Let’s face it–with September comes school, soccer, football, cheerleading and a whole host of other activities. This means the last thing on most household members’ minds is next year’s family vacation destination.

Ironically, this is the perfect time to start thinking about where you and your loved ones plan to venture after swimsuit season makes its appearance again!

From a purely practical standpoint, if you’re like most families, you’ll need to start saving pretty soon to pay for your holiday.

But how much you’ll need for your next family vacation destination will vary greatly depending on where you decide to go. That makes it even more important for you and your kids, spouse and relatives to put your heads together and figure out exactly where to spend a week or two in 2008.

Ironically, most families do not discuss such matters until rather late in the proverbial game. Around March or April, they begin to [...]

If the state of Michigan isn’t on your list of family vacation destination possibilities, it should be… here’s why.

Recently, the highly respected National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD) handed out its prestigious 2007 Mercury Awards to tourism offices from across America and her five territories. Not only did Michigan’s tourism team win for best Television Broadcasting, it also snagged the title of Best Overall Program.

But what do these types of honors mean for your Michigan family vacation? Plenty!

This type of national recognition carries with it a commitment to continue the tradition of excellence that has won so many kudos. Consequently, any traveler to one of the many Michigan hotels is likely to be treated as if he or she were royalty.

Additionally, any locale providing Michigan lodging is going to be well aware that this kind of honor is special and can correspond to strong amounts of tourism. Thus, extra measures [...]

Many families planning their next holiday adventures to The Sunshine State never consider Florida condominiums for lodging. Regrettably, they flip by those sections in the travel magazine, unaware that Florida condominiums can offer some of the most economical travel packages for vacationers of all ages and groups of every size.

So why don’t more families immediately consider Florida condominiums?

It might be the word “condo”, especially if they grew up associating that term with “expensive” or “exclusive.” While there are condos that are more expensive than others, most of the Florida condominiums are geared at hard-working households that want to make certain their vacation dollars go as far as possible.

Perhaps another concern is what might be labeled “sticker shock”.

Some vacation planners might balk at first at the cost to house several of their loved ones at one of the many Florida condominiums. However, when you consider that most Florida condominiums include incredible amenities [...]

If your household is like most, you begin planning for your next family vacation getaway almost as soon as the last one ends.

From a financial perspective, this makes sense (not to mention “cents”.) After all, the sooner you start discussing whether to head to one of the many Tennessee log cabins or a South Carolina resort, the sooner you can gauge how much money you’ll need to make your vacation dreams come true.

To start you on the road to family vacation getaway paradise, GuestQuest is happy to share a few tips on how to start saving right now!

1. Change is Good

How many times do you find spare change lying around the house or at the bottom of your purse? Set up a jar in your kitchen or family room and designate its contents as the Family Vacation Getaway Fund (FVGF).

Every time a member of your household has extra pennies, dimes [...]

It may already be August, but “sun and fun” season is still in full swing!

If you’re planning to head to the shore anytime soon, it’s a good idea to put some thought behind packing for your family beach vacations.

Packing Tip #1. Leave Something Behind

Your house needn’t look vacant after you pack up your car or van. Regardless if you’re headed to a Florida vacation condo or similar family vacation spot, plan to only take what’s necessary. Often, that means merely a few changes of clothing (especially if you’ll have access to a washer/dryer) per person, minimal amount of toiletries, just necessary prescriptions, towels and bedding (perhaps) and one or two personal items (e.g., books, magazines.)

#2: Don’t Bring Mega Bottles of Certain Items

Why bring a full-size bottle of shampoo or conditioner to your Virginia lodging destination? Invest in travel-sized containers, buy “sample” products, or simply purchase these types of items when [...]

Step aside, cabins without character (let alone indoor plumbing).

Today’s cabins, especially the Tennessee log cabins we’ve found below, are the perfect treasure for vacationers!

Whether your tastes run mild or wild, there’s a Tennessee log cabin out there for you.

Take a gander at these beauties:

If You’re Looking for Relaxation…

Try a cabin with some old-fashioned country charm, like this Tennessee log cabin nestled in the mountains. Fireplace… comfy seating… it’s a prescription for rest and contemplation.

If You’re Looking for Romance…

Check out Tennessee log cabins like this one, complete with a Jacuzzi that’s calling your name. Grill every meal on the spacious deck and lounge on the porch.

If You’re Looking for Outdoor Adventure…

Try this snazzy place on for size! Hiking trails are in abundance and there are plenty of critters that stop by this dwelling for a peek. Take your camera!

If You’re Looking for Urban Flair…

This [...]

It’s a reality of life—kids are tough to please.

One minute, they adore something… the next minute, they loathe it.

No wonder traveling with the whole clan can be such a challenge!

But never fear. There are ways to make sure that your children don’t cast a negative spell on your next family vacation getaway. Here’s how…

A. Enlist Their Help

Sure, you might want to lug your kids to a beach house in Maryland, but if they aren’t “buying in” to the trip, it could make for a “so-so” time.

Instead of dictating where you’ll spend your week while away from home, enlist your kids’ help in figuring out where to go.

Introduce them to the many vacation guides that they can find online through GuestQuest. That way, if they start complaining, you can always remind them that they were a part of the decision.

Obviously, babies and toddlers won’t be much help in [...]

In today’s global environment, it’s commonplace for employees to travel frequently for work.

If you have (or your significant other has) an upcoming assignment to an interesting locale, why not turn the trip into a family vacation getaway that both of you (and maybe the kids, too) can enjoy?

For instance, if you’re being sent to St. Louis for a conference at one of the many Missouri hotels, why not stay there for an extra day or two? Though your employer most likely won’t cover the cost for anyone you bring with you, it still can be a serious bargain.

Consider this hypothetical scenario:

Don and Dawn are a couple living in Salem, Massachusetts. Dawn is sent to Williamsburg, Virginia to meet with a client on Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Her company is paying for her airfare plus a room in one of those old, lovely Virginia hotels. If Don [...]