a new towel for each member can put … Continue reading

SoCal Spring Break Without Breaking the Bank

Are you ready for spring break 2013? I’ve been ready since November 2012. I would do just about anything to escape the brutal cold and ever-present snow that has smothered our neck of the woods for the past four months. Are you with me? If you need a reprieve from Old Man Winter, but don’t have a ton of cash to fund a luxurious spring break getaway, consider the plethora of travel deals being offered in sunny Southern California: March 7-10, 2013:  Enjoy the magic of Oz on picturesque Coronado Island.  Next month, the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission is presenting … Continue reading

Spring Outdoor Fun

Even if you don’t live near a National Park and can’t take advantage of the free admission this week, don’t let that stop you from soaking up the gorgeous spring weather. Now that warmer days are here there’s no excuse for you to stay cooped up inside. Grab the kids, ditch the winter gear and get moving in the great outdoors. Children especially love exploring nature; however, too much too soon can be a recipe for disaster. While you may be itching to trek the entire afternoon away, if your children are young and not used to hiking, don’t force … Continue reading

Spring Sanity Savers

On the tenth day of spring break my second grader gave to me… a heart attack when she climbed our neighbor’s Lebanon Cedar tree. Sing it now. On the eleventh day of spring break my second grader gave to me… If your child’s school spring break is pushing the limits on your sanity, then consider the following activities: Spring Blooms: Get out and enjoy the fabulous spring weather by having your child collect a variety of blossoms. Look for daisies, roses or lilacs which can be pressed in between heavy books for a few days. When the flowers are flat … Continue reading

Surviving Spring Break

Day One of spring break and the living is easy. Day Two of spring break and the excitement of being out of school is still fresh. Day Three of spring break and the Easter sugar high is waning. Day Seven of spring break and mommy is ready to carpool… solo. Where are you on the spring break scale? My daughter’s Catholic elementary school breaks for nearly two weeks around the Easter holiday. This is great if you are traveling to Hawaii; not so much if you are stuck home for the entire school recess. If you are looking to preserve … Continue reading

Sunny Days

Spring break and the living is easy. If your family’s ideal vacation includes bright sunshine, miles of powder-soft sand, cobalt blue water and gorgeous views, then consider the following amazing seasonal escapes: TAMPA This Florida favorite is a prime place to have fun in the sun. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa is home to endless miles of breathtaking beaches, stunning natural areas and a host of kid-friendly attractions, including the Florida Aquarium. The watery wonderland boasts more than 20,000 plants and sea creatures housed in high-tech fresh and saltwater environments. It also houses dozens of interactive exhibits, including … Continue reading

Taking Aim on Spring Break

Where are you headed for spring break? Whether you are jetting off to the slopes or are planning a beach vacation, you don’t want to miss capturing all of the action with your camera. Make the most of your picture-taking device even if you are sticking close to home this Easter. While the price of gas has put a dent in many people’s wallets, it doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on making and documenting fun spring memories. For example, if you are planning to visit a hometown amusement park while your kids are on spring break, aim … Continue reading

A Tale of Two Spring Breaks

Are you a beach bum or ski bunny? During spring break, families are given the opportunity to choose between hitting the slopes or heading to the sand and surf. If you enjoy both options and need help settling on just one, consider the following: SWIM One of the most popular beach options for spring breakers is Lake Havasu in sunny Arizona. The area features miles of breathtaking waterfront views thanks to the lake, which is actually a Colorado River reservoir. Lake Havasu is approximately 45 miles long and is surrounded by stunning cliff walls. Since it is a protected area, … Continue reading

Super Spring Flings

With the price of gas skyrocketing and the mild weather spreading across the entire country, who needs to leave home for a spring fling? Me. We live on the Frozen Tundra, so even though Mother Nature has so kindly brought with her summer-like temperatures in March, we still need to travel in order to have fun in the sun and surf. If you too are looking to escape to a tropical locale this spring, but your budget doesn’t allow for roundtrip tickets to Hawaii or the Bahamas, then consider heading to Florida, California or Arizona. Currently, one of the best … Continue reading