Vacation Planning

This week, we’ll explore some very different aspects of Montana, thanks to Staci’s wonderful request.

Known as Big Sky Country, Montana has some of the most beautiful land in our vast country. Since my hubby is a cowboy at heart, I’m first going to share with you some of my research for HIS dream vacation - visiting a DUDE RANCH!

Dude Ranch vacations are so popular in Montana, they formed a Montana Dude Ranchers’ Association to provide a great outlet for information. Make this your first stop for research - you’ll find links to member’s Web sites, and opportunities to request brochures or view slideshows to give you a better idea of each ranch.

Your dude ranch vacation can range from pampered and luxurious, to dirty and hard-working - and almost every option in between. And some ranches are not dude ranches, but full working cattle ranches, allowing guests to experience the operation in progress. Whichever route you choose, it’s sure to be a vacation you’ll forever remember.

Most of the dude ranches are family-friendly, and have activities for all ages, although they may not have a designated “children’s program.” Horseback riding is one of the main activities at a dude ranch, but by no means is it the only one. Most properties offer enough choices that you won’t be able to “do it all.”

One of the prime perks of any dude ranch vacation is the opportunity to experience nature at its finest. Fresh air, clear skies, and an abundance of critters - wild and domesticated - will leave you wanting more. 

Activities vary at the different ranches, so explore all the options before deciding on one so you get the best fit for your idea of vacation. Flyfishing, bird-watching, canoeing, join ranch activities like cattle round-ups, branding, and even fun games on horseback.

Lodging at the different ranches vary greatly, too. Your accommodations could be a single log cabin to yourselves, bunk houses with individual rooms and baths, or even a tee-pee or a covered wagon!

Meals at ranches are mostly served family-style. Some offer buffets on certain days, while others offer menus all season. Check with each ranch if you have special dietary needs, e.g., diabetes, low-sodium, low-calorie, high-fiber, because many offer these options upon request.

Three final tips for a dude ranch vacation: 1) don’t forget your camera and extra CF cards! 2) Be prepared for anything. 3) Have a blast!

We’d love to hear from you if you’ve taken a dude ranch vacation, so post your comments below!

I’ll share more about Montana in my next post, so I hope you’ll come back and join me.

Last week in all the discussion about holidays, I focused on Thanksgiving and Christmas destinations. This week, I’ll tackle destinations sure to make your New Year’s Eve celebrations memorable.

Roanoke County, Virginia makes a GREAT destination if you like variety! Vinton hosts Enchanted Eve, a family-friendly celebration, complete with entertainment, activities, and alcohol-free. Purchase buttons online in advance to save a few dollars, or purchase tickets at the gate. Even at full price, the tickets are reasonably priced.

Revelers will each be given a “passport” to visit seven “ports” through the downtown area - a Venetian Carnival, Hawaiian Islands, Japan, France, and more. Musicians and entertainers offer a wide variety, too, including rock & roll, jazz, a ventriloquist, comedians, Celtic Music and Fire Dancers.

And of course, fireworks top off the evening!

Dublin offers a Hillbilly Opry New Year’s Eve Dance at the McGuire’s Family Campground.

Floyd Country Store offers an alcohol-free celebration with bluegrass music and dancing.

In Roanoke, the New Year rings in formally at the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hotel Roanoke. Dinner, dancing, live music, and a champagne toast round out the evening.

These are just a very few of the offerings in Roanoke County. Check out this page for a complete listing, with choices for parties, foodies, and even the budget-conscious.

Tomorrow, another New Year’s Destination. Do you have a favorite for your own celebrations? Share them with us!

For years, I’ve explored the idea of all-inclusive vacations - and eventually I’ll take one. The two biggest draws for me are the ease of planning an all-inclusive, and the final budget of knowing exactly how much we’ll spend. I was trying to think of the two biggest reasons NOT to take one of these vacations - and I haven’t come up with any! Have you experienced an all-inclusive before? Share with us some of your own thoughts below.

As you research, keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need to decide what kind of vacation you want. Resorts offer a variety of options, and some of the things you’ll need to decide upon are:

Who are you traveling with? Family-friendly resorts are available if you’re taking the kiddos. But if you’re traveling as a couple, check into the Couples Only resorts. Be sure to check the ages allowed - there may be minimum age requirement at a few of the locations.

What activities do you enjoy? Golf may be included at some resorts, while skiing or scuba diving is offered at another. Some offer a little of it all. Some have spas, sports, casinos, numerous dining options, special activities for children. Explore all the options offered to make sure what’s included best fits your idea of vacation.

Where do you want to go? Is there a particular location you’re wanting to discover? Search for all-inclusives in the area you’d like to go.

