Planning a Family Vacation

NC beaches like Topsail Island and Atlantic Beach are very affordable. Just search online! And you won't get to Disney for that many at price!

I agree with Cindy. Before I had my travel credentials I would much rather camp out or get a cabin somewhere rather than getting a hotel. Actually, now that I think about it, a camping trip would be nice. If you consider the OBX, I know of a nice campground down in Frisco.

You could probably save money staying a little more inland in VaBch. But the con of that idea would be driving to where you'd want to go, then back again.

If you are going to go to Orlando check out www.familiesfirst.com they have vaction home for about the price per night of a hotel room. Since it is a house you can bring your own food and make breakfast and dinner instead of going out to eat. Although when we went last year wer hardly ever made dinner because we were at the park so late. Also do a search on line for conference at disney because you can buy you ticket ahead of time at the conference price with having to attend the conference. It is a big discount. I went to a conference last year but my family that came along did not and they all got the discounted tickets. It will be something you all will enjoy and not cost $2000. Just remember if you stay in the house to bring salt and pepper (i alway forget that when I go) and lots of water and snacks in backpacks for the park, that way you only have to eat lunch at the park.

R. - if you have your heart set on the beach do some searching through realty places too - see if they do summer rentals - you may be able to get something cheaper there. We did a trip to VA beach and then went to Busch Gardens - and the kids had more fun there than at the beach (depending on when you go there can be lots of jelly fish). There is a water park there - we could have easily spent two days there - then another two at Busch - so see if those ideas work for you - good luck!

As far as where to go, have you thought about going to Colonial Williamsburg? That might even be a point of interest the 13 and 14 year old might like as they're around the age that they cover colonial life in the US in school. I know everybody loves going up to the mountains, perhaps Asheville to see the Biltmore Estate??

As far as lodging, did you try some of the services available online such as Orbitz, etc? I've looked at those and they're not that pricy. Certainly less than $2 000 a week! I know Colonial Williamsburg and Asheville both have specials everywhere that will get you lodging for less than $100 a night, from Holiday Inns to little Bed & Breakfasts.

I hope this helps and have fun where ever you go!!

Hello R.,
Check out a place called Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va. It is a great place for the young and old. My kids loved it!!! Also, there is plenty to do in the area. Good luck and enjoy whenever you may go :-)

You could check out Hilton Head in SC. It has alot to do and you can rent a 2 or 3 bedroom villa thats even pet friendly if needed for about 1000-1200 for the week. Most include washer dryer, linens and tend to be a 5 minute walk to the beach or pool.

I have 4 children & we have always looked at cheap vacations. If you want to go to the beach you might want to look at Myrtle beach SC. or the outer banks of North carolina. Also you might want to look at the extended stay hotels if renting a house or condo is to much.

Don't know exactly what you have in mind, but check out options in State Parks. They have everything a state park offers (like boating and hiking) and many are within easy driving distance to shopping or other attractions. Some are even on the beach. PLUS, they are insanely inexpensive. And you can choose from campsites, cabins, cottages, lodges, etc. Look at this link for ideas:

http://www.georgiastateparks.org/

You could always go camping instead. It's cheaper and most beaches have a state park. They have bath houses and seem to always be filled with nice people. I have 2 children ages 4and 12. They seem to love it. I let them helppack and set everything up. When they feel like they are helping out they seem to enjoy it better. check on the net. Look up campgrounds and stste parks. You might be suprized at what you find. I hope this helps. T. P

There are always the state parks. My parents would take us to Westmoreland State Park every other summer. From what I remember it has camping, rv hookups, cabins, a beach, a pool and frisbee golf. It's close to Colonial Beach and a bunch of historic sites. You can check out the website to see what parks offer what amenities. Some are tents/primitive camping and others have cabins, pools, and are close to historic sites. http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/index.shtml

I hope this helps.