I really agreed with what was posted below by the AP. It makes sense. Skip lines and saving money is something that I have been preaching (and practicing) for years. Why ever pay full price for anything? If you can save money, take advantage. I love the GoCard, the City Pass, and other travel savings programs. It just makes sense. Purchase a pass that gives you multiple entries for a huge discounted price.

When I was working as a group travel coordinator, we utilized the power of these cards over and over. If you can save some money on tickets or attractions, Go For IT! So, the information below is really appropriate!

NEW YORK — Skip lines, pay less and get your money back for tickets you bought but didn’t use?

Not a bad vacation, if you do the research ahead of time. That’s the goal of a new line of travel passes called Go Select by Smart Destinations, which takes the traditional city travel pass (pay one price to visit a set list of sites for a certain number of days) and lets vacationers pick out only the attractions they want. The more attractions, the higher the discounts. If you didn’t make it to all your destinations, you have a year to ask for a refund.

“It’s taken an entire city and made it like a theme park experience,” said Smart Destinations president Cecilia Dahl.

Smart Destinations has been selling its traditional unlimited-visit Go City cards in 14 U.S. cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. The company negotiates discounted rates with individual attractions and then bundles them to customers, who can then use the pass to skip ticket lines at each site.

But this summer, the company added customizable passes called Go Select for a number of destinations, including New York, Chicago, Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oahu, Hawaii. (Three more cards are being added within the next few weeks: Seattle, Orlando, Fla., and Blue Ridge, which is mainly in and around Asheville, N.C.) The new product lets consumers choose which attractions they want to see. You pay discounted prices that get steeper the more attractions you choose. The top discount is 36 percent off gate price for all entry fees, Dahl said. But you’d have to buy at least a half-dozen attractions to achieve that savings. Typically, the minimum discount is 10 percent for two items.

Read the Rest of the Article Here

As you read the post below by Mark Whysall, he has some really good ideas. I like his suggestions to visit a National Park, South Dakota, or places like Niagara Falls. One of my favorite places to travel and save money is Washington DC! Everything is FREE and you can stay in a hotel outside of the city and take the DC Metro into the city. So many wonderful things to see and do.

Cheap Travel
Feeling the economic crunch, but still wanting a getaway? You’re not alone. You can still take that family vacation over the summer and not completely drain your wallet. Here are some interesting and affordable vacations you can enjoy by yourself or with your family.

Family Vacations

Take a camping trip to a national park. Yellowstone National Park is one example. If you travel by car or RV, you can get a pass for $25. The pass is good for seven days’ entrance to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. Campsite is available in on a first-come, first-served basis. Rates range from $12 to $37 per night depending on the camping area and whether you need a tent site or an RV site.

Inexpensive Attractions

Niagara Falls isn’t just for honeymooners. There are many free and inexpensive attractions to see while you are there. You can purchase a Niagara USA Discovery Pass for $33 for adults and $26 for children 6 through 12. The pass gets you into five different attractions – The Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara: Legends of Adventure Theater, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds Trip and the Discover Center. To cut the cost of lodging, consider staying at a campground or hostel.

The Black Hills area of South Dakota is another affordable vacation. Visit museums, waterparks, goldmines, caves and animals. You can get a tour and pan for gemstones in the Black Hills Caverns for $8.95 per person. Of course, there are Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument, The Badlands and Custer State Park to visit while you’re in the area. There are numerous packages available for families starting at $340 for a family of four.

Original Article

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When people think about vacationing in the Mid-West, Chicago is certainly one of the most popular destinations that comes to mind…and with good reason. Chicago, or the “Windy City” has more to offer than almost any other family vacation destination.

It all starts with the world-class attractions. Places like the Museum of Science & Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and others. Also, attractions like the Sear’s Tower (ok, its really called Willis Tower, but we are old school), the Hancock Observatory, Navy Pier and more all bring millions of visitors to Chicago every year. Plus, you can see amazing entertainment like “The Blue Man Group” as well as see great sports teams like the Chicago Bulls, the Blackhawks, and the Cubs (they may not win much, but people love them). Of course there are White Sox fans out there too.

There is so much to see and do in Chicago that you need to learn more before planning any vacation. So, we have dedicated an entire website to Chicago alone. Here you will find the best places to visit, hotel prices, discount tours, and discount multi-attraction passes. Its all on our Chicago Family Vacations site, so be sure to visit!

