About 10 years ago, I spent almost two hours on the phone on a Sunday morning calling the reservations hotline for Yosemite National Park, trying to score two campsites for our summer vacation.  After 2 or 3 rings, I would hear a pre-recorded message stating that all phone lines were busy, and asking would I please call back.  So I called back, hundreds of times, and about 2 hours later, I finally reached a live person.  Amazingly, there were two shaded campsites available next to each other with an amazing view of Half Dome and we enjoyed a great vacation.

Today, the process is not so tedious thanks to the wonders of the internet.  But the disappointments and the thrill of victory can hold the same keen excitement and can create an amazing sense of competition to score a campsite in the popular Yosemite Valley.  It’s not too early to start thinking about summer plans, and it’s important to get the information you need in order to make reservations for the more crowded National Parks.  Many of them have campsites that fill quickly with reservations on the first day they are opened.  Here’s the information you need in order to plan for your summer and get the reservations you desire.

 YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Photo by: flickr/iriskh

Staying in the campgrounds of the Yosemite Valley is absolutely amazing because of the wonderful 360-degree views of waterfalls, cliffs, pine trees, and Half Dome.  The Merced River flows nearby, offering spots for fishing, swimming, and rafting.  Because of its beauty and all the fun recreation to enjoy, millions of visitors come to the valley every year and the campsites fill up quickly.

In order to make summertime reservations for the valley campgrounds of Upper Pines, North Pines, and Lower Pines, please first note that they become available in blocks of one month at a time, 5 months in advance, on the 15^th of each month at 7am Pacific time.  Sound complicated already?  Here’s a chart to help you interpret all those facts:

From www.nps.gov/yose

Tips on scoring campsites in Yosemite Valley:

1. Visit www.recreation.gov and search for the campgrounds of Yosemite.  Research the sites and make a list of your favorites before the 15^th of the month.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would start your research before March 15.  You can read reviews of all the best camping spots on Trekaroo to get the insider’s scoop.
2. Set your computer clock to the accurate time by visiting www.time.gov/
3. Load up www.recreation.gov and www.time.gov before 7am on the 15^th of the month, 5 months before the dates you want to reserve and be ready to click on the “reserve now” button at exactly 7am.  For example, if you want to camp from July 24-27, you would be ready on the morning of March 15.
4. Consider only spending 3 or so nights in the valley.  Trying to book 2-3 nights is not as difficult as 1 week.
5. Have “back up” options for campsites to choose if your first choice is not available.
6. Be patient and have a sense of humor.  You will most likely be able to book a campsite, but it may not be your first choice, or for the specific length of time you were hoping.

If your best attempts to garner a campsite in Yosemite Valley fail, there are several “first-come, first-served” campgrounds in the surrounding area that Trekaroo families have enjoyed such as White Wolf, Bridalveil Creek and Tuolumne Meadows.

Curious if Yosemite is worth all this hassle??  Check out what other Trekaroo users have to say about it.

 YELLOWSTONE

The great wilderness, deep canyons, roaring waterfalls, and unique geysers of Yellowstone make this one of the most visited National Parks.  Thanks to the variety of the terrain and twelve campgrounds, there are almost 2,000 spots to pitch a tent, which makes securing a site less competitive than Yosemite Valley.

Reservations can be made for the campsites of Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Online reservations can be made at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com or by calling 1-866-GEYSERLAND.

There are also several first-come, first-served campsites in Yellowstone, which Trekaroo families have enjoyed and have even been called a “Diamond in the Rough.”  Check out Tower Fall, Mammoth, and Lewis Lake.

Tips for camping in Yellowstone:

1. You can make campground reservations on May 1 of the previous year.  For example, reservations for summer 2012 can be made starting May 1, 2011.
2. Show up to the “first-come, first served” campsites early in the morning before checkout time (11am) to find an open spot.  Watch for campers that are packing up, and request to reserve their spots with the camp hosts.  Guroo akesiel has found that they often end up with the best spots!
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Guroo akesiel helpfully warns Trekaroo readers that Fishing Bridge RV Park “is not a campground.  This is definitely only an RV Park where units are lined up, very closely and hooked up to power and water.  There are also no site picnic tables or fire pits.”  It is for hard-side vehicles only and offers water, sewer and electrical hookups-50 amp service.

