family vacations

5 Spectacular Amusement Parks for Thrill Seekers

Nick Wharton — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 08:00:10 +0000

You crave that feeling of anticipation deep down in your stomach when you get in line for a ride. The lightheaded intoxication that takes over your body when you strap yourself in. The unparalleled rush of excitement you experience when you're hurtling through the air at breakneck speeds. You're not alone.

There are thousands of people all over the country who are constantly on the lookout for that next knee-knocking roller coaster ride. If you've got an insatiable thirst for the excitement that only a roller coaster can bring, check out these five theme parks for thrill seekers. (See also: Beyond Disney: 8 Affordable Family Destinations in the U.S.)

1. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Location: Valencia, California

Cost of Day Pass: General Admission $84.99, Junior $59.99

If roller coasters are your thing, then Six Flags Magic Mountain should be right at the top of your theme park bucket list. It has an unprecedented 19 roller coasters — the most of any single theme park in the world.

Though there are plenty to choose from, the most intense rides will have even the coolest cucumbers screaming at the top of their lungs. The DC Super Heroes Drop of Doom boasts a 400-foot vertical drop tower enhanced by a virtual reality headset that shows you falling from a tower as the ride free falls at speeds of 85 miles per hour. X² is also guaranteed to get your heart pumping, with seats that twist and flip at 360 degrees while music, sound effects, and fire surround your journey at 76 miles per hour.

2. Cedar Point

Location: Sandusky, Ohio

Cost of Day Pass: General Admission $72, Junior $45

Known as "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World," this park has 18 stomach-dropping roller coasters, and six of them are over 200 feet tall. Cedar Point has astonishingly been entertaining visitors since it launched its first ride in 1890, and has consistently remained competitive with other parks featuring cutting edge rides.

The park is known for its tall roller coasters, including the Millennium Force at 310 feet, and the Top Thrill Dragster with eye-watering speeds of 120 mph and a dizzying maximum height of 420 feet. Yet it’s not all about height. The Maverick roller coaster is just 105 feet tall and reaches speeds of "only" 70 mph, but it’s regularly voted one of the best rides in the country with a vertical drop, inversions, and breathtaking launches.

3. Kings Island

Location: Mason, Ohio

Cost of Day Pass: General Admission $70, Junior $43

Kings Island is a top pick for more traditional ride fans, possessing four of the best examples of wooden roller coasters you're likely to find. For example, The Beast is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world and has held that record for nearly 40 years since it opened. Then there's the newly built Mystic Timbers, which offers plenty of airtime with speeds up to 53 mph.

But it's not all about wooden rides. The park also has a plethora of brilliant and modern structures to make your hair stand on end. The world's longest steel inverted roller coaster, Banshee, will have you screaming like one.

4. Carowinds

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Cost of Day Pass: General Admission $67, Juniors $47

Carowinds proudly proclaims itself to have a selection of some of the "biggest and baddest roller coasters around." And the park easily lives up to that statement with giant rides that you can see towering over the surrounding landscape as you approach the park, giving you a good idea of what's in store for your visit.

Fury 325 is the cream of the crop, as it's the tallest and fastest giga coaster in the world standing at 325 feet and hitting speeds of 95 mph. Then there's the NASCAR-themed Intimidator, which lives up to its name with seven menacing drops along the race to the finish line.

5. Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia

Cost of Day Pass: General Admission $90, no Junior Prices

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a reputation of simultaneously catering to all age groups, making it hugely popular with families. Younger kids will be taken with the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, teens and young adults will revel in the wild thrill rides, while older generations can enjoy craft brews and pretzels in the German themed bars and beer gardens.

But just because it effortlessly caters to all ages, doesn't mean it's short on adrenaline-inducing attractions. Apollo's Chariot is an award-winning hypercoaster with "free flight" elevated seating and a combined 825 feet of drops. The classic Loch Ness Monster has been delighting visitors for over 40 years with its double-looping course, and Alpengeist is a favorite among visitors due to its high-tempo inversions mimicking an out-of-control ski lift.

How to get the most from your theme park visit

Book online and in advance for the best prices, which can be up to 50 percent off general admission for tickets bought at the gate. Booking online will also save you the time it'll take to line up at the front gate to purchase tickets.