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1. Top of the Rock! Everyone who goes to NYC wants to visit the Empire State Building. It’s a neat place to visit, but if you really want to see a cool building, visit Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.
   
   The building is located in Mid-Town Manhattan and offers 3 floors at the top of the building which are an absolute experience.When you arrive you be able to watch a great movie about the building of the structure and you can even get your photo taken in a “high rise” scene. Once you board the elevator, you will enjoy a unique multi-media presentation, making this the “best elevator ride in NYC”. Once you exit the elevator you will have fun with the moving lights in the ceiling of lower observation floor (that’s all I can tell you as it is pretty cool). The observation deck is actually 3 different stories. And, best of all, the 360-degree view is not limited because the decks are surrounded by plexiglass! Since the plexiglass is specially designed, it will not interfere with your photos. Top of the Rock is a great attraction to visit, so be sure you go here when in NYC. You will be impressed!

Best and Most-Popular Tours in New York City

2. Statue of Liberty- You would have to be crazy to visit NYC and not take in the Statue of Liberty (and Ellis Island).  There is so much history behind Lady Liberty. The statue is comprised of 31 tons of copper and 125 tons of steel. These stats pale in comparison to the 54 million pounds of concrete in the base. regardless of how you look at it, the Statue of Liberty is quite a site. Here is a brief paragraph from the National Park Service:
   “The story of the Statue of Liberty is a story of change. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of a friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the meanings of the Statue have grown until she has become an international icon of freedom and liberty, the most recognizable symbol of democracy in the world. The idea of the Statue originated around 1865 with Edouard de Laboulaye who saw the United States as a country that had proved that democracy was a viable type of government- after all they had just survived a Civil War and abolished slavery. De Laboulaye also saw the gift as a way to reflect his wish for a democracy in France.  Artist Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi, who was known for large-scale work, was commissioned to design this sculpture. Nothing happened for some time, but finally (in 1874) Bartholdi came to the United States to look for a location for his monument. He saw Bedloe’s Island from his ship as he sailed into the New York Harbor, and realized it would be a perfect location – since here his statue would always have an audience.”
   Rising high above New York Harbor, this monument stands as a beacon to all who see her and was a symbol of hope for those who entered our country, especially through Ellis Island.




3. Times Square is a real treat for families. Known best for its celebration to bring in the New Year each December 31-January 1, Times Square is a very exciting place to visit all year long. Centered around Broadway Street, which runs mostly north to south in Manhattan, the whole area is a beehive of activity all day (and night) long. Visitors can shop in a variety of stores (music, sports, toys, …), stay in a hotel, eat in a restaurants, or people watch. Street vendors of all kinds dot the area, and since you are so close to many of the most popular Broadway Theaters, you can purchase discount show tickets on the square as well. Times Square contributes greatly to the notion that NYC is the “City that never Sleeps”. On every side you can see illuminated billboards, each adding to the electric atmosphere you experience when you visit. The lights can be seen from miles away, but are best seen (outside of the area) from Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building observation decks.
4. Ellis Island-I know, we sort of cheated by adding these as two separate sites, but that is exactly what they are. Ellis Island is important no only because of the amazing history that is here, it is also the pride that was taken to restore this great historical monument. like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island is located in the harbor. In fact, you can purchase a ticket that includes both attractions. There are many which do this, but you can go here to get your discounted tickets.
   From 1892 to 1954 over 12 million people entered the US through Ellis Island. The site was originally only a few acres in area before being built up through land-fill additions over time. The real treat here, though, is the discovery  of real people who found a new life in the US as they passed through Ellis on their way to America.
   Ellis Island is a very important historic site and should be on everyone’s list of places to visit when in NYC. You can visit through either the Battery Park area of Lower Manhattan or from the New Jersey side. The NJ side is normally much easier line-wise, but there are fewer ferries during much of the year.




5. Broadway Plays are a must on any trip to the Big Apple. There are as many different plays as there are tastes, so you are sure to find something that fits your appetite. For families, the Disney Play “The Lion King” is a real favorite for kids. For those who are a little bit older, the “Phantom of the Opera” or “Mamma Mia” are a real hit and are sure to please. Another fan favorite is “Wicked” the prequel to “The Wizard of Oz”.
   Regardless of what play you choose, you will be delighted at what you see. Most of the plays have a long-standing history, so there is no need to worry about not being able to see one of them. But, if you want to be sure to get the tickets you want, be sure to purchase ahead of time as many plays sell out days in advance. You can get your Broadway Tickets Here.