Geysers, Waterfalls and what??  Learn more about Yellowstone & the fun activities it offers.

 GRAND CANYON

Photo by: Flickr/jshyun

There are two campgrounds in Grand Canyon National Park that are reservable and are located on each rim.  The South Rim campground, Mather Campground, is located next to the Grand Canyon Village and can fill up quickly because of the well-visited South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  North Rim Campground is at a higher elevation and less crowded because it’s harder to get to the North Rim area of the Grand Canyon.  Campsites at North Rim can be reserved that are near the edge of the canyon and reservations for these popular ones go quickly.  However, I would imagine that most families would not want to camp so close to the edge when small children are with them.

 Tips for camping in the Grand Canyon

1. Reservations for Mather and North Rim Campgrounds can be made up to 6 months in advance.  Plan on making reservations online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 in January and February for summer camping because they fill up fast!
2. 26 miles east of Grand Canyon Village is Desert View Campground, which is a first-come, first-served campsite.  Located close to the rim, this campsite provides excellent views and access to trail heads.  Sites are usually full by early afternoon during the summer months so arrive early to find a spot.

Heading to the Grand Canyon?  Check out this list on family-friendly activities.

 ROCKY MOUNTAIN

Photo by: Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

My family and I have not been able to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.  But looking at pictures of campsites nestled in tall grass with a backdrop of sharp mountain peaks covered in snow elicits quite a pang of longing in my heart!  Reservations for summer camping in Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen can be made up to six months in advance at www.recreation.gov or at 877-444-6777.  These campsites seem surrounded by rivers, hiking trails, and great views, and look like the perfect place to spend time as a family together.  Please note that Glacier Basin Campground will be closed the entire season of 2012 due to road construction on Bear Lake Road.  Other first-come, first-served campgrounds are Longs Peak and Timber Creek.

Tips for camping in Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Moraine Park and Aspenglen at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at Longs Peak or Timber Creek.
3. Carry cash (with $1 bills or a checkbook).  Some of the campgrounds only have self-serve fee stations.
4. Be prepared for cooler weather in the high elevations of this park.  Bring plenty of warm blankets and clothes and dress in layers.

  ZION

Photo by: Flickr/PhotoInko

Camping at Zion National Park is very popular with summer guests.  The campgrounds are full every night, so if you want to camp here, reservations at Watchman Campground are recommended.  First-come, first-served sites are available at South Campground.  Both campgrounds are located within ½ mile of the entrance gate to Zion.  These campgrounds are located in desert conditions with few trees and lots of summer heat. There are a few riverside campsites next to the Virgin River, but as expected, they are claimed quickly and early.  My friend and her family were able to secure a riverside site by requesting it when making reservations. They do not guarantee them, but they did have one saved for them. She said, “It’s also nice and shady by the river! One note: you are on a bit of hillside near a river with a current, so you may not want to camp here with little ones. I felt like I needed to be on guard all the time.”

 Tips for camping in Zion

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Watchman Campground at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777 for dates from March 3, 2012 through November 25, 2012.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at South Campground.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.
4. Prepare for hot summer camping by bringing lots of fluids, “Easy-Up” type shade structures, and cooling activities for your kids such as spray water bottles, sponges and other fun things.
5. Plan on some of these fun things to do with kids in Zion during the hot summers:

• Inner-tube on the Virgin River (you can rent tubes).
• Hike in the park through lots of beautiful locations close to the shuttle stops or longer hikes into the canyon.
• Play in the river in the park where there are shallower spots and it is safer to play.
• Have your kids participate in the Junior Ranger program.
• Get ice cream at the snack shop in the park.
• Enjoy some cool time in the Visitor’s Center and gift shop.

Been to Zion?  Share your review with other Trekaroo users.

 GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Photo by: Flickr/rdwatson78

America’s “Most Visited National Park” is the Great Smoky Mountains.  Families come here to “car camp,” fish, and picnic while viewing wildlife, beauty, and history at every turn.  Campgrounds are scattered throughout the park on both the Tennessee and North Carolina sides.

