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 [...]

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 [...]

A new day, a new chance to play GuestQuest’s family vacation spot trivia!

This time, we’ll choose a state south of the Mason-Dixon line where you and your kinfolk can discover the following cool locales:

Okay, so where are all these fantastic places?

Where can you find the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi, a cute-as-a-button otter and an amazing steam locomotive?

Sure as you’re born, it has to be South Carolina!

Yesirree, South Carolina offers more in the way of family vacation getaway possibilities than merely sunny beaches (though staying at a seaside South Carolina resort isn’t a bad way to spend a week or two!)

Try South Carolina on for size it. [...]

Are you in the process of planning your next family vacation destination? If so, you’re probably gathering information and facts. Consequently, there’s NEVER been a better time to enjoy some family vacation spot trivia!

Can you guess what state these photos are from? (No fair peeking at the end of the post!)

photo i

photo ii

photo iii

Give up?

How about a hint?

The family vacation spot for all these places is commonly known by the motto “The First State”.

Know it?

If you said “Delaware”, give yourself a gold star!

Here’s the lowdown on each of the images:

photo i: Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Milford, Delaware

photo ii: Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover, Delaware

photo iii: The Futuro House, Lewes, Delaware

The moral of the [...]

If you’re planning a family vacation getaway this autumn, look no further than the Keystone State, Pennsylvania.

Though the leaves are still a brilliant shade of green in most areas of the Commonwealth, they’ll soon turn to eye-catching hues of gold, rust, and orange.

When fall foliage hits the PA scene sometime around early October, the state becomes a prime family vacation spot, with plenty to do and see for each and every visiting individual.

There are apple festivals, pumpkin celebrations, harvest days, and nature walks. And for adventurers, mountain hikes and rails-to-trails offer tons of fitness fun.

This time of the year is also a terrific opportunity to take advantage of discount deals at Pennsylvania hotels and condominiums in Pennsylvania (especially those in the larger cities). [...]