Situated in a beautiful valley, Winter Park has some great trails for hiking and biking. If you don’t have the equipment, no worries. There are plenty of businesses in the area who can outfit you with mountain bikes (and for the kids, too) or hiking equipment. The trails are generally well-marked, but you will want to take a map and compass just in case. Plus, be sure to take plenty of water and a flashlight as nighttime comes rapidly in the mountains.

One of the best vacation spots in the area is actually Winter Park resort. This popular ski resort has plenty to offer summer time vacationers. One of the favorites is the Alpine Slide. Complete with over 20 turns, this dual track offers tons of fun for children and adults alike. Even seniors have been known to race their way to the bottom of the course.

Once at the bottom, there are many other activities you can enjoy. Rock climbing, and indoor zip line, shopping, or just plain relaxing. Regardless of the activity you choose, Winter Park is a wonderful spot to unwind during the summer.

One of the best things about Winter Park is its location. A short drive to the north will take you to Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the highest National Parks in the World, Rocky Mountain has plenty of wildlife, hiking and photography opportunities. You are almost guaranteed to see snow (and play in it if you want) regardless of what time of the year you visit. The Park’s Visitor Center is located near the highest point of the park highway, so you are sure to see a beautiful panoramic view.

If thrills are more your family’s style, then you are going to want to take a white water rafting trip! The area normally has two major rafting areas-the Colorado River and Clear Creek. The later is very subject to late summer water levels, but is very exciting when levels are high. Be sure you book the trip that is right for your family.

The YMCA of the Rockies is a family-oriented camp located just north of Winter Park. There are many great activities including many mentioned above at the camp, in addition to fishing and more. Plus, the camp offers a variety of lodging options that are very affordable for most family budgets.

If you are searching for comfort and plenty of space, winter park has many great condominiums/ski lodges for rent. Normally there is a 3-night minimum for these, but they are worth the money when you just want to enjoy the comforts of home. Most resorts (lodging) offer pools, hot tubs or other amenities for the family.

Overall, Winter Park is a great place to vacation in the Summer. There is plenty to see and do and it is a great place to simply relax. You can play gold, go fishing, camping, biking, hiking, take great photos, go white water rafting, enjoy the alpine slide and more. Winter Park has so much and don’t forget that Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away!

Here are some useful links:

Winter Park Tourism

Winter Park Visitors’ Center

Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo by Hanoian

If you live in the mid-west or are planning on vacationing there, you will want to consider our top-5 vacation spots. Our list includes a few places to consider when visiting each destination. Here is our list:

1. St. Louis, Missouri-This great mid-western location is tops because of its location and amazing value. Forest Park has many unique offerings, and most are free. Starting with the world-famous Zoo, one of the largest in the US, a family is sure to enjoy-and it’s FREE!
   Close by a family can enjoy the St. Louis Science Center. Entry is once again FREE and there are many great things to experience. Several interactive exhibits are available for the family along with an IMAX theater and a planetarium.
   The Gateway Arch is a must-see attraction. The tallest free-standing monument in the world, the Arch is one of the most-visited sites in the US.
   Grants Farm is another great attraction for families. The famous Clydesdale Horses are kept here as are many unique animals. A guided tour through the former home of our 18th president is a nice addition to your visit. St. Louis is also home the Six Flags Over Mid-America. This theme park has tons of exciting rides and also has a water park on site. There are many more reasons to visit St. Louis, so be sure to explore our site to find out more information and start planning your trip right away.




