What's "hi" in the middle and round on both sides?

Joining with a handful of states allowing free access to their entire State Park system, residents of and visitors to Ohio are encouraged to hike, bike, boat, camp, and play their way across a sizable chunk of the Midwest. Over seventy parks in entirety, nine have state-owned lodges—eight of which are managed by a private Denver based resort-management company by the name of Xantera. The ninth–the Lodge at Geneva on the Lake–is managed by by Delaware North (based out of  Buffalo, New York of all places).

Neither here nor there, two things are important to note. 1. Ohio State Park lodges feel a bit like something you’d expect at the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone*. 2. Ohio State Park lodging rates are competitive with, if not better than, area hotels, motels, or chain resorts. Zig-zagging through Ohio on a road trip earlier this month, our five-night itinerary called for visits to four Ohio State Park lodges. Traveling without kids (but always on the lookout for laundry machines, indoor pools, and other trip-saving amenities), here’s why you should plan your vacation in and around the following Ohio State Park Lodge destinations:

Toddler-friendly indoor play area at Maumee Bay.

Northwest Ohio:  Maumee Bay State Park Lodge

Backing up against the majestic shores of Lake Erie, Maumee Bay State Park Lodge is a hop and a skip to Toledo and a hop, skip and a jump to Sandusky. With indoor and outdoor pools, a splash pad, arcade, hiking paths, toddler-friendly play area (see photo), geocaching, and impressive list of additional indoor and outdoor sports (from golf to mountain biking, racquetball to paddle boats), it’s no surprise to the staff at Maumee Bay when kids don’t want to leave and find an amusement park.

Catering to four-season getaways, reunions, corporate gatherings, and especially to family vacations, Maumee Bay offers lodging in guest rooms (some are two-story lofts with bunk beds) and cottages (some with hot tubs, but all with kitchens, decks, and laundry rooms). A central point of activity is the main lodge where families can borrow board games, check the hourly event calendar, rent bicycles, or even take one of the park wagons out with kids in tow. Make sure to stop at the nature center, see the live mammals, reptiles, and educational exhibits ( be sure to look for butterflies emerging from their cocoons in the outdoor butterfly garden).

Shuffleboard wih a view at Mohican.

Central Ohio: Mohican State Park Lodge

In one of the most wooded of Ohio’s State Parks, Mohican State Park Lodge is built atop Clear Fork Gorge and overlooking the majestic Mohican River in the glacial valley below. In general, a hilly place to bike, hike, or otherwise enjoy nature, Mohican State Park didn’t forget about families.

Accommodation options span the lodge, four-season cabins, and camping (ranging from full-hook up to without electricity). With nearby outfitters for canoeing, canopy zip line tours, and four-season educational centers for learning about sustainable farming, you may have to tear your group away from the indoor/outdoor pools, shuffleboard board court, geocaching, outdoor playgrounds, tennis, or one of the  birds of prey demonstrations by a naturalist from the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. Or you could just congregate around the indoor fire pit with a deck of cards, good book, or fish tale earned earlier in the day.

Enclosed kiddie pool at Salt Fork.

Central Ohio: Salt Fork State Park Lodge

Located in Ohio’s largest State Park, at Salt Fork State Park Lodge you’ll find each of the four floors to be on ground level. Skilfully designed with minimal impact to the picturesque location, both wings of the lodge have lake views of the Salt Fork Reservoir. A paradise for boaters, fishermen, and hikers along the 17 miles of waterfront, Salt Fork State Park has camping, golfing, and nearby horseback riding for those of us who like to stay on terra firma.

In addition to the resort-like indoor and outdoor pool areas, impressive arcade and activity center (projects range from $2-$8 and can double as vacation souvenirs) , the lodge has a paintball course, geocaching, outdoor playgrounds, and indoor and outdoor fire pits. Cabins, pergolas, and camping are alternate lodging choices at Salt Fork State Park (campers are welcome to swim at the pool and dine at the full-service restaurant). A lovely location for a work outing or, say, an Ohio Bigfoot Conference, the lodge offers special rates and programs throughout the year. With complimentary use of the lodge laundry facilities, this alone would make our family annual guests.