Campsites at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont may be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.  There are many other park campgrounds that are first-come, first-served.  There are group sites available at the previously mentioned campgrounds, plus Big Creek Campground and Deep Creek Campground.

 Tips for camping in the Great Smoky Mountains

1. Make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont at www.recreation.gov.
2. Arrive early in the day to find available spots at other first-come, first-served campsites.
3. Carry cash, including $1, or checks to pay at the self-registration centers at each campground.

Heading to the Smokey Mountains?  Check out what other users have to say.

No matter where you pitch your tent this summer, make sure to gaze at the stars, roast marshmallows on the fire, and enjoy the beauty of nature with your family.  Campgrounds are where some of my family’s best memories have been formed.

Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 2 to 10.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

Travel with kids to: CA|CO| DC| FL| HI| IL|MA| NC| NY| OR | PA| TN | TX |VA| WA

Vacation rentals are the perfect solution for family vacation accommodations. For the same price as a hotel, rentals provide more space, more privacy, and amenities suited for families. In the last year, families have stayed in vacation rentals across the United States, and you might be surprised by the most popular vacation rental destinations.

We took a look at the reservation inquiries received in the last 12 months on FlipKey for family-friendly rentals, and while perennial favorites like Orlando/Disney make the top 10, some other, more unexpected spots also make the list. Wherever you travel with your family, you’ll discover that you can save money and headaches by staying in a vacation rental.

1. New York City, NY – 630 vacation rentals on FlipKey

The Big Apple is a great destination for families with older kids. The city has so much to offer that you can rest assured that you won’t hear a single “I’m bored” throughout the trip. Lots of attractions are either completely free or offer great discounts for children.

Read reviews of family friendly attractions in New York City on Trekaroo.

2. Miami Beach, FL – 147 vacation rentals on FlipKey
If you’re the type who daydreams about relaxing on a broad, sandy beach complete with palm trees and gentle surf, then Miami Beach may be the place where your dreams come true. Once you’re evenly tan, try swimming with dolphins, explore Everglades National Park, or cool off at Grapeland Water Park. Then put the kids to bed and sneak out to enjoy some of Miami’s world-renowned restaurants and entertainment venues.

Read reviews of family friendly things to do in Miami Beach on Trekaroo.

3. Orlando/Disney, FL –  2,322 vacation rentals on FlipKey
A trip to Disney is practically a rite of passage for young Americans. It may surprise young parents to learn that a vacation in the theme park Mecca can be done on the (relatively) cheap by staying in a vacation rental. You can avoid resort packages with their restricted dining options and ticket selection by staying outside the parks and making your own plan. Staying in a vacation rental also means you can take a break from amusement overload and actually relax during your Disney vacation.

Read reviews of things to do with kids in Orlando on Trekaroo.

4. San Francisco, CA – 187 vacation rentals on FlipKey
Not your average vacation destination, San Francisco has a lot to offer the visiting family. The city offers some spectacular sightseeing from the grand Golden Gate Bridge to the bizarre bison paddock in Golden Gate Park. There are also plenty of beaches, museums, and the famous Exploratorium, which is guaranteed to entertain you and your children.

Read reviews of things to do in San Francisco with kids on Trekaroo.

5. Myrtle Beach, SC – 676 vacation rentals on FlipKey
Known for great golf, dining, and expansive beaches, Myrtle beach is all about summer relaxation. The Grand Strand features plenty of shopping, shows, and exhibits. Constantly changing attractions include fireworks, music, festivals, and family-geared shows. With 60 miles of beaches and acres of world-class golf, there’s something in Myrtle Beach for every member of the family.

Read reviews of things to do with kids in Myrtle Beach on Trekaroo.

6. Siesta Key, FL – 76 vacation rentals on FlipKey
For the family looking to avoid the crowds at Florida’s more famous beaches, Siesta Key provides an ideal getaway spot. Try sea kayaking around the Jim Neville Nature Preserves, deep sea fishing, or just relaxing on the white sands of the Gulf Coast.

Read reviews of kid friendly activities near Siesta Key on Trekaroo.