2. Chicago-The Windy City takes the second spot on our list. Boasting some of the most popular museums in theworld, Chicago has something for everyone. A wonderful place to start is the Museum of Science and Industry. You will have hours of fun exploring this mammoth museum. There are hands-on exhibits, a WWII submarine (and an Enigma Coding Machine from the Nazi’s), a flight simulator, and so much more.
   Another great place to see is the Shedd Auarium. Located just off of Lake Shore Drive, this is one of the most popular aquariums in the world. They have great water shows (dolphins and more) for the family and there are millions of sea creatures to see. This place is a wonderful place to see and it is great for all ages.
   Right down the street from the Aquarium is the Adler Planetarium. I visited the Planetarium when I was in the 6th grade and recently took my kids (a difference of only 33 years) and a lot had changed. The exhibits and shows were amazing and the staff was very friendly. My kids especially loved the gift shop.
   Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower) is currently the tallest building in the western hemisphere. This 108-story, 1451 foot building offers a breath-taking view of Chicago. The building sways slightly in the wind, though its pretty hard to detect and is capped by several antennas which give the building its familiar look.
   Don’t forget to stop off at Navy Pier to enjoy some theme-park style fun, take in a show, or take a ride on Lake Michigan in one of the boats for a panoramic look at the Chicago Skyline.
   Chicago has much more to offer. From sports teams to shopping to entertainment (like the Blue Man Group). If you are thinking about a vacation in the mid-west, Chicago is a real pleaser!
3. Branson, Missouri- Back to the Show-Me State for our number 3 pick. Branson is home to some of the best family entertainment found anywhere. There are dozens of top-notch entertainers found all over this once-tiny Ozark community. Show tickets can be found almost anywhere you look and there are more hotels, motels, timeshares, condominiums and other types of lodging than you can find anywhere else.
   Branson has a true family theme park-Silver Dollar City. Thrills and spills are abound in the 1800′s setting along with authentic old-style shops and crafts. There is something for everyone here.
   Table Rock Lake is nearby and offers plenty of aquatic choices, including boat rides, swimming and more.
   Branson is perhaps the most-family-friendly destination in our list because the whole area is built on family entertainment. Don’t be fooled by it’s smaller size, though. Branson does experience heavy traffic during many months of the year. Be sure to make your arrangements early and pre-order your tickets if you want to see a show. Some shows sell out regularly, so you don’t want to miss out.
   When you arrive you will also want to consider the Shepherd of the Hills area, Marvel Cave, and the Titanic. Branson is a great place to visit and when you do, you will want to keep coming back year after year!
4. Rapid City, South Dakota- The Black Hills Region of South Dakota is one of my favorite places to visit. History, geology, and just plain fun things to do bring Rapid City to number four on our list. When you think of South Dakota, you normally think of Mount Rushmore. Four great presidents stare over the Black Hills in this american landmark. Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln come to life. There is a unique museum, a great night show, and more at Mt. Rushmore.
   Nearby, Crazy Horse is taking shape. Though not complete yet, it takes little imagination to see the famous Native American riding his larger-than-life horse through the Black Hills.
   The Badlands National Park is a wonderful place to explore. Created through the erosional powers of wind and water, the Badlands offer views that are unlike any seen anywhere else. You can hike trails (fossils are a common find on the trails-I once found a petrified animal skull here), take some great photos, and even see a prairie dog community on the west end of the park. Just outside of the Badlands, you will find Wall Drug. You won’t be able to miss it as you will see signs for it for hundreds of miles in either direction you approach from, but it certainly a place you will want to visit. There are plenty of shops and stores in Wall so you will be able to gather some great gifts for those back home.
   Ellsworth Air Force Base is located just to the east of Rapid City and it the home to some pretty impressive machines. Jets, planes, and rockets are the focus of Ellsworth so if you have any flying enthusiasts, you will want to stop here.
   There is so much more to see and do in this area. Caves, gold mines, historical sites, and more are plentiful and are generally within an hour from Rapid City.
   Two other spots you will want to consider seeing while here are Custer State Park and the Mammoth site in Hot Springs. Trust me, even though I haven’t said anything about them here, you will want to visit each.
5. Indianapolis, Indiana-  The Hoosier State gets on the list finally with Indianapolis. The largest Capital City in the mid-west and second largest in the United States, Indy has lots of things to see and do.
   The Indy 500 Museum is a must see when visiting. Located in Speedway on the near-west side, you can see cars from years gone by as well as the Borg Warner Trophy (given to the winner of the race). During much of the year, you will even be able to take a drive around the 2.5 oval.
   The Children’s Museum is the largest such museum in the country. Here you will find plenty of hands-on exhibits and see some great demonstrations. The gigantic water clock is extremely fascinating and is sure to spur discussion with the kids.
   The Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument is located in the heart of Indianapolis. Each year this monument is transformed into the “World’s Largest Christmas Tree” (or so claimed) and there is a huge lighting ceremony on Black Friday where thousands show up.
   Conner Prairie is an 1800′s homestead in restored condition. Here you can see how people of the time lived and watch as they perform their crafts.
   The NCAA Hall of Champions is in Indianapolis and is a great place to visit for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Relive those championship games from years gone by and learn about how college sports have changed through the years.
   There is so much more to see and do in Indy! From unique museums and monuments to exciting athletic events, Indianapolis has plenty to experience.