Ski hill and archery range at Punderson.

Northeast Ohio: Punderson Manor State Park Lodge

Often thought of as Ohio’s boutique State Park lodge, Punderson Manor State Park Lodge feels a bit like taking a vacation in the English countryside. Equally picturesque in “true “Amish Country, Northeast Ohio has a gem of a wedding, reunion, or family vacation spot in their own back yard.

As with the other State Park lodges, Punderson Manor features indoor and outdoor pool areas, daily activities, playgrounds, hiking trails and tennis courts. Lodging choices range between the old and new editions of the Tudor-style manor and, the nearby family cabins. Open year-round, the “fast and steep” sledding hill (pictured without snow to the left) is a popular spot for toboggans and hot cocoa in the nearby warming house. Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and ice fishers are also welcome to explore the grounds.

* With the tag line “Beautiful places on earth,” Xanterra Parks & Resorts® (consisting of several affiliated Xanterra entities) operates lodges, restaurants, tours and activities at national parks and state parks and resorts. Xanterra Parks & Resorts is the country’s largest park concessioner. Xanterra Parks & Resorts has operations in the following locations: Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Crater Lake, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park, Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va. and eight Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also operates Windstar Cruises as well as Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Ariz.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, children now spend 53 hours a week in front of a television, computer, hand held video game console, cell phone, iPad… and some times, multiple devices at once. As you contemplate what to do with the last weeks of summer, we asked the experts at ARAMARK Parks and Destinations to tell us where they would like to spend some time outside.

Unplugging your kids on summer vacation doesn’t have to be a daunting task for parents. A great way to keep kids interested in what’s happening outside, instead of on their favorite TV show, is to take your family to an area rich with outdoor activities, and free from connectivity. Pick a rustic location far from cell towers or internet connectivity so you can’t cheat and go back to old habits.

But not to fret, a lack of technology does not mean a lack of fun. To help keep even the most tech-addicted child (or parent) entertained, we’ve chosen lodges that feature a number of outdoor activities — from guided hikes and kayaking to white water rafting and rock climbing, where kids will forget their digital devices as they drink in the fun of the great outdoors.

Just because these places aren’t connected, doesn’t mean they aren’t sophisticated. Expect first-class cuisine, featuring local and sustainable ingredients prepared in unique and different ways. Such acclaimed recipes include Mesa Verde’s Metate Room’s Turkey Napoleon which is a tribute to the wild turkeys that still roam the Mesa, and were a staple of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived on the Mesa 1,300 years ago; and Shenandoah’s Pollock Dining Room’s Chicken Riesling with locally raised chicken braised in Virginia wine with seasonal, local fruit.

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

The United State’s second largest man-made lake is a boating paradise. With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, sapphire blue water and red cliffs, it’s easy to escape the digital world at Lake Powell while on a houseboat. Many houseboats do come with a TV in case you need a little digital distraction. Be sure to see the Rainbow Bridge National Monument and if the water is high enough, take a small boat back to the entrance of the Cathedral in the Desert. The kids will love the Lake Powell Explorer Program while dad takes a fishing trip and mom does some shopping followed by a family horseback ride.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

In the heart of the West’s “Grand Circle” of national parks, Mesa Verde is the only national park established to protect the work of man. Farview Lodge offers three tours within the park that will show your children how the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived at Mesa Verde from 550-1300 AD, lived before the invention of the wheel—let alone the internet. Rooms at Farview are free of televisions or phones, the lobby does have wifi. Don’t miss the Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad tour!

Olympic National Park, Washington

On Washington’s Olympic peninsula, ARAMARK’s three lodges within the national park: Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Crescent Lodge and Sol Duc Lodge are each in a different eco system within this diverse park of rainforest, sub-alpine and coastal bluffs.

