Spring is on the horizon–most of us have the days counted, don’t we? Our kids are counting the days to spring break! What’s a family to do?

Depending on your budget, schedules, wishes and interests, a memorable spring break is possible for anyone. While you’re planning for spring vacation, remember summer’s on the way too!

 Ideas & Tips for family travel: http://travelingtoday.com/

Memories can be made with your children without traveling thousands of miles to Mickey or Minnie. Vacations spent playing tourist in your own state are fun-and educational (don’t tell the kids!) Priceless memories, made without spending a fortune!

Find a map, close your eyes and point to your adventure! When you decide on a place, the first thing to do as a tourist is to contact your destination.

The internet is helpful, but be sure to follow your surfing with a call to the chamber of commerce.  Ask for coupons, dining recommendations, community events (theater, exhibits, etc).  Find their local paper on-line to read up on local events and places of interest.

When choosing lodging, compare prices and amenities. Consider paying a little more for kid friendly amenities (free meals, larger rooms, pools, etc.) Some family favorites are Embassy Suites & Holiday Inns- family rates & packages designed to make travel fun for all involved.

If you plan to visit many areas in your area –or you plan to travel out of state, a popular savings option is an Entertainment coupon book. You can buy a book for most major cities in the country. (Entertainment books are usually cheaper this time of year!)  They can pay for themselves within a single trip (and certainly within a year’s use for your home book). Once a member; you can find other discounts for other areas you travel as a member of the Entertainment website.

Visit http://www.entertainment.com for more information; enter your zip code to see potential savings. An Entertainment book has many coupons for attractions, dining, movies,  (these must be ordered in advance), shopping and travel.  (After your vacation, sell the book via Craigslist.org to someone living in that city.)

Planning a spring break at home? With your family, plan some fun activities. Consider an indoor camp-out, “theme days” with a particular country’s ambiance (where are your ancestors from?) or relive your Jr High Days with some PJ Days, Backwards Days and silly contests!  (Imagine the scrapbook pictures!)  If you’re in the mood to drive, play tourist in a neighboring community. Call ahead for suggestions & ideas.

For an online tour of National Parks & their amenities: http://www.nps.gov/

Remember your camera and capture your vacation in your family scrapbook. Be sure to mail yourselves postcards too, as these pictures also will be something to enjoy in years to come.

Close to home vacations are an awesome opportunity to journal your family’s history & adventures. Show yourselves a good time and share with your children some of their heritage.

Family activities both at for your home and on the road can be found at 

http://www.gameskidsplay.net

http://www.activitiesforkids.com

http://www.amazingmoms.com

http://www.apples4theteacher.com
(this site has online-timed (or printable) word searches which are educationally addictive- other activities for reading, poems, science & more!)

Travel back in time, visit a new state or meet amazing Americans at http://www.americaslibrary.gov
Check out the jukebox tunes & animate a cartoon!