Depending on the time of your travel, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance. Some of the resorts offer it themselves, but I’d check with a travel agent or do a search online and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Check your chosen resort for their Hurricane Policy, too, if applicable.

Some companies have “add-on” fees for some activities, or events, or meals, or drinks, while others do not. Be sure to check the fine print, and ask any questions you may have before you make the reservation.

Look for the specials offered by each company. Some have seasonal specials, single-parent specials, or discounts for special events. If your schedule is flexible, plan your vacation to fit the deals.

Planning a wedding? Check into all-inclusives for special options. Some include a free wedding when you book the honeymoon!

Here are a few Web sites to help you get started:

Beaches - these all-inclusive resorts cater to families, with special activities planned for different age groups.

Sandals - Same company as beaches, but these resorts cater to couples only. Locations include Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas.

All-Inclusive Vacations - a “mega-store” for all sorts of all-inclusive vacations - an “online travel agency” for discounted vacations. This is a great site to do research on MANY types of vacations. I’ve never used this service, so I can’t offer a recommendation one way or the other, but their Web site is loaded with information to help you make wise choices for your vacation.

Club Med - You’ll find a variety of options here, including short stays, last-minute deals, and even a “7-Day Weekend.” One interesting note I discovered on their Web site - they work with Carbonfund.org to help reduce their carbon footprint. ClubMed resorts are located worldwide, and they even offer a Club Med cruise line.

SuperClub Resorts - These resorts include Breezes, Grand Lido, Hedonism, and Starfish.

Palace Resorts - Locations throughout Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

This is more than enough to whet your appetite for now. I’d love to hear a trip report if you’ve been to an all-inclusive, so share it with us!

There are not enough blog posts to cover all the great destinations for the holidays, so for this post and the one on Saturday, I’ll give you snippets of information about a handful of places and let you explore the ones that suit your fancy.

I tried sorting the destinations by holidays, but it was impossible. Then I tried by region - that’s a little easier, but still not very organized, so I’m just going to make a list:

Plimouth Plantation - great destination for Thanksgiving Day. You can tour the outdoor museum in about 3 hours, and have a choice of dining options. For this year, some of those options are already sold out, but there are others available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Nantucket - from the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 31st, this island  hosts a month-long celebration beginning with the lighting of 150 Christmas trees, and “Christmas Stroll” weekends, complete with Victorian costumes, parades, bell ringers, performances, exhibitions, and more.

Philadelphia - I include this town because it’s one of my favorites, has a great Christmas parade, and it’s a short drive to Longwood Gardens.

Jefferson, Texas - another one of my favorite destinations. The town works as a whole to create an experience for you that you won’t soon forget. Touring of historic homes, a guided tour of the Big Cypress Bayou, a show at one of the many theaters or playhouses, and a wide range of dining options create an active and memorable vacation destination for the entire family.

I’ll add more in the coming days. Don’t forget, tomorrow I’ll do a roundup of dining options for FOODIE FRIDAY.

Today, I’m going to provide a roundup of cruise lines who offer special deals or events during the holidays, and share a little about each one. Feel free to leave comments about your experiences with any I list, or any I leave off. The topic of cruising could take all week - and I’m already planning a full week of cruising info - but for now, here’s just a tiny taste to get your started planning your next vacation.

Cruises make a fun and romantic gift for couples to give each other, and they make a great family tradition for a yearly getaway. For some cruise lines, the holidays are considered their “Value” or “Economy” season, for others, it’s considered “Peak” so be sure to shop around for the best prices.

Another fun part of cruising is choosing the type of ship you want to sail. Here, I’m providing you with a variety from the luxurious cruise liners, to the stately 5-mast sailing ships, to the good old-fashioned paddlewheel boat, and more.

Here’s a sampling of what’s available:

Star Clippers: Cruises on these ships are sure to be memorable.  Passenger limit on these boats is less that 250, so the trip will be intimate and simple. But the amenities aboard are luxurious, and include an elegant dining room, spa and fitness center, piano lounge, library, and a tropical bar, so you’ll probably not want to go home. Destinations vary, too, so you’ll have your choice of itineraries in the Caribbean, Far East, Tahiti, the Mediterranean, and Ocean Crossings.

photo courtesy of Star Clippers

American Cruise Lines:  This small cruise line offers a number of unique voyages along the East Coast. Cruises are offered in Florida, New England Islands, and at several points in between. Their 14-day East Coast Inland package includes stops in Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  