All three properties have spotty (at best) cell service and no available wifi. Rooms do not come with televisions or phones. The area is well known for hiking and fishing and also offers beach combing, kayaking/canoeing and hot springs for a relaxing dip.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Shenandoah National Park was established 75 years ago as a natural retreat for city dwellers, a task it still undertakes to this day. Big Meadows Lodge and Skyland Resort are both historic properties, built in 1939 and 1878, respectively. They lack cell service and wifi, and many rooms do not have televisions or phones. Shenandoah is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The park also offers horseback riding, rock climbing and nearby cultural attractions.

Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Wyoming

Togwotee Mountain Lodge is the perfect jumping off place for a Wyoming vacation with its close proximity to Wyoming’s top three attractions: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. In addition, Togwotee is close to a lot of regional outdoor activities from river floats to rodeos, giving you plenty of opportunity to rip your child’s eyes away from the electronics. While Togwotee does boast wifi and TVs in its cabins, you’ll be so busy doing outdoor activities, you won’t have any time to check what’s happening on Facebook.

Zephyr Cove Resort, Lake Tahoe California/Nevada

When Mark Twain first saw Lake Tahoe he declared that it was “the fairest picture the world affords.” The high alpine lake, deep in the Sierra Nevada still has this impact on people today. Zephyr Cove Resort features some of the only lake-front cabins on the lake. To entertain your tech withdrawing kids, there is a plethora of beach activities, water craft rentals, horseback riding and scenic cruises aboard the two paddlewheel boats. Some cruises feature entertainment from a Mark Twain impersonator or guitarist. While the cabins do feature televisions, wifi and some cell service, with such a beautiful lake right outside your door, even the most tech-addicted kid will have trouble staying indoors.

Looking for a vacation spot that won’t break the bank? We asked Dan Weisman of Flipkey.com, a leading vacation rental website, to give us some suggestions of destinations that are road trip worthy, great for families and fun to visit. Here are his recommendations:

I have distinct memories of a family road trip from Boston to Washington D.C. I was about six, and the ten-hour drive was close to unbearable. The best part was arriving at my aunt’s comfortable house where we stretched out, rested and relaxed after the long ride without all the rules and restrictions of a hotel. By the next morning, my siblings and I had already forgotten the drive and were ready to see the dinosaur bones at the Smithsonian.

Road trips with the family are easier and more fun when the accommodations at the end are as comfortable as home. You don’t even need to visit an aunt ten hours away to get a change of scenery – vacation rentals are often located in perfect family destinations where you can find an activity that makes everyone happy. Whether your tolerance for driving with the kids lasts 30 minutes or three days, here are some ideas for trips that everyone will remember long after they’ve forgotten the “are-we-there-yets.”

Theme Parks

Disney in the Backyard

Orlando and the surrounding towns are always favorite family travel destinations because of the proximity to Disney World. Forget the parks’ all-inclusive family vacation packages and save money by driving and staying in a vacation rental. Not only will you be able to choose which parks you visit (Disney park packages don’t include tickets to Universal Studios), but also you’ll be able to choose where and when you eat, and whether you want to take a day or two off to just relax. For those who don’t live anywhere near Orlando, consider another park, like Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, or Cedar Point in Ohio.

National Parks

Rocky Mountain NP

One of the USA’s greatest assets, the National Park System offers access to North America’s most incredible natural features. No matter where you live in the States, you can road trip to a comfortable cabin and have the great outdoors in your backyard. And, no road trip is more iconic than a visit to a National Park. If you’re looking for something different than the tried-but-true Grand Canyon road trip, head to Estes Park, CO, where Rocky Mountain National Park has awe-inspiring views and abundant opportunities for adventure. You can find out more about the National Parks near you by visiting the NPS website here.

Dude Ranch

What’s even better than arriving at a home near your destination? Arriving at a home that is your destination. When you stay on a dude ranch, your whole family can fill their days with activities like horseback riding, fly fishing and hiking, or you can kick back on the porch and read a book. However you choose to pass the time, you can’t go wrong with comfortable accommodations and access to rugged American beauty. Check out these Dude ranches in California, Wyoming, and Montana.

Ball Parks

Wrigley Field View

Not about to build your own field of dreams in your backyard? That’s alright – the great ballparks have already been built and are waiting for you to come check them out. As a native Bostonian, I recommend a pilgrimage to Fenway Park, but if your team allegiances and location make a trip to Beantown impossible, then try Wrigley Field in Chicago. For those who just want to catch a game with the kids, also consider minor league stadiums near your vacation home, which often have inexpensive tickets and fun activities for the family. Make it a family tradition, and try to road trip to every ballpark in the country, or find a fun way to pick which park you’ll visit this summer.

The Beach
It’s summer, so sand and surf (and for foodies, surf and turf) are on everybody’s mind. The best way to enjoy the beach? From a beach house, of course! There are so many great beaches and beach homes that I would need to do at least a top-100 list just to scratch the surface. Instead, here’s a tip on renting a beach house: look for a property with an outdoor shower; kids love the novelty of showering outside and you will love it when they get the sand off before coming inside.

Next time you plan a road trip with the family, think about setting up camp in a vacation rental right in the heart of the action. When you return home your kids won’t be asking, “are we there yet?” They’ll be asking, “when can we go back!”

by Betsy LaBarge, president and CEO of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Most travelers think of heading to a vacation rental with the family for a summer beach vacation.  However, the winter can be a great time to stay in a vacation rental, too.  In locales with winter climates, homes typically have fireplaces and wood stoves for ambiance and extra warmth.  The entire clan can enjoy a pot of homemade chili or sip on hot chocolate while sitting around the fire and watching the snowflakes fall outside.

1.       If you are going to a mountain destination with snow, be prepared.

• In our location (base of Mt. Hood, Oregon), we recommend a 4-wheel drive vehicle with chains or traction devices.   Then, still drive safely; 4-wheel drive does not mean you can zip over any road surface as fast you want to go.  Check out Oregon’s Winter Driving Guide for safe winter driving tips. Talk to the rental manager where you’re renting your home to get vehicle and driving recommendations and resources.
• Bring plenty of warm clothes for the entire family.  When you are out playing in the snow, you can get wet and will want a change of dry clothes.  Also, do not wear cotton when you are outside; it can get wet next to your skin and contribute to hypothermia. Be sure to ask about laundry facilities in the home you’re renting!
• Bring games, books, movies and other indoor activities.  You will likely spend more time inside than you would during a summer trip, so bring lots of fun things to do for the entire family.
• Bring flashlights in case there is a power outage caused by a storm. Do not bring candles as they can pose a fire hazard.
• If you plan to ski or snowboard, ask about storage facilities at the home and any special rules regarding your equipment.

2.       Make sure the home has good heating, is well insulated and that the pipes are freeze-protected.  Ask your Vacation Rental Manager about these details of the home.  Other good questions to ask are “Does the driveway get plowed and cleared?  Are the walkways and stairs shoveled?”

3.       Consider purchasing Travel Insurance.  Travel Insurance may cover a loss of non-refundable rent and tax payments if you are unable to travel to the rental home or if the trip is cut short because the home is uninhabitable due to a storm.

4.       Many vacation rental companies are able to offer really terrific deals and specials for lift tickets, sleigh rides, tube hills and other fun winter events.  Make sure you inquire about packages and specials when you make your reservation as some of these activities and offers need to be reserved in advance.

5.       If snow is not your thing, go to a beach destination during their Quiet Shoulder Season.  In many locations, the rental rate can be as low as 25-50% off the Peak Summer Season rates.  And the beach will not be crowded.  Depending on the location, you might still get fairly warm and sunny weather.  And in some cases, it may actually be cold and stormy which can be a lot of fun to watch from inside your warm vacation home.

For more information and useful tips to assist you in making the best choice when reserving a vacation rental this winter, visit Discover Vacation Homes’ resources page. They have lots of tips and info on renting a vacation home any time of the year.  

Betsy LaBarge is the president and CEO of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. Recognizing a business opportunity, Betsy started Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in 1991. The business has since grown to be known as the premier vacation rental company in the Villages of Mt Hood, Oregon. Betsy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Vacation Rental Managers Association and on the Clackamas County Tourism Development Council.

by Betsy LaBarge, president and CEO of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals

Staying in a vacation rental home is becoming increasingly popular for family vacations, especially because vacation rentals can be a fantastic value. Some of the benefits of staying in a vacation rental include having a lot more space for your family and friends, the use of a complete kitchen for preparing meals (saving money versus eating out and making healthier food), enjoying all the modern amenities of home like flat screen TV’s with cable, high-speed Internet, phones and sometimes luxuries that you don’t have at home like a pool table, theatre room, outdoor swimming pool and private hot tub all in awesome locations with ocean, mountain, river, desert and lake views.

With the growth of the popularity and availability of vacation rentals, there are some important things you can do to insure your visit will be everything you hoped for and more.

1.     Decide what is important to you in your vacation home accommodation. Remember the more items you “need”, the higher the cost of your vacation.  So if you are on a budget, pare down the list.

• Location: Is oceanfront a necessity or are you ok with being a few blocks from the beach? Also, check out the community you will be staying in. Do you like places with lots of night life and activity or do you prefer a quiet, sleepy little town?
• Size of home: How much square footage do you need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need to be comfortable? Do you want separate living spaces for the kids and the adults? Most vacation homes have occupancy limits for safety reasons, so don’t try to cram too many people into a home. With a vacation rental you can afford to spread out as the cost is typically much less per person than renting several hotel rooms would be.
• Which amenities are necessary and which would be nice? Many vacation homes come equipped with multiple TV’s and entertainment centers, game rooms, 2 kitchens, high-speed Internet, private swimming pools and hot tubs, access to recreation centers and more.
• Do you want to bring along your family pet? Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly. Just make sure pets are allowed at the home you will be staying in and that you inform the vacation rental manager that Fido will be joining you. And of importance to your pet, be sure this is a vacation that you will be spending with your pet.  If your pet is left alone in a strange home, he may cause damage and it really isn’t very fun for him either.

2.     Check the website listing of the vacation rentals you are interested in for guest reviews and testimonials.  This is a great way to find out if other people who have stayed in the vacation rental had a good time and if they would rent it again.  If the reviewers enjoyed some of the same activities you are planning on doing, it will help you to determine that this home will be a good fit for your vacation.  And be wary of reviews that are over-glowing with positive remarks; if there are a couple of minor concerns with a home, then you know the reviews are honest.

3.     Look for lots of good photos, virtual tours and videos.  These all give you a better sense of the feeling of the home and the surrounding area.  The interior photos and tours will help you see how the floor plan flows and if the home has the style and space that you need.  The exterior photos and tours will assure you that the home is really situated in the setting that you are looking for.

4.     Connect with a real person via a phone call or email.  Ask important questions about the home and the rental process.  Make sure the home has the amenities and characteristics that are listed on the website.  Ask about the proximity to recreation and activities that you will be enjoying while on vacation. Your inquiries should be responded to in less than 24 hours and they should be thorough, professional and friendly.

5.     Only do business with someone who treats the transaction professionally.

• First look for an Internet listing that has good descriptions and photos of the vacation rentals.
• There should be clear and specific contact information for the company you will be making your reservation with.
• The rates, payment policies and rental policies should be posted online; they should also be in a written rental agreement that outlines your arrival and departure dates, the name of the home you have rented, the rent, taxes and other charges with a grand total as well as any other important information regarding the rental of the vacation home.
• The best way to find a professional vacation rental manager is to make sure the organization you are working with is a member of the Vacation Rental Managers Association, www.vrma.com, as well as other professional organizations such as local Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, the Better Business Bureau and others.

For more information and useful tips to assist you in making the best choice when reserving a vacation rental this summer, visit www.discovervacationhomes.com/travelers.asp. This webpage includes:

• Vacation Rental Advantages over Hotels
• Travelers’ Testimonials
• Why a Vacation Home
• Vacation Rental Specials
• 10 Secrets to Saving on Travel with Vacation Rentals
• Top 8 Vacation Rental Myths, Debunked
• Vacation Rental FAQs
• Vacation Rental Planning Tips
• Choosing the Right Vacation Rental
• Listing of over 150,000 vacation rentals across the United States

Betsy LaBarge is the president and CEO of Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. Recognizing a business opportunity, Betsy started Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in 1991. The business has since grown to be known as the premier vacation rental company in the Villages of Mt Hood, Oregon. Betsy currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Vacation Rental Managers Association.

There’s more road trip news than we can fit into our regular features. The Friday News Roundup gives families the stories we think are the most important every week, all in one place. Your family road trip just got a little bit easier, week-by-week.

Free Admission to Museums for Military Families
Memorial Day is a great time to enjoy one of the more than 600 museums offering free admission to military families this summer. A partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts is making the program, known as Blue Star Museums, possible. The list of museums includes science centers, children’s museums and even New York’s Museum of Modern Art. There are free admission sites in all 50 states.

More Free Family Tours
The Marine Mammal Center (just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco) is expanding its popular low-cost guided tours to every day of the week (except Mondays and national holidays) during the summer. Self-guided tours of this working marine mammal hospital, research and education center are still free. Visitors who want to make a day of it can hike the miles of park trails around the facility and picnic along the beach. Other attractions in the park include the Nike Missile Site and Cold War Museum, Point Bonita Lighthouse, Fort Cronkhite, Headlands Center for the Arts, and the Headlands Visitors Center. Visitors to the park can stay at the Youth Hostel or the new Cavallo Point hotel and spa at Fort Baker.

Highway Stripes Paint Shortage?
Apparently, the paint used to paint highway stripes is in short supply. Two ingredients, methyl methacrylate and titanium dioxide, are not being produced as fast as demand for them in products like paint, sunscreen and LCD screens. Roads with faded stripes are significantly less safe. More than 60% of all traffic fatalities are caused by straying drivers, according to a 2008 study by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Everyone hopes the issue is resolved by the end of the summer, but in the meantime, pay extra attention on your family road trip.

Planning Goes Mobile
Just in time for the summer vacation season, the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association (KCCVA) has launched a mobile version of its award-winning website. Now accessible via mobile device at VisitKC.com, the industry-leading mobile site features traveler discounts, top events and all the necessary tools for planning a trip to Kansas City. (To preview the mobile site on your personal computer, go to http://m.VisitKC.com).

Tots Travel Too
Quick. What’s the one thing families can’t get at a hotel? If you guessed a crib or a portable crib,you’re right. Most hotels do not offer them because of the problem of sanitizing them between guests. But Marriott hotel brands Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Springhill Suites, Residence Inn and Townplace Suites now offer a travel crib and laundered COVERPLAY removable crib slipcover to families upon request. You can also ask the front desk for childproofing supplies such as outlet covers, nightlights, baby shampoo, and baby lotion, plus disposable bibs will be available in the breakfast areas. One less thing to pack for a road trip!

Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort

It doesn’t really matter whether you think the recession is over or not. The kids still want to see Grandma for the holidays. Heck, you probably want to see family or friends for the holidays too. But, airline tickets and rental cars might not be in the budget. The perfect solution could be a multi-family road trip. Just rent a condo, pack everyone in, and celebrate like you live there. But, unlike Grandma’s house, you get to pick a destination that everyone will enjoy even if spending time with the family isn’t your thing.

And, there are financial advantages to timeshare rental. Your budget will appreciate all the on-site activities for all ages. Adults can enjoy beer or wine tasting, poker, golf, and other recreational activities. Kids can have fun with craft activities, pool parties, and ice cream socials scheduled throughout the day.  And, timeshare condominiums have all the economical comforts of home. From full-size kitchens to washers and dryers dryers to keep up with the towels and wet suits from those refreshing dips in the pool.

Although most timeshare vacation rentals demand you stay a full week, there are some that let you opt in for as much time as you want, even a night at a time.  For example, you could choose to spend a couple of nights near Disneyland and then drive down to Carlsbad to enjoy the beach and LEGOLAND®.

I asked the experts at ResorTime.com, a popular source for on-line vacation and timeshare condominium rentals, for the top budget and family-friendly destinations. Their advice is to consider options that are chock full of stuff to do, plenty of space and great rates even during the holidays. For our list we factored great deals, good room availability, family activities both on-site and off and proximity to major interstates/population centers. In other words, you’ll have a good time.

Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is only 20 minutes north of San Diego and is close to theme parks, miles of beaches, some of the best public golf in the country and lots more for families. Check out LEGOLAND®, the fun theme park for kids 2-12 which recently added the SEA LIFE Aquarium.  This beach town is a quick drive to the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.   Rates for spacious condos start at $99.

Coronado Beach Resort

San Diego
Voted the #1 destination for families year after year, San Diego has something for everyone, no matter what time of year you visit. They don’t call it America’s Finest City for nothing. Downtown San Diego is highly regarded for its excitement, fine dining and bustling atmosphere.  Many families recommend condos in the heart of the famous Gaslamp or across the bridge in Coronado.  Some sites, like ResorTime.com offer restaurant certificates if you book online.

Anaheim
Disneyland is still the go-to place for any family. By stretching out in a condo you can save money on all that park food by eating at least one meal in your room. Some condo rentals even include kid-friendly breakfasts before you head out to see Mickey or drive over to Knott’s.

Palm Springs
Believe it or not, Palm Springs is popular in the summer and winter both. Deals abound during the summer, when families take advantage of the deep discounts, spa deals and excellent golf (just tee off first thing in the morning!).

Orlando
With rates starting at $97, and tons of activities for young and old alike, Orlando is the ideal place for a timeshare vacation condominium vacation. Orlando also has been offering aggressive discounts and offers to travelers, making a vacation more budget-friendly than you might think.  

Lake Tahoe
The sheer number of possible options in this natural wonderland make it a great place to find a bargain, summer or winter. Enjoy boating, water skiing and the ride up to the top of Heavenly in a gondola during the summer. Take a family ski lesson in the winter or just go sledding and relax by the fire. Rates start at $99.

Maui
It’s technically not a road trip, but the “Best Island in the World”, as voted by Conde’ Nast Traveler, is a great multi-family vacation, and many condos are large enough for three generations. Hawaii has also been one of the consistent deals in recent months and rates start at $130 currently. With airfare deals plentiful, this might be the time to convince the family to take hula lessons to work off the Thanksgiving meal.

Sedona, Arizona
Take a slight detour from your Route 66 trip and enjoy the Red Rock Country. Every one gets into the atmosphere with golfing, hiking, swimming and relaxing spas.  Whether you want to get away for a long weekend or take a week to remember what life was like before the Blackberry, Sedona is a great option.         

Branson, Missouri
An easy road trip from anywhere in the Midwest, rates start at $121 for two bedrooms. Good friends can share accommodations or grandparents can bring along the kids. You might even get the 4^th night free.  The golf is great and there is no end to the fun.  Within minutes of downtown Branson, you can find plentiful camping, fishing, hunting, rock climbing as well as beaches and resorts in the 100,000 acres of wilderness area.             

Las Vegas
Definitely a better location for those families with older kids, Vegas’ recent construction boom has given rise to plentiful condo rentals, and they can be very budget friendly. Whether you’re assembling the family for a wedding, weekend getaway or just want to bring the family along on a convention trip, it’s definitely more enjoyable to rent a spacious condo than a cramped hotel room.

From June 1 to August 30, families staying at San Francisco’s Fisheman’s Wharf can take advantage of a special package that pairs a stay at the Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf with a tour from Ride The Ducks San Francisco. Ride The Ducks offers 1 1/2 hour land and water tours of popular cities on amphibious vehicles.

Starting at only $224, the package includes overnight accomodations for a family of four (two adults/two children) with breakfast, tickets for a Ride The Ducks tour, four whacky quackers (whistles) and two San Francisco passports for the children. A signature amenity at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf, the hotel’s passport is given to children on arrival. They are then given stamps upon returning to the hotel from various adventures and popular attractions.

Visit fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call 800-233-1234 and ask for the “Just Ducky” package.