(ARA) - American families have spoken: the vacation is a top priority. Ninety-four percent of Americans agreed that even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, according to a recent survey by Expedia.com. To keep the vacation affordable and easy, think about introducing your family to the splendor of the national park system - where activities are abundant and costs are minimal.

Expedia.com recently partnered with the National Park Foundation to provide a permanent, one-stop shop to help travelers plan and book vacations to America's national parks.

"There are excellent values for traveling families right now, and taking a trip to a national park is one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollars," says Lee Woodruff, author, travel expert and mother of four. "Families are looking for ways to reconnect with each other and what better option for an affordable vacation than a national park?"

Here are five easy steps to plan the perfect national park getaway:

1. Get Inspired: Ken Burns recently debuted a six-part documentary series for PBS titled, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Tune into PBS or order a copy online to find inspiration and a detailed look at some of the most beautiful places in the world from Acadia to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

2. Pick the park: With original content from the National Park Foundation, Expedia.com's national park Web site is the perfect resource for families to find the national park to fit their vacation needs.

The site offers pre-set "long weekend" itineraries to start your planning. You can also search through the "Can't Miss National Parks" section to learn about the park's location, its natural features, little-known facts including the best times to visit and activities to choose from in each area. Expedia's site also offers downloadable park maps to help you get your bearings.

3. More ways to save: Take advantage of the public amenities that national parks offer like camping and picnic sites. While there is a small entrance fee to the parks, you can cut back on costs by bringing your own meals and treating the kids to lunch by a waterfall or overlooking the Grand Canyon. Also, enjoy the free activities such as hiking, biking and birding that the parks offer.

4. Book your hotel and rental car: If camping isn't your family's style, consider any of the great lodges in and around the national park of your choice. And, if you're planning to rent a car, consider booking lodging and car together to substantially reduce the overall costs of your vacation.

5. Give Back: Consider giving back to the National Park Foundation by visiting the Web site, www.nationalparks.org and donate, or learn more about volunteer opportunities within America's national parks. Helping out in these small ways ensures the parks will remain beautiful so your kids can bring their own children one day.

"Planning the vacation is half of the fun, so get everyone involved in the process," says Woodruff. "There are so many options in our national park system, many of which have rich and amazing heritage, so the whole family is going to enjoy something when you visit."

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(ARA) - A vacation may be the last thing on your mind as the holidays draw near this year, but contrary to popular belief the holiday season is a great time to take a break. Pre-holiday season deals sweeten the appeal of a weekend getaway to decompress from the stresses of a busy fall and winter season.

"While airfares and hotel rates do rise on and immediately surrounding major holidays, the weeks leading up to those times can yield amazing deals and wonderful opportunities to escape the hectic pace of the holiday season," says Brad Dean, president and chief executive officer for the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Still not convinced now is the time for a quick getaway? Consider these facts:

Getting There

Airports will be crowded and frustrating as soon as the holidays arrive. Yet airfares are lower and airports are less crowded in the weeks leading up to peak holiday season. You're much more likely to score a good deal on airfare - and a less stressful airport experience - if you travel pre-holiday.

Driving trips are also easier before the holiday. Come Thanksgiving or Christmas, everyone will be visiting family and friends to celebrate. Highways are less likely to be clogged with traffic in advance of the holidays. To make the most of your weekend getaway, choose a driving destination that's easily accessible and offers the most "bang for your buck." Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example is a popular driving destination from many parts of the eastern seaboard and Midwest.

Hotel Deals

Hotel prices typically increase a day or two before a holiday - rates may even double over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. However, hotels are relatively empty and inspired to offer better deals in the weeks leading up to the holidays. In fact, rates can be reduced to more than half the cost of a room during peek summer season. You can find great package deals if you travel before the holidays, especially to affordable locations that are in their "off" seasons. Many beach resorts and hotels offer all-inclusive packages with admission to local attractions and many feature heated indoor swimming pools and even indoor waterparks.

Cool Prices on Hot Attractions

Attraction tickets that might seem pricey during high season will likely be more appealingly priced during the pre-holiday, "off season." Some outdoor attractions in more temperate climes, such as Myrtle Beach will stay open through the holidays, as will shows, indoor attractions and sites. Plus, you won't have to fight the "peak season" crowds or lines at year-round attractions like popular museums and aquariums.

A Taste of the Holidays without the Expense

What commercial venture in the United States doesn't stretch the holidays? With Halloween items appearing on store shelves in early September, is it any surprise that resort attractions will don their holiday décor and feature holiday-themed events and shows long before the actual dates arrive?