You should also follow your favorite theme parks on social media, as many theme parks regularly dish out discount codes or special offers to their followers.

And if you're planning to visit any of these parks regularly, consider purchasing season passes, as you can end up saving a ton of money compared to buying several single-day passes for each time you return. (See also: How to Have a Fun Family Road Trip Without Breaking Your Budget)

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Affordable Vacations to Please Every Age Group

Holly Johnson — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:30:11 +0000

Vacations offer a break from the daily grind while giving us time and space to connect with the people we love. Sometimes that means kids, grandparents, and everyone in between. A trip that includes family members or friends of all ages can be a great bonding experience. But you'll need to keep a few things in mind when planning where to go and what to do.

For starters, vacationing with any type of group (friends, family, or work colleagues) can present budgeting challenges. While one person's budget may be nearly unlimited, another's might be fairly tight. When you start perusing lodging, dining, and activity options, you'll need to keep everyone's budgets in mind.

With large age differences in your group, chances are also good that not everyone will always agree on activities. Grandma might love spending her days lazing on the beach, while the younger ones might yearn for sports. Some types of travel make it easier to satisfy everyone's desires. Before you pick your next destination for a multigenerational getaway, consider some of these easy, affordable options. (See also: How to Save Money on Travel With an Awesome Group Vacation)

1. Cruises

Cruises offer a somewhat affordable way to fashion a group trip with everyone's tastes in mind. You can opt for a cruise to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Alaska, just to name a few destinations. The best part is, the majority of cruises offer onboard entertainment to please everyone, including nightly shows, bingo and casinos, and pools with waterslides. (See also: Best Credit Cards for Cruises)

Accommodating different sized pocketbooks is simplified, too, because everyone gets (mostly) the same thing for a single all-inclusive price. Since food and nonalcoholic beverages are included onboard, you won't have to worry about different budget constraints. And if someone wants to spend on pricey excursions, they can do so without getting everyone else involved.

It's also worth noting that some cruise lines offer family cabins that make bringing extra people along a breeze. With MSC Cruises, for example, you can book a "super family" suite that sleeps up to six. Even better, kids ages 11 and under cruise for free on many itineraries, including most in the Caribbean. (See also: Most Affordable Cruise Lines for Families)

2. All-inclusive resorts

All-inclusive resorts offer yet another one-stop-shop for families who want to vacation together without haggling over bills. With an all-inclusive resort, all of your food, drinks (including alcohol), and entertainment are included for a single price. That means everyone in your party can drink and dine to their heart's content without worrying about their budget. (See also: Family-Friendly Hotel and Resort Chains Where Kids Stay Free)

Keep in mind, however, that all-inclusive pricing runs the gamut from budget to luxury. You'll need to gauge everyone's spending limit before you pick a resort, or you risk not everyone being able to afford it. (See also: 11 Ways to Get the Most Value From Your All-Inclusive Vacation)

It's also worth noting that some all-inclusive resorts are better for large groups since they go beyond the basic dual occupancy room and offer lodging such as multiroom villas or adjoining rooms. Generations Riviera Maya, for example, offers deluxe two-bedroom and three-bedroom suites big enough to hold six adults and six kids.

3. Rent a large apartment or condo

Vacation property rentals aren't just for parents who don't want to room with their kids. They also work well for larger groups and multigenerational families who need some extra space. With short-term rental sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, you can rent a condo or a home of nearly any size and in any destination around the globe, and often for less than you'd pay for a hotel.

Let's say you're taking your spouse, your two children, and your parents to Disney World in Orlando for a week. You could book separate hotel rooms for $100+ per night each, or you could pay about that amount for a multi-bedroom private home. For example, you can find plenty of three-bedroom condos near Disney World for as little as $99 per night through VRBO.

With your own kitchen, you can also save a bundle by preparing your own meals at "home."

4. Train travel

Who said train travel was dead? These days, you can book all kinds of family trips around the country through Amtrak.

While train travel might sound stuffy and uncomfortable, a renewed interest in this form of travel has brought about new amenities and perks for families. For starters, most overnight trains feature dining cars that serve three meals per day. You can also reserve rooms that sleep up to four.