A few other places you may want to consider that just missed our top-5 lists are (in no particular order): Minneapolis, Wisconsin Dells, Sandusky (Ohio), and Kansas City. Each of these has plenty to see and do as well.

Regardless of where you travel, be sure to send us where your favorite mid-west vacation spots are and why. We may publish your results if you give us permission and send us your photo.

So what is a family to do in times like these? You can’t just work and work and have no fun time at all. You have to have time to unwind and enjoy the family. Reconnect and get to know each other again. The answer?

Take a Backyard Vacation!

Don’t get too worked up. I am not suggesting that you pitch a tent and build a small campfire in the backyard of your home. Though this is certainly a great idea for families with younger, adventure-minded children, you can take a bit of a drive from home.

Backyard Vacations are where you stay fairly close to home (or stay at home if you like) and be as conservative as you can. Normally when taking a vacation like this, you would go only a few miles from home, say 50-200 miles. When you do this you save on fuel costs so you can enjoy some other great activities. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider.

1. Travel to a state park near your home. You can spend the day or camp overnight. Many parks have cabins for rent. Don’t watch television. Instead, pack some games or jut go explore the trails. Live simple for a night or a few days. The time you spend will allow you to reconnect with your family like you really need to do.
2. Travel to a metropolis or larger community and discover the great museums there. Where I live, I recently discovered that one of our local colleges have some cuniform tablets that are 4000 years old, and they will let you hold them. Talk about neat! Science museums are of particular interest to children. When you take them, be sure you watch their eyes grow wide and light up. This is one kind of trip you will really appreciate
3. Theme Parks are always a great way to have fun. With admission prices relatively low, you can enjoy a day of pure adrenaline and fun. These days many theme parks allow you to buy multi-day passes for just a little bit more than a daily admission. Plus, many parks have started to add water parks, giving you a great way to have fun and save money.
4. Geocaching. This relatively recent type of fun allows you to combine technology with a treasure hunt. There are a few great sites that will give you more information, but this is like using your GPS to follow clues and find a “treasure”. Your family will have a great time doing this and there is a booming community that regularly post local hunts. You will be surprised at what kind of hunts are near you. Visit www.geocaching.com for more information

Use your own imagination to come up with more great ideas. The main focus is to spend quality time with your family without breaking the bank. Trust me, you will build some great memories with your family and they will love you all the more for it!

If your family is looking to take a vacation in the Midwest, you should consider one of the best-kept secrets in the region. Indianapolis is famous for its annual 500 mile race held every May (during Labor Day weekend) and for the Brickyard 400 (NASCAR race held every summer). This wonderful city also has some neat vacationing attractions to consider as well.

Indianapolis is the only state capital city located in the geographic center of the state. It also has several major freeways running through it from all directions, giving significance to the nickname “Crossroads of America.” You can reach Indy from many major cities within a few hours (Chicago 2.5 hours, St. Louis 4 hours, Cincinnati 2 hours) and Indianapolis has an international airport.

If History is your thing, you have plenty to see and do. As mentioned before, Indianapolis is home to the most-famous race in the world, the Indianapolis 500. Located in Speedway on the west side of the city, you can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. Here you can see the Borg-Warner Trophy, presented to the winner each year. You will also see many of the winning race cars from years gone by plus you can watch a history of the museum.

Indianapolis is home to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, the James Whitcomb Riley Museum, and Conner Prairie (an 1800′s historic homestead). You can also explore the Indiana War Memorial as well as the Soldiers and Sailors Monumentlocated in the Indianapolis Circle.

If you are looking for a few neat experiences for the entire family, check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This interactive museum is the largest children’s museum in the world and is filled with many amazing exhibits that are hands-ON. The Carter Toy Museumis an interesting look into the past with many antique toys from yesteryear and an ice cream parlor.

Who goes on vacation without shopping? Exactly. So, if shopping is your thing, there is one place you may want to check out. The Circle Centre Mall is located just a few blocks from the Circle and has plenty of shops to explore. This mall is fairly new and has been successful in bringing more business to downtown than ever before.

If you like sports, then Indianapolis is definitely where you want to go. Home of the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, the Indiana Pacers, and much more the Conseco Fieldhouse is a must see attraction. Called the “Amateur Sports Capital of America” Indy is also home to the NCAA Hall of Champions. This interactive museum is filled with the fantastic history of the NCAA and highlights the games we love most.

Indianapolis has so much to see and do. There is no shortage of things to keep you busy. Though not normally on anyone’s top 10 places to vacation, Indy has plenty to experience and explore!

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