Majestic America Line: A paddlewheel trip up the Mississippi - about as Americana as you can get. When I was a girl, the Delta Queen docked in my hometown, and it was an amazing sight that I will never forget. As I grew up, and read about Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, and then eventually studied Mark Twain, the Mississippi River grabbed hold of my heart, and continues to hold a special place there. This year, they are retiring the Delta Queen - and I never got a chance to sail on her. A holiday vacation on one of these magnificent boats will be a memory your family will cherish a lifetime.

 photo courtesy of Majestic America

Royal Caribbean: From November to January, several cruise ships in their fleet pull out all the stops, with special activities, decorations, religious services, events, and menus to commemorate Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Disney Cruise Lines: Disney creates a memorable experience both on land, and at sea, and this cruise is sure to be a pleasure boat for your entire family. With age-specific programming geared for children of all ages, families will find something for everyone. But it’s not cheap. One of the sites I gave you earlier this week will come in handy on the Cruise Line, too: MouseSavers.

And just for a fun night of festivity: The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, in the Pacific Northwest, has been in existence for 59 years. Their fleet of 45 ships sail within Puget Sound during the holidays, stopping at various communities for bonfires, caroling, and other special events. If you’re in the area, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Other Cruise Lines to Explore:

Celebrity Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Other Resources:

Cruises Only

Cruise Deals

Vacations to Go

We’ll talk more about cruises in the coming weeks. Be sure to let us know if you book a holiday cruise! We want to travel with you!

The next few days, I’m going to toss out some ideas for fun destinations during the holidays. I’d love to know some of your favorite spots, too, so please share them with us in the comments.

New York City - Okay, the Macy’s Day Parade is the ultimate Thanksgiving experience, but it may be too late to get a room at this late date. The economy may radically affect attendance, though, so check out this comprehensive list of parade route hotels, and make some calls. You may be surprised at the rate - either way.

Tip: Before you call the hotel, check some of the travel conglomerates online, and see what they give as their “lowest” rate. Then call the hotel directly. Many times, you’ll get a better rate speaking to a live person, especially for last-minute travel.

Williamsburg, VA - This is my dream location. I’ve wanted to spend the holidays here for many years for a variety of reasons, but still haven’t made the time to do it. I keep saying “someday.” But this year, I found a large house for rent on VRBO that would be affordable enough that both our sons and their families could come, and we’d have plenty of room - so now we’re trying to schedule everyone for next year!

There are three great sites to explore to learn more about Williamsburg:

Williamsburg Online

Colonial Williamsburg

Visit Williamsburg

Chattanooga, Tennessee - Seems an odd choice, I know, but Rock City’s Enchanted Garden of Lights is absolutely magical and one of my very favorite destinations. The drive up Lookout Mountain just as the sun has set begins to put you in a festive mood. Fog settles in around the mountain, and as you park the car and head towards the entryway, Christmas carols fill the air. Over a million lights decorate the walking trails and 25 different scenes - and one of my favorite parts - pets are welcome! Our doggy loved walking through the area with us, exploring all the sites and sounds.

And Chattanooga is a fun city to visit during the day. The famous Chattanooga Choo-Choo, shopping, Chattanooga Aquarium and Imax, Civil War sites - all of it creates a fun destination any time of year, but during the holidays, there’s just an extra layer of excitement.

I’ll have more destinations tomorrow, and on Friday, we’ll do another food round-up, so be sure to check back for restaurant recommendations.

It’s Money Monday again, and this week, we’re exploring vacations during the holidays. Here are some tips for saving your hard-earned dollars while providing your family with a memorable vacation:

SkyAuction.com – I discovered SkyAuction.com back in 1999 and have used it several times over the years, and I’m surprised when people tell me they’ve never heard of it. They’ve changed some since they first started, but you can still get great deals.

We once rented a 2-bedroom chalet in the Massanutten ski resort in Virginia for only $250 – for an entire week. It was the early season, but it still provided us with enough snow for our wants and needs. It made a great base for seeing the area, and we had all sorts of amenities at our disposal. Our bid was less than $50 – the rest of the $250 went for taxes that we had to pay regardless of what we paid for the stay.

We also once purchased a roundtrip ticket from Atlanta to London for $250 – again, our bid was low, and the rest was the requisite taxes.

The options at SkyAuction are good, too. You have the option to look for lodging options only (timeshares, hotels, apartments, condos), airfare, cruises, and entire packages. The lodging items are available in a “Bid Per Night” or “Bid per 7-Days” – depending on the particular item up for bid, and some auctions include incentives like free tickets to attractions or cultural events.

Just remember to figure in the taxes required for each offering – they will be added to your winning bid.