7. Boston, MA – 53 vacation rentals on FlipKey
A must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike, Boston is one of the best destinations in the country, and staying in a vacation rental helps you enjoy it like a local. Come in the summer months to walk the freedom trail, catch a Sox game at Fenway Park, and enjoy the freshest seafood around. Beaches are a short trip from downtown, and major attractions are almost all located in kid-walkable proximity.

Read reviews of kid friendly things to do in Boston on Trekaroo.

8. Las Vegas, NV – 65 vacation rentals on FlipKey
While you won’t find Vegas at the top of every family destination list, it’s not for lack of family-friendly attractions. Despite its “Sin City” reputation, Vegas is also known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World” – a title that doesn’t do the city justice. Las Vegas is home to world-renowned shows like Cirque du Soleil, 5-star dining options, and fun attractions like the Hoover Dam. Stay off the Strip in a vacation rental and enjoy one of America’s most unique destinations.

Read reviews on kid friendly things to do in Las Vegas on Trekaroo.

9. Tybee Island, GA – 170 vacation rentals on FlipKey
Minutes from Savannah, Tybee Island is more than just a local beach. The annual Beach Bum Parade should be enough evidence to convince anyone that there’s no good reason to leave the island. With great family dining, fun events all summer, and the conveniently short trip to Savannah, Tybee is an ideal spot to spend some quality time with the clan.

Read reviews of kid friendly things to do on Tybee Island on Trekaroo.

10. Ocean City, MD – 382 vacation rentals on FlipKey
Walk out your backdoor to the beach, or amble along the boardwalk and you’ll understand why Ocean City is considered one of the best family-oriented destinations on the East Coast. From the famous Trimper’s Carousel, built in 1902, to boating and water sports, if you’re looking for family fun, you’ll find it in Ocean City.

Read reviews of kid friendly activities in Ocean City, MD on Trekaroo.

Dan Weisman is the Blog Editor at FlipKey.com, which features over 100,000 vacation rental properties around the world.  You can read more of his writing on The FlipKey Blog and connect with him on Twitter at @FlipKey.

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Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

It’s the first few days of summer, do you know where your vacation is?  Perhaps your family loves the smell of pine trees and is looking for a place with the adventures of horse back riding and rock wall climbing.  Or your ideal vacation is a spot on the warm sand of the sun-kissed California beaches.  Whether your kids love the outdoors or the indoor Wii lounges, hotels and resorts are offering lots of fun activities and clubs to make your family vacation one that you will never forget.  If you are looking for a fun place in Southern and Central California to take your family this summer that has special activities for kids, here are some great ideas!

MOUNTAIN VACATIONS

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is nestled in the foothills and pines below Yosemite National Park and offers summer activities that families will love.  An Adventure Club, climbing wall, horseback riding, ice skating, an arcade and the Yosemite Kids Camp are offered to families looking for a great mountain vacation.  Daycare services are offered for parents to enjoy the Ascent Spa which offers services such as massages, facials and body treatments. This summer historic Summerdale Campfire BBQs begin in are offered on Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday evenings at 6PM. The barbeque features an open fire, picnic tables, and live entertainment.

Read reviews of the Tenaya Lodge at Trekaroo.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Alisal Guest Ranch in Solvang is a one-of-a-kind working ranch resort perfect for a horse-loving family or for those who love the outdoors.  A breakfast horseback or haywagon ride is offered twice weekly to the Old Adobe.  Other activies include fishing at the lake, archery, air rifle shooting, visiting barnyard animals and golf.

The Grand Del Mar in San Diego is a luxury resort that offers an Explorer’s Club for kids, pony rides, trail rides on horses, nature guided walks in Penasquitos Canyon and a family pool featuring underwater music with food and beverage service.

Destination Guroo, Mcfam, and her family were stunned at  just how amazing and kid-friendly the staff and activities are at the Grand Del Mar.  Swimming with underground music, hiking in the canyon with a naturalist, and playing hide and go seek in their large rooms were some of the things her kids loved to do, but eating gelato as a reward for the scavenger hunt was definitely their favorite!

BEACH RETREATS in Central California

Embassy Suites in San Luis Obispo offers a Suite Beach Retreat.  A reserved beach location will be set up for your family including oak beach loungers, a shade umbrella and a table.  A practical fee includes volleyball, sand toys and bocce ball.

