Vacation Suggestions for Families

The word vacation brings many different thoughts to an individual. Do you want a vacation for relaxation, comfort, fun, learning experiences, or convenience? These are a few questions to ask yourself. Once you have made your decision on what you are looking for in your vacation it is now time to choose where to go. Listed below are several places and estimated cost for vacations of many kinds. Perhaps one will suit your needs.

A nice winter vacation place for a family is Barcelo' La Jolla de Mismaloya, this resort is approximately 10 miles south of Puerto Vallarta - Mexico. A 5 star resort - where luxury is understood and is the main focus of the resort. 304 suites divided in 179 one bedroom suites, 109 two bedroom suites and 16 presidential suites. When you book your trip make sure you use a travel agent. The trip is approximately $1,100.00 per person. Keep in mind that this is all inclusive and includes, room, drinks, food, shows nightly and of course the beach. You can purchase outside activities such as horse back riding to the many jungle activities and swimming in the pools below the local falls, scuba diving, swimming with the dolphins, swinging in the canopy of the jungle, and don't forget the walk on the boardwalk in downtown Puerto Vallarta, it is a must. Total cost for 4 persons for 3 outside activities $486.00. All inclusive includes airfare and insurance also. Remember to bring money for taxi cab rides and any purchases of the millions of items for sale. Weather is 80 degrees and rainfall is average zero.

If you prefer the great Northwest then perhaps a trip the Heceta Head Lighthouse interpretive center and bed & breakfast are a good place to spend some summer time. With its 14 guest capacity and 6 queen size beds, there is a fully equipped guest kitchen, keep in mind you are served a seven course breakfast that includes and is inspired by the local seasons. One acre of lawn for croquet, bocce ball, kite flying and more. The beach close by for family activities. Cost for this trip, not including gas and extras, runs between $224.00 a night to $133.00 per night. What a way to spend some quiet family time or a romantic trip if your family is just the two of you.

After this wonderful time in the Northwest, take a few days to travel even further North to the beautiful island off the coast of Washington state. Orcas Island is the place for fun and a wonderful time. Take a trip up constitution mountain and view the entire ocean, perhaps a trip on the local whale watching tours, cost $85.00 per person. A beautiful place to stay for family is the Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast. With 5 beautiful rooms for almost every size family this wonderful rustic inn is a wonderful place. Local names for each room such as Steller Suite, Goldfinch Room, The Nuthatch Room, and don't forget the Chicadee Room. What beauty there is at this B&B. Prices range from $165.00 per night to $133.00 per night. Keeping in mind that you wake to a multi-course breakfast made from local fare. Bring your swim suit for a quiet soak in the hot tub.

For the final suggestion on vacation ideas let me take you to 6 beautiful, educational spots and have you travel through some of the most beautiful country in this world. Begin your vacation by renting a mobile home. This is a little expensive ranging from $250.00 to $500.00 a day, this does not include gas so be prepared for the cost of fuel. You will however, not need a hotel room each night. Night time can be spent in a local KOA park, or even in the rest area along the freeway if unable to continue for the night. You will be able to save on the cost of restaurant food by fixing some of your meals on the way in the comfort of your own motel. Your first stop is the largest mall in the world and fondly called the 9th wonder of the world, West Edmonton Mall located in Edmonton Canada. This mall is 48 city blocks and contains 800 stores, 100 eating establishments and 9 world class attractions, including but not limited to Galaxyland, World Water park, Sea Lions Rock and Sea Life Caverns. Make sure you give your family an entire day or perhaps two to enjoy the sites and fun at this mall.

Your next stop, Royal Tyrell Museum located in Drumheller, Alberta Canada. This is educational and wonderful fun for adults and children alike. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaur. Your children and perhaps yourself will learn the life that the dinosaur lived and how they became extinct.

Stop number 3 is Reptile World, Drumheller, Alberta Canada. Just down the road about 1 hour from the Tyrell you will find 90 species of reptiles. Cobras, Boas, Gila Monsters and Pythons to name a few. Learn how they live, how they raise their young and most of all learn which are dangerous and which are not.

Stop number 4 is Buchard Gardens, Victoria BC. Be prepared for the cost of the ferry ride to the Island and be prepared to see some of the most fantastic flowers and fountains the world has to offer. This garden is world famous, cost is approximately $25.00 per person. Well worth the time and money to view this beautiful park. You can have lunch at the park side restaurant and enjoy the quiet and beauty of it all.

Stop number 5, Ferry back across the strait and enjoy the city of Vancouver, BC. While touring the city and enjoying the sites visit Stanley park, this fantastic park is like having a rainforest in the middle of a metropolis. Enjoy the children's farmland, the miniature railroad, tennis, golf, a wonderful water park, and visit the beach on the Burand inlet. This is like heaven on earth with the large red cedar trees and wild animals in the park.

Number 6 and the last stop on your vacation is in beautiful Seattle, Washington. While in Seattle don't forget to visit the underground city, price $8.00 per person, visit famous Pikes Market and the fish monger at the market, cost is free. Then head down to the wharf for lunch at Ivar's fish house, usually around $75.00 for 4 people. Last of all you must make a trip to the top of the famous Space Needle. Constructed for the Worlds Fair in 1962 this building was completed in December 1961, 605 feet high with 120 square foot base taking 467 cement trucks to pour the foundation. Ride the elevator up to all four levels while looking out the windows on your ascent. Visit the Pavilion level where shops abound, and the Skyline level is a must for meetings and banquets, The restaurant level was remodeled in 2000 making the eating establishment called the SkyCity with new menu and fresh faces on the waiters, from there is the Observation Deck where you can walk the entire Space Needle for a fantastic once in a life time view of the Mountain Range, Seattle down town and the Puget Sound.