Summer Vacation Destinations

Summer is a great time to hike the Grand Canyon

It seems the travel bug?bites everyone during June, July and August,?but what are the best summer vacation destinations? The answer depends on what your definition of summer fun is,?though there are definitely a few travel hot spots that stand out from the rest.

Bask in the glory of summer at one of these popular vacation destinations:

It is?sunny year-round in Hawaii, but that doesn’t stop the a steady stream of tourists from hitting the islands'?famous beaches during the summer months.?Visitors come for the surfing and the white sand beaches, but Hawaii offers other adventures for those who find sunbathing a bore. Once you get tired of your deck chair, explore Hawaii’s hiking trails and active volcanoes, or take a helicopter?or boat tour.

Italy’s island paradise Capri sees a major tourist influx during the summer months, and for good reason. Gorgeous beaches, striking Medieval architecture and white washed beach villas make Capri a playground for the rich and famous throughout the year.? However,?it is the summer?months when?business really booms.?Keep in mind that?Capri?isn’t for the budget conscious.? The luxury getaway has?a price tag to match its glamorous surroundings, though?if you’re looking for that once in a lifetime experience, this Italian isle?is a perfect fit.

If the beach – and the relentless heat – aren’t your cup of tea, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beckons. This family-friendly vacation destination makes for an active getaway for the entire clan.? The?area?boasts 1700 miles of shoreline along three of the Great Lakes, which yields?plenty of canoeing, fishing and hiking. Rent a cabin and explore during the day; enjoy family cookouts at night. The temperatures stay comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about?high humidity levels.

Who says your summer trip has to be all about the great outdoors? A city break could be your ticket to fun.? Just ask the thousands of people who flock to Las Vegas every summer. In Sin City, you still get to soak up some rays at the majestic and elaborate pools housed at most Vegas resorts, but there’s much more to take in. World-class shops, resturants, night clubs and casinos make Vegas a summer adventure wonderland.

Speaking of city breaks, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to London during the summer months. Although summer is the most expensive time to check out this European capital, the expense can be well worth it, as you enjoy taking in all of the famous London landmarks. Once you’re done sightseeing, tour the area's famous?shops and dine at world-class restaurants that dot the city.? Also, don’t forget to check out the West End to take in a show or head to Brixton or Camden?to?enjoy?local bands in action.

Make like the movie stars and head to New York’s Hamptons for a glamorous summer beach experience. The nightlife in the Hamptons is legendary, and there’s a good chance you could spend your evening hobnobbing with the rich and famous. During the day, enjoy the beaches?and local vineyards.? You can also?do some shopping at the one-of-a-kind boutiques that dot the main seaside villages.

There are 388 National Parks in the United States.? With so many options, you can essentially choose your own outdoor adventure, including?hiking the Grand Canyon and white water rafting through Yosemite.? If sitting around on your summer vacation just won’t do, get out there to explore nature by foot, boat or bike, and then throw up a tent at night so you can sleep under the stars.

Nothing makes a summer vacation better than getting a good deal when you book?your trip.? One of the best ways to save on a summer escape is to find a package deal.? Doing so allows you to?reduce the cost of flights, hotel rooms and car rental.? Instead of paying for each individually, travel packages combine different features and offer them to you?for a single?discounted rate.?

Another way to save is to be as flexible as possible with your travel plans.? For example, you can?save a ton of money by flying midweek rather than departing?to your vacation destination on a Friday night and returning Monday morning.? Likewise, many hotels offer reduced?rates to last-minute travelers?in an effort to fill?their properties to capacity.???

Finally, look for travel discounts from organizations and clubs, such as AARP and AAA.? Active duty military personnel and veterans can also score discounted rates at hotels and reduced-price admission to top tourist attractions across the United States.

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Best Family Vacation Destinations

The best family vacation destinations aren't only ones that feature a singing mouse and spinning tea cups. Rather, you can find fun, family-friendly vacation spots just about anywhere.

If you are traveling with both sets of grandparents or it's just you and the kids, embarking on a family vacation takes careful preparation and plenty of patience. Fortunately, you don't have to look far to find the best family vacation destinations. The world is your oyster when it comes to locating places that will keep kids happy and parents content.

The following are among the most popular family vacation options:

Whether it's surfing in Hawaii, swimming with dolphins in the Florida Keys, or snorkeling in the Caribbean, the world's best beaches make for incredible family vacation destinations. If you are looking to save on a family getaway to the beach, then consider staying at Beaches resort in Jamaica or Turks and Caicos. The all-inclusive property caters to kids thanks to its exclusive partnership with Sesame Street. Your youngest can dance with Elmo while your adolescents can jam at the resort's teen disco. Meanwhile, mom and dad will be pampered by Beaches staff while they enjoy the sun, sand, surf, spa and plenty of food.

Major metropolitan areas are dream family vacation destinations. Not only are they loaded with family-friendly attractions, such as zoos, aquariums, and children's museums, but they are also home to some of the best hotels on the planet. Among the best big cities to visit with kids of all ages include:

While Disney World and Disneyland regularly rank as the best family vacation destinations, there are other theme parks where your kids can have just as much fun, including:

Theme parks offer one-stop shopping for families. Most feature a variety of options for kids of all ages, plus there's the convenience having your hotel accommodations and meals within walking distance of all the action.

More and more cruise lines are catering to families by offering massive indoor and outdoor play areas, children's programs, and a variety of fun amenities and activities that make the open ocean the prime spot for a multi-generational getaway.

The floating resorts are also a great option for families on a budget. Cruises offer incredible value, especially if you select lines that cater to children. Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean have stellar reputations for offering the best family-friendly amenities. From extra-large family staterooms and free children's clubs to toddler swimming pools and onboard nurseries, the aforementioned cruise lines have what it takes to keep you and your children walking on water during your high seas adventure.

When it comes time to select the best family vacation destination consider the age of your children, your budget and the amenities each offers. You want to find a place where you can get the most bang for your buck while appeasing everyone in the clan. If money is a concern, then consider traveling to all-inclusive resorts that have plenty of activities to keep Junior occupied while you soak up the sun and get a little R&R. Another way to stretch your vacation dollar is to take advantage of package deals that include airfare, lodging, car rental and admission to top tourist attractions for a single price.

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