Read reviews of the Embassy Suites San Louis Obispo on Trekaroo.

Quality Suites in San Luis Obispo offers family adventure with their Kayak Tour Package.  Experience a half-day kayak tour through Morro Bay, including going through an oyster farm, and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a beautiful setting.

Read reviews of Quality Suites on Trekaroo.

BEACH VACATIONS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Catalina is the perfect spot for families looking for a small town escape near a metropolis. Catalina Island offers 2 great family packages for families on a budget.  Hotel stays at the Hotel Atwater or the Pavilion Hotel are offered along with transportation on the Catalina Express, kayak rentals, Glass Bottom Boat Tours, miniature golf, and a discount on the Zip Line at Descanso Beach Club.

Read reviews of the Pavilion Hotel on Trekaroo.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa is just steps from Huntington Beach and features Slyders, a water playground that kids love because of it’s 3 water slides, a wading pool, and a large Jacuzzi.  Toes on the Nose, the onsite activity shop, offers paddle boarding, bike rentals, kayak tours and a beach butler service.  To top it all off, kids can participate in supervised recreation activities at Campy Hyatt including water slide relays, cookie decorating, Hoola Hoop competitions, story-telling sessions and more.

Blog Editor, Sharlene Earnshaw, says that when she took her kids to the Hyatt she couldn’t imagine a more quintessentially Southern California beach experience than the time they had at the Hyatt and Huntington Beach.  “Their was a great family friendly vibe throughout the resort and sitting on our balcony with views of the pool and beach beyond were hard to beat!”.

Read reviews of the Hyatt Huntington Beach on Trekaroo.

Jamaica Bay Inn in Los Angeles/Marina Del Rey is a brand new hotel on the beautiful harbor of Marina Beach.  Families can walk onto the beach from the hotel to enjoy swimming, kayaking, volleyball and the beautiful California sunshine. Parents will find the beachfront amenities convenient, including shaded picnic areas, a comprehensive playground complete with pirate ships for young buccaneers, and lifeguards on duty during summer weekends.

Superoo izdat and her family admitted that they were basically beach bums most of the time they enjoyed at Jamaica Bay.  ”The sand beach was excellent, and the kids really enjoyed the beachfront playground.  My kids tend to be very cautious at ocean beaches, so it was great that they could fill their own buckets in the water without being afraid of waves.”

Laguna Cliffs Resort and Spa in Dana Point features an exciting Splash Zone where kids can play in the fountains, surfboards and water cannons.  The Kahuna Laguna Kids club provides supervised arts and crafts, games and poolside fun.  Ages 5-12 are welcome. Family movie nights round out the great fun.

Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel is the place to visit if your family enjoys the Sawdust Art Festival and The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.  Various packages include tickets to these amazing events.

Read reviews of the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel on Trekaroo.

BEACH RESORTS IN SAN DIEGO

Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa is the place to find a summer vacation you’ll never forget with the Summer Value Package.  Front row seats for the evening fireworks show from SeaWorld, breakfast at Acqua, Kids Klub activities for ages 5-12, Kids Night-Out passes and s’mores ingredients to enjoy a bonfire and marshmallow roast on the beach will make a great family vacation.

Read reviews of the Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa on Trekaroo.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego offers discount SeaWorld tickets along with water taxi trips to the park.  Relaxing spa treatments, fireside S’mores and waterslide relays are just some of the fun activities families can expect to enjoy in Mission Bay.

Read reviews of the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay on Trekaroo.

Paradise Point Resort in San Diego is set on Mission Bay and features over one mile of sandy beaches, 5 swimming pools, a lake and a lagoon.  The Island Adventures Club offers daily activities and fun for kids.  Surf and paddleboard lessons, exclusives to SeaWorld and adventures at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center await families.

Read reviews of Paradise Point Resort on Trekaroo.

Rancho Bernardo Inn of San Diego has a “Kids Rule, Parents Drool” package that says it all.  This deal for kids ages 4-11 includes free meals at the veranda, pizza parties, Wii lounge access, fountains walking tour, Little Picassos Chalk Art, Access to the Blue Sky Ecological Preserve, and free smoothies.  Equally great is the “Teens Too Cool” package for kids 12-16.  This package offers reserved private cabanas, 30 minute golf lesson, Dive-In Teen movie, and a select spa option.