Newsletters – if you have a destination or even an area or particular state in mind, check online for specials. Many places offer e-newsletters with coupons or bargains from local merchants. Before a recent trip to California, I discovered a Web site for a restaurant in one of our destinations and signed up for their newsletter. The coupons they sent out included “Buy one lunch meal, get one free.”  Check with the local Chamber of Commerce as a starting point to find these type of deals.

Vacation Rentals – consider renting a house with several families. You like being together for the holidays, and a large house would allow all of you to be together, share food costs, and see some new sites. Decide in advance how to split the costs involved, so that everyone gets a fair deal.

For example, here’s one I just found on VRBO. This pet-friendly, Outer Banks house has 7-bedrooms, 8.5 baths, and will sleep 15 people. It has a pool, hot tub, game room, fireplace, and ocean view. It rents for only $1000 a week until December 31st, 2008, and only $1175 during the holiday season next year (Oct. 3 – Dec. 31, 2009). If you rented that with one or two families, you could still spread out, have plenty of room, and spend less that $500 per family!

Ski Resorts – some ski resorts, depending on location, have early season deals between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The snow may not be at prime for avid skiers, but for families just wanting the experience of the snow or are just learning to ski, these early and late seasons are a great time to visit.

Here’s another example from VRBO, this one from Colorado. This log cabin offers several different pricing structures: you can rent it during their “economy” season – November  9th – December 18th – for only $500 a night. During their peak season, Dec 19-24th, this same property rents for $700 a night, and during the holiday season, December 25th-January 3rd, it rents for $1000 a night. But it’s a 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath house – all master suites, so you could literally share this property with four other couples/families, and a week’s stay could cost as little as $600 per family. The bedding varies from kings to bunks, with some sleeper sofas, too, so the logistics are flexible for all family sizes, and sleeps 14-18. Hot tub, game room, fireplaces, and more, located near the main tourist area, and only a short drive to several ski resorts.

Disney World – if you want to take your family to Disney World, but you’re not sure if you can afford it, check out these sites for ticket prices: Undercover Tourist, a Disney-authorized discount ticket outlet,  and MouseSavers (they have an e-newsletter, too.)

Don’t be afraid to check the prices of Disney’s “on-site” resorts. With AAA, you get a 20% discount, and you get free transportation anywhere in the parks. Sure beats having to pay the $12/day parking fee.

We’ll discuss more specific holiday destinations during the coming week. If there’s a particular place you’d like me to explore, be sure to leave it in the comments.  

Honeymoons are always a special time, but you don’t have to break the bank to create wonderful memories. Local destinations can provide you with a unique flavor that you and your new spouse will treasure forever.

With the economy in such trouble, and gas prices continuing to rise, we’ve divided the destinations into two articles - those east and west of the Mississippi River. You’ll find the western destinations below, and can read the eastern destinations by clicking here.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas                             

Galleries full of beautiful, imaginative pieces created by local artists set the atmosphere in this Ozark town. Eureka Springs earns its reputation as one of the top small towns for artists, and the quality you’ll see in the numerous shops shows why.                               

Just the layout of the town is a work of art, sidewalks and shops wind upward into the mountainside; town blocks are determined by levels in the mountain rather than distance.                       

The Great Passion Play is a “don’t miss” in Eureka Springs from April to October, and Opera in the Ozarks provides eight weeks of productions during the summer months.                         

Best time to visit: Spring and summer.

Ferndale, California                        

Billed as the “best preserved Victorian village in California,” a Ferndale honeymoon is sure to be a highlight of your married life for years to come. Just be sure to take your camera to capture some of the sights along the way.                     

February is a fun month in Ferndale. The town’s volunteer firemen compete in Firefighter’s Games, using old-fashioned equipment for a bucketful of laughs. Flea markets, pancake breakfasts, art exhibits, fairs, festivals, and musical productions keep Ferndale a happening - and hopping - destination.                               

Best time to visit: Year-round; there’s always some type of activity going on in Ferndale.

Guthrie, Oklahoma                        

If you have a November or December wedding planned, Guthrie, Oklahoma makes a great honeymoon destination. This historical town transforms itself into a Dickens’ village, complete with carolers, merchants, and residents in period costume. You’ll want to get tickets for the annual play performance at the Pollard Theatre.                        

Best time to visit: November and December for a Dickens’ kind of Christmas; April to experience the history of the town with “‘89er Days;” November for Statehood Celebration Days. Summer months feature regular rodeo events at the Lazy E Arena.

Torrey, Utah     

This central Utah town is located just eight miles from Capital Reef National Park. Horseback riding, fly-fishing, ATVing, and hiking in this area provide a rich experience you’ll recall for years to come. The beautiful lakes, mountains, canyons, and forests create a majestic backdrop for great photos, and opportunities for plenty of outdoor adventures.                           

Best time to visit Torrey: March to October for the most access to all attractions; many close during the winter months.

Custer, South Dakota                    

If caves, cowboys, buffaloes, and Presidents don’t intrigue you, what about Crazy Horse, Native Americans, chuck wagons, and the Flintstones? The Black Hills of South Dakota offer a memorable vacation filled with one-of-a-kind experiences. Custer makes a great central location for you to visit Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Be sure to take in a chuck wagon dinner during your visit.                            

Remember your childhood with a visit to Flintstone’s Bedrock City Theme Park and Campground. You can explore the whimsical amusement park for a day, or extend your stay at the campground facilities. Pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin - all for very reasonable rates.

Best time to visit: May through September.

Have you ever been to any of these destinations? Share your experiences with us! We’d love to hear from you.

Who wants an ordinary honeymoon in Jamaica, Bermuda, or Hawaii when you can have a WHIMSICAL one instead? If your budget or calendar prevent an exotic or extended getaway, or, if you’re like me and just want something different, shake things up a bit and choose one of these locations to create memories you’ll both remember for a lifetime.

With the economy the way it is, and gas prices on the rise, we’ve divided the destinations into two articles – those east and west of the Mississippi. The eastern destinations are below; read the western destinations by clicking here.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

The sidewalks of Tarpon Springs sweep you into another world; a world full of sights, sounds, and experiences to awaken all your senses. While strolling along the sidewalk at water’s edge, sniff the salty breeze from the Gulf of Mexico and admire the contrast of fishing boats and luxury yachts docked end-to-end. Sample Greek delicacies such as moussaka, grape-leaf dolmas, and the honey-drenched baklava; absorb the heavy Greek accents of the friendly, casual shop keepers and restaurant owners. Visit the Sponge Museum to squish a mountain of soft sponges to find the perfect souvenir and take a fun boat tour to learn the history and mechanics of sponge diving.

Best time to visit: Year-round, although planned events are less common in August because of the onslaught of tourists.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

This northern Ohio town is an active main street community, preserving the history and architecture of their past. Organizations of the town plan events and projects year-round, welcoming visitors to a beautiful slice of Americana life.

The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, comprised of local volunteers, provides delightful entertainment year-round. Check their calendar to see what’s playing while you’re in town.

Best time to visit: Spring and summer highlight the arts, home, and garden; but with the October- and Octuba-fest in the Fall and the Holiday Traditions in November and December, a visit any time of year is sure to please.  

Danville, Kentucky

Farmers Markets, vineyards, orchards, and u-pick farms in this heart of Kentucky create a cozy Americana destination for your honeymoon. Bed and breakfasts, tea rooms, lakeside cabins, and museums welcome you with open arms and hearts. Be sure to pick up a walking tour map to explore the history of the town. Immerse yourself into the richness and beauty of Bluegrass Country with a driving tour through the rolling hills.

Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater is located in Danville, so be sure to check out the Pioneer Playhouse while you’re in town.

Best time to visit: June - the Brass Band Festival brings out the best the town has to offer each year.

Highlands, North Carolina

Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands is a quaint town full of art galleries, fine dining, and outdoor recreation. Open-air enthusiasts will find Highlands a dream-come-true with magnificent waterfalls, abundant fly-fishing holes, challenging golf courses, winding hiking trails, white-water rapids, and sheer cliffs made for rappelling; the activities are endless. For a bit of honeymoon romance, be sure to check out Bridal Veil Falls, drive-through waterfalls just two and a half miles from town.

Because of the town’s high elevation, temperatures stay relatively cool, even during Southern summers, so layered clothing is the key to staying comfortable.

Best time to visit: This depends on your interests; just remember if you visit during the winter months, there is a possibility of ice and snow so go prepared.

Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes, a region of New York just 75 miles from Niagara Falls, is a year-round playground consisting of 11 lakes. The six major lakes are Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, and Skaneateles.

The activities of the area are limited only by your imagination and the season. The links provided in the sidebar will help you select your favorites.

A few highlights include the spring Skaneateles’ Festival Chamber Music by the Lake and Seneca Lake’s Trout Derby every Memorial Day weekend. Engage a horse-drawn sleigh January to March and partake in various events and specials during February, the declared “Romance Month” in Canandaigua. Keuka sponsors the Native American Festival of Lights each September and the largest team triathlon in the United States takes place each August in Owasco. Experience the tallest waterfall in the eastern part of the country at Taughannock Falls on Cayuga Lake.            

Best time to visit: Any time of year, depending on your interests.

Have you ever been to any of these destinations? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below!