There are a ton of options available to suit nearly any travel style or goal. For example, Amtrak offers vacation packages for destinations like the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Niagara Falls, as well as popular cities such as New York and San Francisco.

Prices are fairly affordable, too. For example, you can book a six-day Grand Canyon getaway with round-trip train travel from Chicago, three nights in a hotel, two meals, and a train tour of the canyon starting at $1,009 per person. (See also: 7 Affordable Family Getaways When You Don't Have a Vacation Fund)

5. Family campgrounds

Another no-nonsense family vacation concept is one that's been around forever: camping. Depending on where you live, it may be possible to find a campground that accommodates your family group, either separately in tents or in cabins or campers. (See also: Easy Ways to Save on Your Next RV Camping Trip)

The best part about camping in groups is that you can all prepare your own separate tents and sleeping arrangements, then gather together for games or meals. If you need some extra space, you can even book your own camping spot away from the group.

Meal prep is also easy when you're traveling with a group. Different people can prepare their own meals to bring along, or you can pitch in for group meals by having everyone bring a dish or two to share. (See also: Camping for a Week Is Only $160 at These National Parks)

While camping is inherently frugal, the price you'll pay to secure your spot can vary dramatically across the country. Before you choose a campground for a group trip, make sure to shop around for rates and compare amenities and "extras" like pools and water parks. Some camping spots are chock full of activities like mini-golf, swimming, fishing, and water sports, but others focus on maintaining their connection to nature. The best campground for your family trip is one that's tranquil enough for nature-lovers but busy enough to keep everyone happy.

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Enjoy Disney World on the Cheap

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:00:03 +0000

Since we live in New York, my four-year-old daughter hasn't yet confronted us with the mighty D-word. That's right: Disney. However, as she's getting older, we've been seriously contemplating a trek. But the price tag can be a bit intimidating.

Think you can't afford a Disney World vacation? Think again. Here are a few ways to ease the financial burden, as well as some smart tips that will keep more dollars in your pocket. (See also: 8 Affordable Amusement Parks That Are Just as Fun as Disney)

1. Travel

If you're going to fly, try booking early — really early. You can also save on airfare by flying into different airports, experimenting with different arrival dates (think mid-week versus weekend), and using tools like Kayak's flight search to both track and compare prices. (See also: 10 Flight Booking Hacks That Can Save You Hundreds)

2. Accommodations

A lot of people think they need to stay in the Disney resorts to have the best experience. But that just isn't true. You can have a great time and save money by investigating hotels that are just a few miles away.

My family always stayed at an Embassy Suites. The place came complete with an awesome pool, complimentary breakfast, cocktail hour, and other fun family events. We also had a small kitchenette in our room and lots of space for a family of four at a fraction of the resort price.

Concerned about transportation to the parks? Many nearby hotels offer free shuttle services that run all day, possibly eliminating your need to rent a car. Yes, the Disney hotel package deals can look appealing — but do your research. Map out a few hotels that meet your budget and other criteria. Then call them to see what kinds of perks they offer.

3. Tickets

There's really no "off season" at Disney, but the crowd is less intense from mid-January through March. Weekends also tend to be bustling because locals flock to the parks for quick getaways. Mousesavers.com shares that during peak times, not only are hotels and tickets more expensive, but Disney even raises its food prices.

According to these sites, the best times to visit (with regard to both crowds and prices) include:

Mid-November through mid-December (except Thanksgiving)
Mid-January through mid-February
First three weeks of May
Late August through September

If you don't have a lot of flexibility with timing, you can still save on tickets. Sites like Undercover Tourist offer tickets at reduced rates. You may even be able to score a deal by heading to the local Orlando Walmart for discounted multi-day tickets.

And don't forget to check out Disney World's Special Offers page. The parks give discounted rates to military, Florida residents, and more. Call ahead to see if you qualify or check with other groups (for seniors, union members, AAA, etc.) that might offer discounts.

4. Food

When you're walking around the parks all day, you're going to get hungry and thirsty. Think ahead by packing your own snacks and beverages in a small backpack versus buying them individually at the park. A single bottle of water costs several dollars, so bringing your own (or a reusable bottle to refill at fountains) is a solid idea.

