When Nana says, “Sunscreen,” you do it.

Beaches are the perfect place for family vacations. Unlike amusement parks and museums, there is never a charge (parking or state park fees may apply), and you can spend the whole day. All you need is sunscreen, a hat, and something comfy to sit on. The sand is complimentary.

This post is part of the Uptake Family Friday Series.

Photo: Whit Honea

This post is part of Uptake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. Words explaining why it is wordless don’t count.

Photo: Krystal International Vacation Club Flickr

Pool in the Caribbean Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos

When I was a kid, our family vacations usually consisted of long car rides and gas station food serving as bookends for a holiday spent with grandparents. In really good years, we got to add state parks or a visit to the regional amusement park to the mix. I was just happy to be out of school and sleeping in a house where I couldn’t get grounded. I had no idea what I was missing.

Today’s family vacations have been given a major upgrade by all-inclusive resorts like Beaches Turks and Caicos that cater to families. The Illinois countryside has been replaced with a Caribbean beach, and the pint-sized travelers can expect just as much pampering at the luxury compounds as the parents who are footing the bill. Read More »

A Seaport Village Sunset

Looking for a getaway to warmer climes this winter, for you and your significant other? Consider San Diego, California! You can have a FANTASTIC time for around $300! That includes lodging, meals, and entertainment – if you drive, you’ll have to figure in the price of gas. If you fly, you’ll have to figure in the price of airfare and vehicle rental. This is for a two-night stay, including two breakfasts/lunches/dinners, and two days of activities.

Here’s where you stay:

I used Expedia to find hotel rates at around $80 per night – trust me, there are a TON of them. The Best Western Mission Bay and the Wyndham Garden San Diego are each a couple of blocks from Mission Bay, and fifteen minutes from the Gaslamp District or the ocean. The Pacific Shores Inn is a mere 100 yards from the Pacific ocean and San Diego’s famed boardwalk.

Total Cost: about $175

Here’s where you eat:

Breakfast:
Each of the hotels above offer complimentary breakfast – for this budget to work, you need to count on eating a free morning meal at your hotel of choice.

Lunch:
Day One: The Boardwalk Bistro (on Mission Beach) – grab two lunch combos (salad, soup and 1/2 sandwich) and a drink for $10.00 each.
Day Two: Greek Island Cafe (Seaport Village) – share a Combo Platter which includes Gyros, Souvlaki, Salad, Pita, Dolma, and Spanikopita. Add a couple of drinks and get out of there for under $20.

Dinner:
Day One: Split a pizza and a house salad at the Sidebar in the Gaslamp District. Throw in a couple of glasses of wine and spend about $35.
Day Two: Time to spoil yourselves a little bit! Indulge in dinner at the Coronado Boathouse – seafood entrees are about $25 per person, so if you add drinks you’ll probably spend about $65.

Breakfast = $0
Lunch = $40
Dinner = $100

Total Cost: about $140

Here’s what you do:

Day One: Hit Mission Beach and the Oceanfront Boardwalk. People watch, wander shoeless in the sand, soak up the sun, and be lulled by the sound of the waves. In the evening enjoy the culture and vivacity of the historic Downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

Day Two: Check out Seaport Village during the day – watch the boats meander about, window shop, and enjoy the fresh sea air. In the evening cross the bridge over to Coronado Island and experience the energetic yet serene island atmosphere.

Total Cost: The $35 you have left in spending money! The perfect amount for some San Diego themed souvenirs!

Photo credit:

- Seaport Village by Jay Martinez on Flickr Creative Commons.