It's possible to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy themed shows, attractions and activities when you travel before the holidays. For example, the Myrtle Beach area offers everything from live holiday shows to candlelit gardens with carolers, Christmas tree festivals to holiday markets.   

To learn more about a pre-holiday getaway to Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - There is nothing easy about trying to plan a family vacation. Besides the challenge of figuring out where to go, there is the ever-present concern of finding age-appropriate activities for the entire family.

A classic activity that has stood the test of time around the country - and sometimes can be forgotten during the vacation planning process - is miniature golf. While for some it may not be the sole reason for choosing a destination, it is an activity that never fails to please once travelers arrive at their vacation spot.  

Many of the country's top miniature golf courses were originally built in tourist destination areas such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., which is considered the unofficial  "Miniature Golf Capitol of the World."

There are as many as 50 courses on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, which is located on the southeast coastline of sunny South Carolina, and with more than 14 million tourists visiting each year, the facilities are always busy.

"Mini golf is great no matter your age, athletic ability or golf skills," says Bob Detwiler of the popular Hawaiian Village course in Myrtle Beach, "It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, and may even spark some friendly competition during your family vacation."  

A versatile and diverting activity for any age, miniature golf is perfect for multi-generational travel groups, family gatherings, and even couples. Its affordability adds value to the vacation and is great entertainment for everyone.

Nearly all of the Myrtle Beach area's mini golf courses are meticulously landscaped and adorned with tropical plants and flowers throughout warm-weather months. But it's each course's unique theme that sets them apart from mini golf courses found anywhere else. From man-eating dinosaurs and 40-foot tall lava-spewing volcanoes, to high seas adventures aboard pirate ships, the area's mini golf courses offer a variety of options in ultra-thematic environments.

Some vacationers have even come to enjoy mini golf so much that they've taken up the activity as a competitive sport.  Each year Myrtle Beach's Hawaiian Village plays host to the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship in October when a slew of top mini golfers compete for the green jacket of ProMiniGolf.

"People are very intrigued by mini golf; there is a clear connection between the sport and happy memories associated with it," notes Detwiler. "More than 80 people participate in the Masters every year not only because it is competitive, but also because it's simply enjoyable and amusing for all who play."

For more information on the mini golf possibilities or to request a visitor's guide in Myrtle Beach, go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

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(ARA) - The holiday season is practically synonymous with family vacations. Visiting relatives you haven't seen in a year, gluttonous eating and cramming the whole crew into a hotel room with tight sleeping quarters and one bathroom. It's all par for the course, right? Well, it doesn't have to be.

Travelers are jumping on the vacation home rental bandwagon, where they're finding comfortable spaces, just-like-home amenities and a more relaxing experience - all for about what it costs to book a hotel room. In this tough economy, owners of second homes are increasingly renting out their properties for some extra cash, according to HomeAway, a collection of vacation-rental Web sites. And as the market floods, prices drop to lure renters.

A recent online search of hotels in La Jolla, Calif., a beautiful seaside community that's technically part of San Diego, revealed some hotel rooms starting around $150 a night during the holiday season. A search for vacation homes returned two bedroom, two bathroom options starting at just over $100 a night.

Not only do you get more space, you get the luxuries of home, such as a full kitchen, washer/dryer and parking, all of which are further money-savers. Plus, standard hotel rooms can be pretty boring, rarely lending insight into the destination's character. Vacation rentals are an actual person's home, albeit a second home. And some are even pet-friendly.

Here's how to find a vacation rental that suits your needs:
 
Where to start: Away.com, a research and travel-planning Web site, offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rentals, including houses and condos, from all over the Web. Find it at away.com/vacationrentals.

Be comfortable: If the thought of renting a vacation home "sight unseen" and directly from the owner is daunting, work with a property management company. Such companies, particularly ones with local offices, know the market well and might even be able to move you to another property if a problem arises.

Do your homework: Check out online photos and read all property reviews. If you're renting directly from an owner, reach out to them with questions and put a face to the transaction. And the golden rule: Clarify all costs and payment methods upfront. Time invested in the beginning will yield a more enjoyable experience in the end. 

Whatever you decide is right for your holiday vacation, book it now. As usual, the early bird will get the worm.

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(ARA) - Summer isn't the only season for outdoor fun. Winter brings cooler temperatures, glistening snow and plenty of opportunities for play.

If you love winter sports and pastimes, Washington State offers your family a huge playground for downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more. No matter if you are a young first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, the mountains, rolling hills and valleys found in Washington bring a breath-taking beauty to any winter outdoor sport.

For example, if skiing and snowboarding in Washington are on your to-do list this season, check out Crystal Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park where not only can you experience shushing through half a dozen basins, but also enjoy beautiful views of the mountain up close. Each year, snowboarders flock to Mount Baker, with an average annual snowfall of 647 inches, to experience terrain in one of the areas many call the birthplace of the sport. A short drive from the Canadian border or downtown Seattle, Mount Baker is an active volcano standing 10,778 feet, offering spectacular scenery and hundreds of acres to discover. Want adventure right outside the city? Head over to Snoqualmie Pass, one hour east of Seattle, which not only gives skiers and snowboarders of all levels excellent runs at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, but also provides access to tubing hills and cross country ski and snowshoe trails as well.

Snowmobile fans can find about 80 lots within Washington State Parks to park a car, unload the snowmobiles and head out on more than 3,000 miles of groomed trails. Echo Valley Sno-Park in the west central part of the state near Chelan and Lake Easton Sno-Park located on Highway 90 southeast of Seattle are just two of the popular sites to hit the snowmobile trails.

If ice skating is the winter sport that interests you, Spokane is hosting the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January - where the U.S. Figure Skating team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will be named, just in time for the opening ceremonies on Feb. 12, 2010.

Washington is just a short drive across the border from many of the Winter Olympic sport locations, making it easy for you to plan your outdoor fun around a quick trip to catch some of the Olympic action.

You say winter sports aren't your thing? Don't forget that the Puget Sound area often enjoys a snow-less winter, and cities such as Seattle and Tacoma offer a variety of indoor cultural experiences, including symphony, ballet, opera, live theater and Broadway road shows to name a few. For a relaxed adventure outside the bustling city streets, hop a ferry to the San Juan Islands and enjoy some winter island time with hiking, kayaking, shopping or just cozy fireplace-sitting.

Once you have your winter fun trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:

* Washington's climate is mild, but the mountains can be much colder. Average temperatures for the winter months range from near freezing to around 40 degrees in western Washington, with below-freezing temperatures in the mountains, so remember to pack extra waterproof clothes in case your trip includes mountain adventures.

* Plan ahead for the equipment you need. If you anticipate renting everything, contact a rental place near where you're staying or heading out for some fun before your trip to reserve exactly what you need. Visit www.experiencewa.com to find links for locations of recreation businesses and sites including rentals. If you're bringing your equipment, make sure you plan around airline baggage requirements or space in your vehicle to get everyone to Washington comfortably.

* Don't forget the sunblock. Yes, even in winter, the sun's rays reflecting off snow can cause a painful burn.

* Pack a camera to capture everyone carving the slopes or flying down a snow tubing hill.

For assistance in planning your vacation, visit www.experience.wa.com for events, transportation venue links, the official state travel planner, lodging opportunities and much more.

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(ARA) - Families that play together stay together - at least that's the common wisdom. Even in tough economic times, family vacations are worth the money, Americans agree.

In a national study by Expedia.com, 94 percent of Americans agreed it was worth it to take a family vacation. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds. Nearly 85 percent of those surveyed think the time they spend together as a family is what makes a trip special. The good news is, travel costs have dropped significantly in the last year, making family vacations the most affordable they've been in years.

This year, rather than forgoing a vacation altogether, many people are staying closer to home and taking shorter trips. Whether you have a day, weekend or an entire week to get away, trips within driving distance can be fun and help save money. In fact, good old-fashioned road trips haven't gone out of style. Most people (seven in 10) still enjoy them because they like making stops at family-friendly attractions and seeing interesting sights along the way.

Travel expert Lee Woodruff says online resources like Expedia.com are a great way to help plan a great family vacation on a small budget.

"Expedia has a brand new tool called Drive Getaway. You plug in where you are in the country, how far you want to go on a tank of gas or less and they'll come up with all kinds of ideas and places that you can go with the kids for one, two, three nights, whatever it may be," Woodruff says.

Some other tips for getting the most out of your family vacation:

Take advantage of last minute deals - More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) who have been on family vacations feel a spontaneous trip is more fun for their family than one planned well in advance of the vacation date. The good news is there's still time to take advantage of great vacation savings. Snap up dramatically discounted hotel rooms in top cities and beaches at Expedia.com's last minute deals page.

Revisit the past - Many of our fondest memories come from family trips. Revisiting favorite destinations that you remember as a child can be a great way to spend time off with your family. Nearly two in three (64 percent) parents who enjoyed family vacations while growing up have taken their own families to destinations they visited as a child. "Sharing a trip from your childhood is a special way to connect with the entire family and relive the memories you created in the past," says Woodruff.

Don't over schedule  - "Remember, this is a vacation! Don't over schedule. One activity or site a day is plenty," advises Woodruff. Trips to larger attractions can be alternated with inexpensive or free activities like picnics in nearby parks to help families stick to their travel budgets.

Involve the whole family --"Whatever you decide, be sure to get the kids involved in the planning. They'll be more cooperative and have a lot more fun if they feel they have a say," says Woodruff. Cruises can be a great option for family vacations. They offer activities that are fun for everyone and help families stick to their travel budgets since most cruises are all-inclusive.

Think off season - Booking travel during off-peak travel times can help maximize travel budgets. "While more than half of Americans like to take family vacations during summer, booking travel in the fall after Labor Day weekend can be just as enjoyable. Planning travel for off-peak times also allows travelers to take advantage of travel deals and smaller crowds," says Woodruff. Booking air and hotel together is another way to save money regardless of when you plan on traveling throughout the year. Travelers can save more than $200 per trip when they book their airfare and hotel together.

The average American who has taken a family vacation at some point in their lives admits it has been five years since they had a truly great trip with their loved ones. There's no better time than the present to hit the road and have some fun making memories with family and loved ones.

For more information about travel deals and destinations visit www.expedia.com. of ARAcontent

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Headed to Ohio? Check out some great deals on Polaris Hotels

(ARA) - Every fall, many families pack up the car to travel to see fall foliage. Cooler temperatures and vivid colors make fall the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature. Most regions have an area known for a vivid display of fall foliage, so families don't have to travel too far to enjoy autumn colors.

This fall, keep these tips in mind to get the most enjoyment from your fall foliage excursion:

* Research specific regions.

Many private and public parks offer trails for visitors, as well as camping accommodations and the opportunity to rent off-road vehicles or other recreational products. Be sure to ask for trail maps of the area to get the lay of the land and determine the appropriate trails for your family's experience level.

While flexibility is key to seeing the best colors, if you plan to camp or are visiting an area popular for fall foliage viewing, it is always best to check camping or hotel availability.

* Prepare for the weather.

Be sure to stay tuned to local news weather forecasts, Internet sites or contact the local tourism bureau to help predict the best time to plan your trip. Most foliage starts to change colors from mid- to late September and can last through the first part of November.

* Be part of the action.

Why stay stuck in the car or on foot to experience fall foliage? Riding down trails on an all terrain vehicle can give your family a whole new perspective on fall colors. The new two-passenger machines, like the Polaris Sportsman Touring and Polaris X2, give you the opportunity to share the views with the family.

As part of preparing for your trip, it is also important that your ATVs are in good working order so you can fully enjoy your trip without unforeseen pit stops. Have your machine serviced at a local dealership or change the oil, clean the air filter, check tire air pressure, and examine the brakes, all electrical wiring and bodywork to ensure nothing has come loose. It is also a good idea to carry a tire patch kit in case of a puncture from a rock or stump, and extra gas so you can fill up on the go.

Also be sure to pack all appropriate ATV safety gear including helmets, goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants and boots for all members of the family to ensure a fun and safe adventure to experience the wonders of nature.

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(ARA) - More and more Americans are cutting back their vacation plans in an effort to combat the rising costs of travel. By cutting back, families are traveling across the United States, exploring the rich scenery and life of this country without spending a huge amount of money.

Washington state offers your family plenty of scenery to explore and adventures to experience this summer and fall. It's the perfect escape from the doldrums of the office cubicle or the school summer vacation slump at home.

Envision yourself exploring the West like Lewis and Clark, hiking through the mountains on a cool day, fishing along an endless expanse of water, digging for clams on a beach or munching on juicy, fresh fruit plucked right from the tree.

Washington is diverse in its scenery and activities, both on land and water. Outdoor options range from climbing, hiking, orchard picking and whale watching to picking up a paddle, casting a line or teeing up. Indoor activities include the opportunity to eat dinner while rotating more than 600 feet up in the Space Needle, sampling premium wines with the wine maker, peering out of lighthouses along the Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean, or catching a Mariners baseball game.

Western Washington is in close proximity to Canada, and you can take a day trip via ferry, train, plane or car to Vancouver to watch the building of the Olympic stadiums or observe the events Vancouver has planned as the city prepares for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February. In fact, Washington State Tourism has launched a Web page designed just for travelers looking to plan a trip around the winter sports action.

A great sightseeing trip in northwestern Washington is the 440 mile Cascade Loop Scenic Highway which winds its way through Cascades National Park and Mount Baker National Park. This trip has many opportunities for your family to stop off in small towns featuring fun and attractive activities.

Day trip opportunities include train rides to explore the towns along the Puget Sound, or ferry trips to the scenic islands in the Sound.

Don't miss out on the abundance of fresh food Washington has to offer. Farmers markets are found in many communities where you can purchase produce that flourishes in the state's milder summer climate. An array of seasonal berries are favorites for many visitors. And several of the communities along the Puget Sound and the ocean cater to the seafood-lovers. Fish markets are common as fishermen sell off the morning's catch to individuals and restaurants alike.

Once you have your trip planned, don't forget these Washington travel tips:

* Summer daytime temperatures can range from the low 70s to the high 80s, so remember to pack layers, especially if you plan to do physical activities.

* Wear comfortable walking shoes.

* Don't worry about scheduling your visit around the rain - it doesn't rain hard enough to keep you inside. A rain jacket will keep you dry from one of Washington's common - yet often light - showers.

* If you plan to cross the border into Canada, bring your passport.

* Take a camera to capture your family and the beautiful scenery.

* Don't forget the sunblock - whether you're on the water or up in the mountains.

To decide where your adventure begins, visit www.experiencewa.com for events, tours, links to transportation venues, the official state travel planner, camping opportunities and much more.

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(ARA) - Weekend getaways, shorter vacations and overnight business trips are great ways to save money and are becoming more prevalent, according to the Bureau of Transportation. Taking a few simple and natural steps to stay safe and healthy while on the road can not only protect your travel investment, but enhance your entire experience.

Refreshed and alert driving diffusion

A shorter, thriftier trip is likely to be by car. The inevitable rush to make the most of the limited time away after a tiring work week can create fatigue, so don't make it a dangerous driving situation. Enliven your senses with essential oil scents.

Ditch the cardboard cutout car "freshener" that hangs from the rearview mirror. Not only distracting, these products are usually saturated with synthetic fragrance chemicals and probably aren't the best thing to inhale while enclosed in your vehicle. Instead, rely on a sleek essential oil diffuser that plugs into your automobile's phone charger power outlet. These devices feature small paper fiber pads to which you can apply your own custom blend of essential oils, allowing you to not only scent the air inside the car, but also to provide refreshing aromatherapy benefits to help keep you alert and focused on the road.

A simpler, alternative way to diffuse is to apply several drops of oil to a tissue and tuck it carefully into one of the vents in the dash.

Try these essential oils for the car: 
* Peppermint essential oil - refreshing, awakening, uplifting.
* Eucalyptus essential oil - bracing, purifying, protecting.
* Lemon essential oil - pleasant, deodorizing, cheering.

How clean is your hotel room?

Overnight stays in less than posh hotel digs may be part of the money-saving travel trend. Even upscale hotels aren't immune to dirt and germs, or worse, an apparent outbreak of bedbug infestations in the United States, recently publicized by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Bedbugs aside, there are always nagging doubts about just how clean a hotel room actually is. Has the shower or tub been scrubbed or merely wiped down? Is the toilet sanitized? Has the bedspread ever really been thoroughly cleaned? Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself after you check in, but before you settle into your temporary overnight home.

* Air and Surface Sanitizing Spray: Feel good about travel with a bottle of homemade purifying aromatherapy solution that relies on pleasantly scented and highly effective essential oils, rather than harsh chemical disinfectants. The following spray will help you create a hygienic environment in your temporary hotel home. Apply it to tub, vanity and toilet surfaces.

Ingredients:

Empty 12 to16 ounce spray bottle
10 ounces water
2 ounces isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or vodka
1/2 teaspoon tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial)
1/2 teaspoon lemon essential oil (cleansing)
1/2 teaspoon lavandin essential oil (protecting)
1/2 teaspoon sweet orange essential oil (freshening).

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle. Shake and apply to a washcloth, and wipe down the TV's remote, the clock radio, the door handles and the faucet handles in the bathroom.

* Purifying and Relaxing Linen Mist: Here are some great tips for making a strange bed feel more like home. Take along your own pillow and replace the ones provided. Create your own linen mist and use it on your own bed at home, then travel with the same blend, taking a little bit of home with you. When you arrive at your destination, turn down the covers, exchange the pillows and apply your signature scent to the bed.

Ingredients:

Empty 4 to 8 ounce spray bottle
4 to 8 ounces water
13 drops lavender essential oil (relaxing, calming)
5 drops lavandin or spike lavender essential oil (purifying, protecting)

Directions:

Combine the water and oil in the bottle. Shake the contents thoroughly just before application.

Remember to look for pure and natural essential oil brands like Aura Cacia that don't include synthetic petrochemical fragrances. For more information on how to enhance your life through aromatherapy, visit www.auracacia.com. of ARAcontent

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