"
As spring break is upon us, the
family travel season moves into high gear. With the value sliding of the U.S.
dollar, many families may be re-thinking a vacation abroad and concentrating on
destinations closer to home, or at the very least, traveling to countries where
the dollar still has some clout. Here are a few options for saving those
hard-earned dollars while traveling with your family this spring and summer.......
Although you would generally
think that staying at Bed and Breakfasts was the pursuit of those seeking
romance or a quiet getaway for two, Bed and Breakfasts can also be surprisingly
family friendly. The BnB Finder website offers links to hundreds of bed
and breakfast properties that welcome children and you can search for properties
by state. They also offer tips for family-based get-aways staying a bed and
breakfasts with additional activities.
For example, a family farm
vacation at Weatherbury Farm (tel. 724/587-3763;
www.weatherburyfarm.com)
in Avella, Pennsylvania combines bed and breakfast accommodation with life on a
working farm and the chance to get your kids actively involved. Animals
on the property include goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, geese, sheep and cows.
Families staying for two nights or more are invited to participate in the
"Official Weatherbury Farm Kid" program. Younger children will do chores and
complete a picture worksheet while older children will have fun doing chores and
learning with a "Farm Workbook." Children who complete the program will be
awarded an "Official Weatherbury Farm Kid" certificate. Accommodation with
breakfast daily (and plenty of old-fashioned hard work on the farm) is priced
from $137 per night (for a minimum of two nights) for a family of four staying
in one room, or $181 staying in a suite. There are discounts of up to 20% for
longer stays."