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina provides free poolside activities for families and discounts on the many activities, tours and attractions of San Diego.  Poolside Dive-in Movies are held Friday and Saturday evenings.  With the family package enjoy a choice of 4 trackless trolley tour sightseeing passes or tickets to the San Diego Zoo, bike rentals, in-room movie and free meals for children 12 and under.

Read reviews of the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Trekaroo.

Michelle McCoy (aka Mcfam) is Trekaroo’s Southern California Destination Guroo. She and her husband, Matt, have 3 boys and a girl ages 2 to 10.  They love traveling to National Parks and going camping, but when life with young kids keeps them home, they find their fun in traveling to the local beaches in Orange County and hiking in the wilderness areas nearby.

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Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA

“I don’t have the time”.

How often do you hear yourself saying (or thinking) this when your child wants your attention?  The demands of everyday life can make us feel stressed and overloaded,  reducing the amount of quality time we spend with our kids. Many people claim they don’t have time to travel, but not having the time is actually one of the best reasons to travel!

The first time we took off to travel and spend time together as a family, we ended up traveling around Europe for 5 months.  We had been living a very stressful life.  We were running our own company,  had a huge old house which needed lots of TLC,  and 3 kids ages 3, 6 and 8 years old.  We came to a point where everything was just too much and we started dreaming about something else; like more time for each other, a bit of adventure, and a slower pace.  Finally we decided to just let go of everything: our company, the house, and our kids’ school, as well as a few limiting beliefs.  We replaced all that with an old camper, crammed ourselves in to it, and started driving south.

Much to our surprise though, this “free” life wasn’t just freedom and fun.  The kids were fighting in the back, the car broke (more than once), we got lost (again and again) in the most unsuitable places and we got ill, some of us really ill.  It went on like this for 2 months, until one day, having reached the southern-most part of Spain, we noticed that something had shifted.  We didn’t feel stressed any more, we felt at peace. The kids were happily playing, the sun was shining and everything was simply fantastic. And from then on, our trip was just like the dream we had had before we left, only a bit better!

Our youngest, Aron, busy on the beach as usual. He has played for hours and hours on beaches around the world (well, so have we all). Here on Nacula Island, Fiji

We have since then noticed that this is not an uncommon scenario – it does take time to leave the old.  We had lived under quite a lot of pressure for some time, and just by taking off on a new adventure didn’t mean that all the stress instantly changed to peace and harmony. It took us quite some time to get out of this state – two whole months!

This made us thinking about how little a “normal” 1, 2 or even three-week vacation really can help you to let go of whatever you are bringing along in your mental backpack.  Of course, it’s always good to have a break, to see new things and recharge your batteries. But if you are looking for a more profoundly life transforming effect for you and your family, you need a lot more time.  Many people talk about 6-8 weeks before things start to change and you begin to see things in a new perspective, and we agree. That’s when it starts……

Even though we are talking about time, I also want to mention money.  It’s often said that time is money, but it’s really important to remember that you can’t take the cost of your normal holiday week and multiply it by however many weeks you’d want to be away.  Shorter trips are usually much more expensive than staying at home, but long term travel can even be cheaper than when you live your normal life!

There are various options for living that don’t have to cost you a fortune (or anything at all) when you’re traveling the world with your family:

• House sitting – You live in and take care of someone’s home when they are away themselves.  You don’t get payed, but you don’t pay anything either.

• House swapping – You and another adventure-seeking family exchange homes with each other.  No accommodation costs involved here either.
• Organized Network – Join a network like WWOOF, Servas, Hospitality Club or similar.  You can stay with people for various lengths for free. Some for just a few nights, some for weeks or months if you help out with different things in exchange for food and shelter.
• Your own Personal Network – Look within your own sphere of personal contacts, friends, family, interest, hobbies…  Find people to contact who may be interested in having a family visiting for a shorter or longer period.  And don’t be shy, many people love having visitors with whom they have something in common!

Since our first five month trip, we have made another six, all of them around six months each.  In a way, I can see it as an investment.  An investment of time in our children and our family and I believe it’s the best investment I’ve ever made!

Taking it easy in Sydney, Australia

Read more about our book, “Extended World Travel – How to take a break from the rat race and travel the world with your family”

Read more about travel and staying for free with different networks

Read more about travel, children and school

Maria Berkestam is from Sweden, and has been traveling the world with her husband and their children since the mid 1990s.  She is also the co-author, together with her husband Magnus Drysen, of the book Extended World Travel – How to take a break from the rat race and travel the world with your family. You can follow them on their blog : www.extendedworldtravel.com

This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, the first advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership amongst Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, The Vacation Gals, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.

I am forever in search of a great deal.  I get a thrill out of digging through the clearance racks at department stores,  squeal when produce is in season and a fraction of the normal cost, and I LOVE to travel well for less.   Getting a great deal on lodging means I can dedicate more of our vacation budget to sampling local cuisine or visiting regional attractions.  So when I found out that FamilyGetaway.com offers discounted family vacation packages for up to 65% off, I just had to test it out for myself.

The first thing I loved about FamilyGetaway.com was that all the hotel packages listed on their site are family-friendly.  It is nice to search for a bargain vacation package that’s already got your kids in mind.

The next thing that interested me were the different search functions, families can use to find the perfect vacation spot.  Parents can search by destination, interests (aka awesome kid pools), or property type.  Whether you want to spend a week in San Diego, take advantage of some fabulous kids’ clubs or be pampered at an all-inclusive resort, FamilyGetaway’s search tool will easily find a package to fit your needs.

Finally, the most interesting feature on FamilyGetaway is its Ebay-style auctions.  Families have the opportunity to get spectacular hotel deals by either bidding on packages or choosing the “buy it now” option.  How well does it work? I decided to put the entire experience to the test.

I love taking my family down to San Diego. Between Sea World, the zoo, and Legoland, my pre-school twins are always eager to vacation there. I bid the minimum, $767, on a hotel package at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa near San Diego which included:

• 3 nights in an estate room with 2 queen beds and a private balcony or patio
• A welcome gift basket upon arrival, including children’s snacks and juices
• Breakfast for up to four each morning at the resort’s restaurant
• $100 resort credit, good for food and beverages and activities
• Movie rental on one evening of your choice, including turndown service with milk and cookies
• Taxes & resort fees

According to the website, the package I was bidding on had a $1322 retail value. I also saw that there was a date range for availability (Oct 3, 2010- March 31, 2011) and that there were a few black out dates to avoid.  Upon bidding, I discovered there a $40 handling fee, which brought my total to $807.  However, shortly before bidding, a screen popped up informing me that if I signed up for the FamilyGetaway newsletter,  I would get $100 off my first booking so my total was now, in fact, $707.  Then I searched popular hotel booking websites such as hotels.com and found the price of the exact room without all the listed perks plus taxes and fees was $297 a night ($891 all-in). Add in all the perks and the Earnshaw family is in for a great deal.

After I bid, I received email confirmation of my bid letting me know that I was the current high bidder and that I would receive an email if anyone outbid me.  Lucky for me, nobody did and I won my $1322 package for only $707!!!  Woohoo!  Once I won the auction, FamilyGetaway processed the payment and asked me to submit my top three travel date ranges ranked in order of preference.   FamilyGetaway’s concierge department then works with the property to confirm your travel dates and then sends you the reservation number plus any other pertinent information.

One concern I did have was just how often families got their first preference on travel dates. I was reassured that the majority of customers get their first choice.  However if a customer is not flexible with their dates, two things they can do are:

1.  Call the hotel and check availability for those dates.

2.  Use the Buy Now option.  For that option, a customer does not have to pay for the package if FamilyGetaway.com’s concierge cannot get their dates confirmed.

The deals were real and the experience really was that easy!

The Steal:  Get 10% off any FamilyGetaway Package!

Details, Details: Now through November 15, 2010, families will receive an additional 10% off their hotel package by entering the promo code: FGFall10* at checkout.  That’s 10% off an already heavily discounted package.  What a bargain!  Visit FamilyGetaway.com for details.

You can also get another $100 off your next FamilyGetaway package by signing up for their newsletter.

What is Monday Madness?

Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal.  It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.

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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.

Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA