It’s almost the end of 2007, and although most families are deeply entrenched in holiday planning, it’s never too early to begin considering the best family vacation spots for next year.

Obviously, what you and your loved ones will find perfect won’t suit another couple or group; thus, it’s essential to talk with your clan to determine the ideal family vacation getaway locale for all of you in ’08.

In this post, the gurus at GuestQuest have put together some straightforward discussion points to get your brood started on planning for a summer to remember!

1. What does your family like to do?

If you’re all into swimming, family beach vacations seem like a good bet. Whether you choose a room in one of those lovely Delaware resorts or a suite among Florida condominiums, you’ll have a terrific time.

2. What is your price range?

Though you may want to head to a Tennessee log [...]

Let’s face it. At one time or another, we have all allowed ourselves to become so consumed by… well… consumerism… that by the end of the holidays, our piggy banks are squealing with hunger.

And what do we do to feed our pink friends? We scale back on the following year’s family vacation getaway, choosing a not-so-hot spot (did someone say Uncle Larry’s dilapidated hunting cabin?) instead of one of the best family vacation spots ever.

So what’s a typical parent to do? Turn a blind eye toward the holiday season and hope the kids don’t notice? Pretend that a tree isn’t something special? Eschew all gift-giving?

Nah.

Really, the average family doesn’t have to agonize or stop celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa. Instead, they just need to be a little more thoughtful about where their finances are going.

To keep you and your loved ones on a path to a fabulous family vacation getaway [...]

So you’re the generous type… and that means you have decided to wow your relatives (and perhaps a few very close friends) by giving them family vacation packages as holiday presents.

As beautiful a sentiment as that can be, it’s important to exercise a little caution when engaging in this kind of gift-giving.

After all:

– Most people tend to enjoy choosing their own family vacation destinations; having someone else dictate where they should go could be irritating.

– Some folks like receiving “stuff”, not experiences. If your Auntie Betty fits that category, she might not feel that tickets to one of those gorgeous Delaware resorts fits her expectations.

– If you go overboard on your spending, recipients could wind up feeling as if you’re trying to “one up” them (e.g., throwing your money around) even if that isn’t your intention.

However, this doesn’t mean that giving family vacation packages for Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa [...]

It’s no secret. The holidays are dreaded by a good number of people. In fact, tons of adults feel completely overwhelmed by the mere mention of the impending expectations of November and December.

But listen closely.

There’s a way to beat those seasonal blues.

Just grab your nearest travel magazine, hop online and sign yourself and your closest kin or buddies up for a week “away from it all.”

Believe [...]

Most people hear about Salem, Massachusetts, early in their school careers (usually during a social studies or history class.)

1692.

The witch hunts.

The trials.

The accusations.

The hangings.

The hysteria.

It’s enough to make anyone shiver with horror (and perhaps a bit of eerie interest.)

This autumn, why not make a trek with your loved ones to Salem and enjoy one of the best family vacation spots in gorgeous New England?

There, you can experience one of the most memorable family vacations you’ve ever taken by exploring this old city on foot.

Take in the incredible architecture and ambiance which has been kept up-to-date by townspeople who are proud of their past.

In the evening, indulge in a horse drawn carriage ride or harbor cruise. Or take a journey back [...]

In the lively tradition of riddles and rhymes, can you determine the following family vacation destination?

(Hint: It’s a northern state.)

The biggest magic supplies maker calls me home;

My Capitol boasts a magnificent dome.

I’m number one in boat registrations

And boast the first land-grant university in the nation.

Our zoo gave the animals freedom to roam –

No cages for them, they could be right at home!

Stevie Wonder was born here,

Madonna was, too.

As were Ted Nugent, Tommy James,

And corn flakes for you.

So who could I be?

Please guess. (Yes, you can!)

I’m none other than…

Michigan!

DISCLAIMER: Our apologies to real poets! But it was fun to compile all the wonderful things [...]

During our family vacation destination trivia tour, we’ve traveled from the northeastern part to the southeastern region of the United States.

Next up is a state with a young pulse and an historic past.

Can you guess its identity based on the following photos?

Still stumped? Try these fun facts on for size:

1. Author Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up in this state.

2. In 1904, this state hosted the World’s Fair. Iced tea was reportedly served during this even for the first time in recorded history.

3. The mule is this state’s animal.

4. This state was the birthplace of President Harry S. Truman.

5. In American Indian, this state’s name means: “Town of the Large Canoes.”

It’s the proverbial “gateway to the west”… none other than the Show Me state [...]