With meals, pick and choose your splurges. There are plenty of off-campus restaurants you can enjoy on your way to and from your park visit. Try clipping coupons before you go or look for offers directly on the restaurant's website. Packing some sandwiches and snacks can ease your hunger at lunch. And if you choose a hotel that offers a free breakfast, you're going to save big on the most important meal of the day.

5. Other Ways to Save

I have a friend who paid for her first trip to Disney (hotel and tickets) entirely through credit card points. Use any cash rewards credit card or airline rewards card to rack up on miles, and you can save up enough to pay for your trip in no time. (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)

You'll probably be tempted to get all sorts of trinkets and other souvenirs. Setting a budget ahead of time can help with those impulse buys. And who says you have to buy stuff in the park? Check out the nearby Disney Character Warehouse for authentic souvenirs at low prices.

How did you save on your Disney vacation? We'd love to hear your tips!

Like this post? Pin it!

This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Frugal Vacations the Entire Family Will Love

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:24:10 +0000

I dream of the day I can travel Europe with just my husband by my side; until that time, however, I have learned to enjoy the wonder and improvisation that comes when I vacation with the entire family (all five kids!). Here are some of the more affordable options we’ve been delighted to experience over the years. (See also: 6 Ways My Family Scores Free Travel With Credit Cards)

Hobby Trips

If you have a fanatical family member who gets excited about comic books, knitting, or even paper dolls, there is a themed vacation in your future that won’t cost a fortune. Last year, for example, we took our train-obsessed sons on a few train museums within a two-hour drive of our hometown. I was surprised to see just how many destinations were centered around this hobby, and the kids were delighted to experience these enormous machines up close and personal.

Since many hobby-related museums and visitor centers are smaller and keep shorter hours, they also usually run on a very modest entrance fee (some even just take donations.) Brainstorm with your kids, and have them come up with a list of interests they would want to know more about. (Bonus if you’re homeschoolers and can incorporate this into a summer “class” trip!)

Brief Mission Trips

Many people envision months in the jungle when they hear the words “mission trip,” but many of the non-profit-based trips our friends and family have taken weren't anywhere near that exotic (or dangerous). If you’re already hooked into a church or charity group, you can ask what opportunities they’ll have this summer for families wishing to pitch in. Even kids can get involved with some of these tasks: teaching vacation bible school in urban areas, working on a community garden in an elderly housing project, or cooking meals for construction workers in a tornado-stricken area, for example. Many of these activities can be found within a day’s drive of your city, and children will take away a sense of appreciation from their time helping others!

Birthplace Trips

Did you know that Johnny Carson lived in Norfolk, NE or that Donna Reed lived in Denison, IA? Both are within hours of my house, and we’ve taken our kids to see the homes and visitor’s centers for both celebrities in attempt to round out their knowledge of historical pop-culture (and to see some pretty cool destinations on a dime). While art museums and theme parks are exciting, these often-missed spots have an element of charm that should not be disregarded. Most communities with a famous former resident also have quaint restaurants, shops, and local businesses that would appreciate your support!

Google your town and those around it to see what famous authors, actors, presidents, and historical figures made your home theirs, too. Spend some time before embarking to be sure you have a nice background to share with the kids as a “prep session."

Business Trips

Yep, these are my favorite! If you’re already headed to a place far away, why leave your loved ones behind when you can bring them along? I recently spoke at a conference over 1,900 miles away from home, but I rented a van and brought along the kiddos. Our time together was precious, and as a small business owner, I could write off a good chunk of my own bill as a business expense. (Discounted vacations are even more enjoyable!)

This practice works best when your time engaged with clients or speaking is short, but the travel time to get there is long. Obviously, business trips where you will be working more than 30% of the time will just make your family feel neglected; shoot for a trip where you can devote at least half a day and all evening to your brood. (You could also pad the trip with two or three days before and two or three after to make it more family friendly.)

These are just a few of the more memorable vacations we’ve taken over the years that have created fond family moments and kept our budget in check. Do you have some frugal vacay ideas to share?

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: